Disturbia's 'Twisted Elves' Brings Holiday Haunt To Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — When something goes bump in the night during the Christmas season, it's easy to fool yourself into thinking it's just a friendly visit from jolly Old St. Nick. "Twisted Elves," Disturbia's holiday-themed haunted house in Downers Grove, hopes to upend those expectations and then some, by introducing a side of the season that's more chilling than winter weather in the Midwest.

Inspired by the now-beloved Christmas lore of Charles Dickens, Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney, "Twisted Elves" hopes to offer a "new and exciting away to see a haunted house" when it rattles revelers Dec. 17 and 18, owner Jason Seneker told Patch.

“To see something that is traditionally dark and gloomy to be lit up by Christmas lights is truly a unique experience," Seneker said.

The event will feature 50 actors costumed in their creepiest, most Christmasy couture and poised to conjure screams throughout 15 to 20 rooms adorned with twinkling lights, Halloween images and a healthy dose of horror.

Disturbia has been open in Downers Grove for the past two years during the Halloween season and has garnered nods from Thrillist and other publications. Seneker, who also runs Basement of the Dead in Aurora, said the fact that "Twisted Elves" will be open during the company's off season means it will "get the best of all of our actors together," he said. Actors are even coming from throughout the country to perform at the event.

Seneker said the immersive experience of "Twisted Elves" starts while visitors are waiting in line, when evil Santa Claus and other characters will be on hand for photo opportunities. When guests make their way through the half-hour haunt, they'll encounter Krampus, the Abominable Snowman, and an even scarier version of the Grinch, all set to "demented Christmas music," Seneker explained.

He said crews and actors worked to transform the traditional haunted house into a winter holiday haunt by reprogramming equipment and redesigning rooms to make it "really feel festive in there." The first room of the haunt is tailored to resemble a cemetery in winter, making it an especially creepy way to set the stage, Seneker told Patch.

The whole event makes for a "different, fun way to experience Christmas" for first-time visitors and fans of Disturbia's Halloween attraction, Seneker said.

"We love Halloween and we love Christmas," Seneker said. "It’s an affirmation of life to get scared, laugh, have fun and scream."

Tickets for "Twisted Elves" are $25 for general admission and $35 for VIP admission, which shortens your time in line. Seneker added that readers can use the code "PATCH" to get a $3 discount.

"Twisted Elves" is recommended for ages 12 and up. Masks should be worn inside the attraction, which is wheelchair accessible.

Click the link to buy tickets for "Twisted Elves."

What: Disturbia's "Twisted Elves" Holiday Haunt

When: Dec. 17 and 18 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: 1213 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove