内容描述一名精神病男子化装成圣诞老人在公路上洗劫，并以残酷的手法杀死了车主夫妇。他们的小孩侥幸逃生，但多年以后仍然受到此一暴力事件的惊吓。
「圣诞老人是凶手」这种角色设计，对儿童而言根本无法接受，成年人亦会对本片的血腥暴力场面感到不忍卒睹，但其诡异的叙事风格仍然具有特色。
该片在当年首映时曾引起美国家长的抗议，不过因此反而使它变成卖座片，甚至接连拍摄了几部续集。

The door of the mental hospital opens, releasing Ricky from its confines. He takes with him the terrifying memory of his brother Billy's death and the burning image of Mother Superior-the powerful figure that brought about his brother's violent demise. For Ricky, starting a new life means avenging his brother's death. By whatever means necessary, whether it be the cutting edge of a shiny steel knife blade, or the electrifying charge of a set of battery cables, Ricky is set in this blind journey of revenge leading ultimately to Mother Superior. As Mother Superior prays in the dark, we suggest she say an extra prayer for herself, because not even her faith will be enough to stop Ricky. But prayers will do little for in the silent part of this night!