Lincoln Mill Haunted House Unveils “A Twisted Christmas” Experience

The Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Manayunk is set to transform for the holiday season with its new event, “A Twisted Christmas,” running on December 12 and 13, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each night. This immersive experience promises to blend the festive spirit of Christmas with a chilling narrative, offering visitors an alternative holiday attraction that veers away from traditional cheer.

Co-founder Jared Bilsak explained the concept behind the event, stating, “We wanted to continue telling the Lincoln Mill story throughout the holiday season.” The haunted house, located at 4100 Main St., Manayunk, has been adapted to showcase detailed sets, scenes, and props that have been underutilized during the off-season. Bilsak emphasized that it was logical to utilize the space creatively, adding a Christmas essence while maintaining the haunting elements that characterize the attraction.

Guests can expect to encounter over 50 fright actors as they navigate the chilling tale of Viktor Kane, a malevolent mill owner who haunts the premises. The narrative unfolds as Kane hallucinates his workers transforming into twisted elves and sinister winter creatures during the 1930s. The experience begins with a descent down to the mill’s basement via a freight elevator, leading attendees into a dark winter wonderland crafted from the haunting atmosphere of the mill.

Bilsak noted, “We always thought it would be interesting to mesh together our two favorite holidays, Christmas and Halloween.” He explained that the haunted house’s design naturally lent itself to a scary Christmas theme, providing a unique alternative to conventional holiday events. “There are not many scary-themed Christmas events out there, and we are always looking to offer new and exciting experiences to our guests,” he added.

The interior of the mill has been extensively decorated for the occasion, featuring Christmas lights, tinsel, ornaments, trees, and stockings. These festive elements have been layered over existing sets to create a visually striking contrast. “Offering a Christmas-themed event was always a part of the plan,” Bilsak remarked, highlighting the anticipation surrounding this new venture.

Each year, the haunted house undergoes upgrades, enhancing the overall experience with new scenic effects. The recent Halloween season saw the mill expand its footprint, adding more space both inside and outside. Bilsak pointed out that the soundtrack, lighting, and characters will contribute to making “A Twisted Christmas” distinct from the fall season. “We are always changing things up, so guests will never have the same experience twice,” he stated.

Looking ahead, the Lincoln Mill Haunted House is also preparing for other seasonal events, including “Viktor’s Valentine” on February 13 and 14, 2024, and a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 14, 2024. With “A Twisted Christmas,” the attraction aims to captivate audiences with an innovative blend of holiday themes, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a memorable and spine-chilling experience this festive season. Tickets for the event can be purchased through their official website at lincolnmillhaunt.com.