The Immersive Event by Nosferatu Blends Halloween Chills into Winter Celebrations
It's Friday the 13th in December, which means it's the ideal time for spooky season to resurface once more in this week's compilation of theme park, immersive, and geeky holiday news.
Just in time for Jason Voorhees' favorite day, there's some festive horror fun to be had this month, with Nosferatu inviting fans on an immersive theater experience, Disney Cruise launching a Haunted Mansion parlor bar, and Gremlins and Batman Returns getting a feature on the “Holidays Made Here” Warner Bros. studio tour. Meanwhile, Universal Studios brings out The Grinch for Grinchmas and some surprising winter adventures in Super Nintendo World. And for Disney Experiences, theme park celebrations spotlight Pixar's Coco in a special cultural celebration.
Nosferatu: The Immersive Experience
Next week, in anticipation of the release of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, immersive theater powerhouse Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, led by Delusion creator Jon Braver, will present a special-engagement experience to bring the film to life for fans on December 16-18. The only downside is that, as of this writing, it's sold out, unless they extend the run. You can find more information here.
The Haunted Mansion Parlor
On the newly christened Treasure, the latest ship to join the Disney Cruise line, Haunted Mansion aficionados will be able to experience the spooky fun of the beloved Disney Parks attraction with a boozy twist in its very own interactive lounge, complete with spirit-themed drinks. To book a trip on the Treasure and view destinations, visit here.
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Holidays Made Here
In Burbank, CA, you can take behind-the-scenes glimpses of all your favorite Warner Bros. movies, including the festively curated exhibits on the “Holidays Made Here” studio tour. Included are darkly horror-tinged favorites like Batman Returns, Gremlins, and, of course, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. There's also a gift shop at the end of the tour, offering special merchandise that can also be found online. Tour tickets here.
The Horror Boo-dega in Burbank, CA
Halloween lives on year-round in Burbank, CA—home of WB and Disney—with a lane on Magnolia Street full of quirky shops that have become a destination for horror fans, including local favorites Mystic Museum and Halloweentown. The latest addition to the bunch is the Horror Boodega, which offers spooky treats all year long. This week, it's celebrating Friday the 13th, of course!
Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood
At Grinchmas, you can get in the Grinchy spirit with a live retelling of the Seuss classic, featuring Cindy-Lou Who, Martha May, and the Grinch himself (their chemistry is always heart-warming). Our favorite part? Meeting Max the dog, of course! Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood takes place from now until January 6, 2025. For tickets visit here.
Did You Know It Snows in the Mushroom Kingdom?
At Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood, you can find some adorable holiday decorations, including Mario and Luigi snowmen. We'd love to see more of this inherently cheerful atmosphere, perhaps with some "snoap" falling—though that might make the place slippery enough that visitors would need a 1-Up for help. There's also some delightfully Nintendo-themed holiday decor, including the Snowman Mario Ugly Christmas sweater, which, let's be honest, isn't really that ugly.
Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland & Miguel from Pixar's Coco
One of the best parts of the Festival of Holidays is the presence of Pixar favorite Coco, and its representation of the Mexican culture's immense impact on Southern California. It bridges the transition from Dia De Los Muertos to the winter holidays with the timeless and endearing themes of familia from Coco. This year, to keep the beloved film as a part of the holidays beyond November, Miguel is featured with his guitar alongside a live mariachi, performing songs about how we keep loved ones we've lost ever-present and their memories alive. You can also try delicious foods inspired by the film, like barbacoa tamales, as part of the holiday foods marketplace experience. For more information visit here.
Spooky and Holiday Geek Core Gift Trends
For the folks in your life who love to be spooked all year, here's our guide to the last-minute shopping trends for those still looking for Halloween-inspired gifts!
Nosferatu and Heretic Parfum collaboration for the film has an earthy, mysterious scent, great for that friend who believes they're a vampire. Get it here.* RSVLTS collaborates with Gremlins, offering fun creature prints in their collection. Buy it here.* Taylor Joelle's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice children's dress-up collection features looks inspired by Astrid, Lydia, and Beetlejuice. Take a look here.* Kid Robot offers Beetlejuice Beetlejuice stocking stuffers, including Baby Beetlejuice and popular Bob. Find them online and select retail locations.* Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman has a fragrance line—Henry Rose—with scents inspired by her film history, such as Dark Is Night, Menace, and Queens and Monsters. Check it out here.* Dr. Martens' Wednesday shoe collection for the Addams fan in your life. Here.* Dumb Good offers cozy Buffy the Vampire Slayer merchandise that's a must-buy online.
For holiday-themed finds:
- Copper Pearl's Elf cozy sleep collections for kids and the family are available online.
- Dr. Squatch offers stocking stuffer soaps with Elf, The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, and Game of Thrones themes. Shop here.
- Star Wars pajamas for the whole family from Hanna Andersson are online. Here.
- Petunia Picklebottom offers a Pixar collection for traveling families with children. Shop from their selection here.
- PatPat's Looney Tunes family pajama collection can be found online.
- PatPat offers Disney Princess dresses with sleeves for theme park visits. Shop their wide collection here.
- Don't forget traveling pets with cozy Elf-themed merchandise from Sassy Woof, as well as warm coats from Free Country that you can personalize and match. Here and here.
For more io9 news, check out upcoming releases for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Learn about what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and get updates on the future of Doctor Who.
The immersive theater presentation of Nosferatu by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment, led by Delusion creator Jon Braver, is a must-visit for fans, especially during the release of Robert Eggers' film. Tickets can be found online here.
The Disney Cruise's latest ship, the Treasure, features a Haunted Mansion parlor bar where fans can enjoy spirit-themed drinks, making the beloved Disney Parks attraction even more enjoyable during the cruises. To book a trip, visit the website here.
