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Discover weekly, the best short stories

Looking for a steady supply of holiday short stories? Every week thousands of writers submit stories to our writing contest.

2750+ Holiday Short Stories to read

Submitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest. Whether you’re looking for a wintery cup of cheer or a ray of sunshine during a summertime festival, our holiday short stories will have you feeling the spirit in no time.

Holiday Short Stories – Page 184 of 184

Devil's Hour

MJ Pennell

Submitted to Contest #13

This is a nice hotel. It should be a nice hotel. Grand and old and bleed-you-dry expensive, a real Shining type thing if The Shining was set in a sprawling Victorian, all alone way up in the mountains. See, it’s the inspiration of the place that brought you to it - what better place to write a horror novel than a house like this? And it’s even advertised, The Most Haunted Hotel in America. When you saw the ad, you thought, there. That’s the place. That’s where you’re going to go. Halloween night sale, of course you’ll go, the night the veil ...

3 likes

Sarah's Victorian

Amanda Smith

Submitted to Contest #13

“Monika, I told you. I entered the contest last week and I just heard back.” I wrapped the hair band around my ponytail extra tight so we could finish our run through Old Mead’s Park. The wind suddenly seemed more volatile as it produced a low humming moan that whispered through the dying fall leaves. “Yes, but it seems odd, don’t you think? No one has ever heard of Sarah’s Victorian before. This town is small. You think someone would have heard of an old mansion just minutes from town. And being one hundred years old?” “And that is precisel...

6 likes

Room Service

Lyssa Medana

Submitted to Contest #13

“Thanks for coming, mate.” Deo pulled Kane inside and shut the side door. “I’m pretty desperate.” “It’s no problem.” Kane stood awkwardly in the centre of the room, clutching his bag and suit carrier. “I really need you to help me out.” Deo said, waving Kane towards a seat. He collapsed into the chair behind the desk. “Tonight is make or break.” “It’s a really good place.” Kane said, looking around the office. His feet sank into the thick carpet as he walked over to the other chair. The desk was mahogany and the framed pictures on the beauti...

6 likes

Why cant Murdered people hold their breath on TV?

Submitted to Contest #13

“Here he comes!” Mat said as he pointed to the man holding a large axe dripping with blood, leaving a trail behind him as walked by. “Is he the killer?” Tom asked, his voice quivering?“No, he’s just an axe salesman that only comes out at night.” Mat said rolling his eyes. “Be quiet!” Shirley growled.Why, it’s not like he can hear or see us.” Mat said, but no sooner had he said that, then the killer lurched forward making all of them jump.Thankfully, his attention was only on the man cowering behind a trash can.“No please!” The man ...

6 likes

Scare Tactics

Debra Goings

Submitted to Contest #13

Jody got a text from Diane asking her what she had planned for Halloween night. She text back that it was still open. Diane told her that the,spooky old house on the hill was going to open the house to guests for that night. Diane always believed in ghosts and other silly things like that. Jody is practical and she tolerated her friends opinions but thought it was all nonsense. She loves her friend and decides to text her that they should get a room. Diane text back that she can't believe she would go but she agrees and will make a reservati...

5 likes

Collectibles

Lynda Diggen

Submitted to Contest #13

As the chauffer driven car pulled up to a well light porch a night-man in a black uniform was waiting for him. The chauffer opened the door and Bonita exited the vehicle she had on a lavish seven row thick band of diamonds bracelet. She was young and pretty not exactly the type of person the doorman was expecting to stay here tonight of all nights. The man on the steps was charming as he said welcome would you like me to tell you the background before your stay here. "That would be wonderful!" she replied. The chauffer handed the bags to ...

6 likes

The Ultimate Undead Couple

Submitted to Contest #13

“Here are your keys, sir.” As the receptionist handed me the key to the honeymoon suite, I couldn’t help but be tempted by my growing curiosity to ask. “I heard this place is haunted. Is it true?” “Well,” she replied. “Guests had reported unusual sightings.” “Do you think we’ll see any during our stay?” “I don’t know. They can be unpredictable.” I shivered with fright. “How terrifying!” Turning to Derek, my newlywed husband, he said. “Don’t worry, babe, I’ll always protect chu.” “Awe, I feel myself swooning for you all over again!” I gave hi...

14 likes

The horror in a Victorian Hotel.

Domah Riddhishma

Submitted to Contest #13

I stood inside the lobby waiting for my keys.The Victorian Hotel stood in all its glory, with a chilling view.Her boyfriend was waiting for her at home for it was a tradition to spend the night with him during Halloween.But alas, fate had something else for her. The storm outside stopped her drive back home. Should not have stayed late at work, she thought gloomily. But work is work.Thanking the old man at the lobby she took her keys in one hand and her small carry on in another hand. She searched for the lift.There it was, standing rather h...

5 likes

House from Hades

Jill Siegler

Submitted to Contest #13

We have a house on the end of our block. To most, a descript Victorian mansion with a dark history but colorful care taker. When I grew up we thought the house was a set from the tv show "The Munsters" . I always felt like I knew it's occupants, although Mom insisted we never venture into the creepy home.Now I'm eighteen and in college. My Aunt's old sorority is having a pledge night. Our mission is to spend the night in the Victorian mansion which is now a hotel. Seems simple enough, right? But I learned it was haunted by a vicious ghost. ...

5 likes