Horror For The Holidays Expo

Horror For The Holidays returns to downtown Austin on Saturday, November 21, for its 12th annual run. This year it's at the Hilton Hotel Downtown (500 E. Fourth), and it's a two-day affair: Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. The organizers describe it as the city's biggest and longest-running horror-themed holiday event, and this 12th edition marks a move to the Hilton, which they're calling an upgraded 'mini-con' experience—trading a smaller room for a larger hotel setting.

Running alongside the main floor is the second annual Blood Over Film Festival, a horror shorts showcase that brings its own set of panels, Q&As, and an award show. The rest of the weekend keeps the usual fixtures: a market for horror gear, special guests, an Evil Santa, a Krampus parade, cosplay, and craft classes. It's a lot to fit into one weekend, so you'll probably want to pick your favorite bits and work around them.

Tickets are $25 for a single day or $40 for the full weekend. The Saturday session runs long—11 AM to 10 PM—so you can spend the whole day there, while Sunday wraps up earlier at 5 PM. If you're planning to catch the film festival and the main floor, the weekend pass is the way to go.