Don’t Open Till Christmas

The events take place during a London Christmas period in the early 1980s, when winter crowds and holiday cheer mask a growing wave of brutal murders. Nighttime stakeouts, undercover Santas, and escalating violence drive the tension across consecutive nights. The timeline culminates in a final confrontation that ties the murders to a disturbing personal history.

The story unfolds across a grim London during a Christmas season, providing a sprawling urban backdrop for a string of Santa-clad killings. Key locations include the London Dungeon, a department store, a theatre, and a mental institution, creating a city-wide sense of dread beneath festive surfaces. Scotland Yard and other city venues anchor the investigation as the killer moves through familiar urban spaces.

🎭 Crime Mystery

A masked killer targets Santa impersonators, driving a complex police investigation through a maze of suspects. The narrative relies on misdirection, red herrings, and escalating violence to maintain suspense. Investigators grapple with conflicting clues as they piece together the killer’s identity.

🎄 Christmas Horror

Holiday imagery is subverted into a source of fear, with Santa costumes and festive settings becoming the backdrop for gruesome murders. The contrast between festive cheer and brutal acts heightens the sense of danger hidden in plain sight. The killer uses the season’s symbols to terrorize the city.

🧬 Identity & Family

A major twist centers on family history and hidden identities, revealing that the killer’s motives are rooted in long-standing grievances. The story probes the impact of past traumas on present violence, highlighting how secrets can drive deadly actions. Relationships tested by deception push characters toward confrontation and revelation.