I’m performing in a production of Frederick Stroppel’s The Christmas Spirit, and I volunteered to find some music to play before the show starts, to sort of set the mood. What songs can you suggest for me that would be appropriate? It’s a dark comedy and my director wants something sort of creepy. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas song, but I’d like something orchestral (although that’s just a guideline), with or without lyrics. Thanks, Dopers!
Maybe a few things off the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack?
Anything in a minor key. I can’t think of anything off the top of my head, sorry.
Danny Elfman’s score for the movie Scrooged. Very dramatic and full of all the creepy “La la la la” voices that he’s famous for.
I listen to it every year whilst decorating the tree.
I’ve always found Carol of the Bells to be particularly creepy (but a classic!). The Scrooged soundtrack was a great suggestion though.
Most of Danny Elfman’s music would suit. Edward Scissorhands and Batman Returns also have wintery Christmassy feels to them.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy did a Swing/Rockabilly Xmas Album, entitled Everying You Want For Christmas.
They do a jammin’ version of I’m Mister Cold Miser, I’m Mr. Snow…. From the old Rankin-Bass Xmas special. 
Several other good tunes there.
Ulver’s “Christmas,” from their Blood Inside album might fit into the general mold.
includes
- Rockabilly Christmas
- Merry Christmas Baby
- Mr. Heatmiser
- Blue Christmas
- Last Night (I Went Out With Santa Claus)
- Chrsitmastime In Tinsel Town
- A Party For Santa
- Jingle Bells (Cha Cha)
- Is Zat You Santa Claus?
- We Three Kings
- Bonus Track 1
There’s always Cthulhu carols. 
For something a bit more mainstream, you might try the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas CDs. They do a really cool heavy-metal version of “The Carol of the Bells.”
Just the thought of all the Christmas carols with minor keys being sung one after the other is a bit creepy.
Coventry Carol
Patapan
March of the Three Kings (tune from Bizet’s L’Arlesienne)
Carol of the Birds
Sleep of the Child Jesus (French traditional)
Veni Veni Emmanuel (chant sung in Latin)
I Wonder As I Wander
What Child Is This
Seems like some of you are sharing my brain! I had some Trans-Siberian Orchestra (including Carol of the Bells), Nightmare Before Christmas and yes, even Christmas at Ground Zero (as well as The Night Santa Went Crazy), but excellent call with 'Zat You Santa Claus, Lute. I’ll definitely check out some more of the other music that was suggested tomorrow. Anyway, thanks for the suggestions everyone, keep 'em coming!
I’ve always thought “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (as sung by Judy Garland) was pretty creepy. The first time I ever heard it was during the execution scene from The Execution of Private Eddie Slovik.