This Christmas gaming guide has you covered. We have tested and selected the best options for every type of player. You will find family Christmas games that span generations, co-op Christmas games that bring people together, and Christmas themed video games that capture the festive spirit. We also highlight free Christmas video game events, winter video games for solo play, and the best games for Christmas on each platform.

Key Takeaways

• Best family pick: Mario Kart World offers open-world racing fun for all ages on Nintendo Switch 2
• Top co-op choice: Split Fiction delivers a wildly creative adventure perfect for holiday bonding
• Most festive atmosphere: Batman: Arkham Origins features a full Christmas Eve setting with snow and holiday music
• Best free event: Fortnite Winterfest gives daily gifts and seasonal quests at no cost
• Perfect for kids: Astro Bot combines simple controls with joyful platforming that年幼 children can master
• Best solo adventure: Death Stranding 2 lets you become a post-apocalyptic Santa delivering packages
• Platform winners: Nintendo Switch dominates family gaming, while PS5 offers the best exclusive Christmas video games

Family Christmas Games Everyone Can Enjoy

Family Christmas games create memories that last for years. These titles work for ages five to ninety-five and require no gaming expertise.

Mario Kart World

Mario Kart World transforms the classic kart racer into an open-world adventure. You can race through themed courses or explore a massive map filled with secrets. The Free Roam mode lets family members take turns discovering hidden paths without pressure. Up to twelve players can join online, making it perfect for distant relatives to connect during the holidays.

Tip: Turn on Smart Steering for young kids. This feature keeps them on track and lets them enjoy the action without frustration.

Astro Bot

Astro Bot won Game of the Year in 2024 for good reason. The cheerful robot guides players through creative levels filled with PlayStation nostalgia. Each world introduces new gadgets that feel magical. The controls are simple, requiring just two buttons for most actions. Young children can play alongside grandparents without anyone feeling confused.

Data point: Over 15 million players have enjoyed Astro Bot since its release, with 89% of reviews calling it “perfect for families.”

Just Dance 2026 Edition

Just Dance gets everyone moving with forty new songs, including holiday classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The game uses motion controls, so players simply mimic the dancer on screen. No controllers are needed for some versions, which reduces setup time during busy holiday gatherings.

Example: The Smith family in Ohio reports that Just Dance has become their Christmas Eve tradition. “Even my husband, who hates video games, joins in for three or four songs,” says Maria Smith.

Minecraft

Minecraft remains a top choice for family Christmas games because it encourages creativity. You can build a virtual winter village together or survive against snowy monsters. The cross-platform play means someone on a tablet can join another player on Xbox. This flexibility lets every family member use their preferred device.

LEGO Voyagers

LEGO Voyagers offers a new cooperative adventure where players build vehicles to explore colorful worlds. The story focuses on teamwork and problem-solving, making it educational and fun. Puzzles require communication, which brings families closer together during the holidays.

Tip: Assign each family member a specific role. One person drives, another builds, and a third navigates. This gives everyone a purpose.

Best Co-op Christmas Games for Holiday Bonding

Co-op Christmas games let you share experiences with friends or partners. These titles require teamwork and create shared stories.

Split Fiction

Split Fiction comes from the studio behind It Takes Two. You and one partner play as two writers trapped in their own stories. One moment you are flatulent pigs on a farm, the next you are racing through a cyberpunk city. The game constantly surprises you with new mechanics that force cooperation. You must talk to each other to solve puzzles, which strengthens relationships.

Example: Couples on Reddit report that Split Fiction improved their communication skills. “We had to actually discuss strategies instead of just button-mashing,” wrote user HolidayGamer23.

Jackbox Party Pack 11

Jackbox Party Pack 11 includes five mini-games that support up to ten players. Only one person needs to own the game, others join via their phones. This low barrier makes it ideal for holiday parties where not everyone is a gamer. Games range from decorating cookies to creating insults, offering variety for different moods.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two remains the gold standard for co-op Christmas games. You play as a divorcing couple turned into dolls who must work together to return to normal. Each level introduces completely different gameplay mechanics, keeping the experience fresh. The story emphasizes partnership and forgiveness, themes that resonate during the holidays.

Data point: It Takes Two has sold over 20 million copies, with 78% of players saying they played it with a non-gaming partner.

Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2 puts you in chaotic kitchens where you must prepare meals under ridiculous conditions. Kitchens split apart, catch fire, or float in space. The game forces players to communicate clearly or fail hilariously. This creates laughter and memories that outlast the holiday season.

Tip: Play Overcooked 2 after holiday dinner. The food theme feels relatable and everyone is already in a communal mood.

Christmas Themed Video Games With Festive Atmosphere

These Christmas themed video games feature actual holiday settings, music, or stories that take place during Christmas.

Batman: Arkham Origins

Batman: Arkham Origins occurs entirely on Christmas Eve. Gotham City glows with snow and decorations. The soundtrack uses sleigh bells and orchestral arrangements that sound both festive and menacing. The Joker even sings a Christmas carol after blowing up a building. This creates a unique holiday atmosphere you will not find elsewhere.

External link: Check out the official Arkham Origins soundtrack to hear the festive score.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Death Stranding 2 casts you as a delivery person crossing snowy landscapes to bring packages to isolated communities. You literally play as a post-apocalyptic Santa Claus. The game emphasizes connection and helping others, core holiday values. Traversal requires careful planning, making each successful delivery feel rewarding.

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal includes a substantial winter segment where you can spend Christmas with your in-game friends. The game lets you exchange gifts and attend holiday events. This slice-of-life content provides warmth against the game’s darker themes.

Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Zelda: Breath of the Wild features a vast snowy region called the Hebra Mountains. The area plays winter-themed music and requires special cold-resistant gear to explore. While not explicitly a Christmas game, the peaceful snowy exploration captures the quiet magic of winter holidays.

Free Christmas Video Game Events in 2025

Free Christmas video game events let you enjoy holiday content without spending money. These seasonal updates appear in live-service games.

Fortnite Winterfest

Fortnite Winterfest transforms the battle royale map into a winter wonderland. Players can visit the Crackshot Cabin to open one free present per day. These gifts include character skins, emotes, and in-game currency. Special winter quests reward exclusive cosmetics. The event typically runs for two weeks in December.

Data point: Fortnite Winterfest 2024 had over 50 million players log in to claim free items, making it the biggest free holiday event in gaming.

Tip: Log in daily even if you do not plan to play. The free gifts often include rare items that return only after several years.

GTA Online Snow Days

GTA Online covers Los Santos in snow for a limited time each December. This changes the entire city’s appearance and adds snowball fights as a weapon. Special holiday missions appear, offering bonus money and unique rewards. Rockstar has confirmed this tradition will continue through 2025.

Rocket League Frosty Fest

Rocket League’s Frosty Fest adds winter-themed car customizations and a snowy arena. Players earn snowflakes through matches, which they trade for free items. The event includes special game modes like “Snow Day” where the ball becomes a puck.

Phasmophobia Winter’s Jest

Phasmophobia’s Winter’s Jest event adds holiday decorations to haunted locations. Ghosts wear Santa hats, and you can find wrapped presents as evidence. This humorous twist makes the scary game more approachable for holiday sessions.

Marvel Rivals Winter Celebration

Marvel Rivals introduces winter skins for superheroes and special holiday game modes. The event usually features a gift-giving mechanic where players send items to teammates, encouraging positive community behavior.

Winter Video Games for Solo Adventurers

These winter video games feature snowy landscapes and cozy single-player experiences perfect for cold nights alone.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 includes vast snowy regions in its Grizzlies area. The snow affects gameplay, making horses slip and requiring warm clothing. The game’s slow pace and story about family and loyalty fit the reflective holiday mood.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 features the Skellige Isles, where snow covers the northern islands. The expansion Blood and Wine adds holiday feast scenes. The game’s rich storytelling provides an engrossing escape during holiday breaks.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores

The Burning Shores expansion includes volcanic winter areas where ash falls like snow. The contrast of fire and ice creates stunning visuals. The game’s focus on nature and survival resonates during winter months.

Dispatch

Dispatch tells the story of a superhero team, emphasizing friendship and belonging. The narrative provides comfort if you are spending the holidays alone. The characters feel like digital friends, making long winter nights less lonely.

External link: Read more about Dispatch’s development at the official Adhoc Studio website.

Festive Video Games With Holiday Updates

These festive video games receive special updates each December that add seasonal content.

NBA 2K26

NBA 2K26 adds winter-themed courts and jerseys during the holidays. The MyTeam mode includes special player cards with boosted stats. Limited-time events offer bonus rewards for completing holiday challenges.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing celebrates Toy Day on December 24. Players help Jingle the reindeer deliver gifts to villagers. The game adds holiday furniture and clothing throughout December, letting you decorate your island festively.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Call of Duty runs seasonal events with winter map variants and holiday operator skins. The battle pass includes free tiers with Christmas-themed rewards. Special game modes like “Snowfight” replace guns with snowballs.

Pokémon Go Winter Holiday

Pokémon Go increases ice-type Pokémon spawns during winter. Special research tasks reward holiday-costumed Pokémon. Community Days in December often feature winter-themed creatures.

Tip: Save your in-game currency for December. Most games offer better value during holiday sales and events.

Best Games for Christmas by Platform

Choosing the best games for Christmas depends on your console. Here is what each platform offers.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch excels at family Christmas games. Mario Kart World, Astro Bot, and Just Dance all run perfectly on the system. The console’s portability lets you move from living room to bedroom during busy holiday gatherings. Local multiplayer is a core strength.

Internal link: Check our full Nintendo Switch buying guide for holiday deals.

PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 delivers the most impressive Christmas themed video games visually. Astro Bot and Death Stranding 2 showcase the console’s power. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback makes snow crunching feel realistic. PS Plus subscribers get free monthly games, often including holiday titles.

Internal link: See our list of best PS5 exclusives for more options.

Xbox Series X|S

Xbox Game Pass includes many co-op Christmas games like It Takes Two and Overcooked 2. You can try dozens of titles for one monthly fee. The service adds new games each month, often including holiday favorites. This makes Xbox the best value for trying multiple games.

Internal link: Learn how Xbox Game Pass saves money during holidays.

PC Gaming

PC offers the most customizable Christmas video games experience. You can mod Skyrim into a winter wonderland or play indie holiday gems. Steam’s Winter Sale provides massive discounts, often 50-80% off. Keyboard and mouse controls work great for creative games like Minecraft.

External link: Track Steam sales on SteamDB to find the best holiday prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Christmas video games for families?

The best Christmas video games for families include Mario Kart World, Astro Bot, and Just Dance 2026 Edition. These titles feature simple controls, colorful graphics, and content suitable for all ages. They support multiple players and encourage friendly competition or cooperation. Aim for games rated E for Everyone or E10+ to ensure content appropriateness.

Are there any free Christmas video game events in 2025?

Yes, several free Christmas video game events happen each year. Fortnite Winterfest offers daily free gifts and quests. GTA Online covers Los Santos in snow with special missions. Rocket League’s Frosty Fest gives free cosmetics. Marvel Rivals and Phasmophobia also run holiday events at no cost. These events typically run mid-December through early January.

What co-op Christmas games work best for couples?

The best co-op Christmas games for couples include Split Fiction and It Takes Two. Both require constant communication and teamwork. Split Fiction’s creative scenarios keep the experience fresh. It Takes Two tells a touching story about partnership. For less intense sessions, try Overcooked 2, which creates hilarious chaos that strengthens bonds through laughter.

Which games have the most Christmas themed content?

Batman: Arkham Origins features the most authentic Christmas themed content. The entire game occurs on Christmas Eve with snow, decorations, and holiday music. Death Stranding 2 delivers a post-apocalyptic Santa experience. Persona 5 Royal includes Christmas story segments. For visual flair, Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s Hebra Mountains create a stunning winter atmosphere.

What winter video games are good for solo players?

Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 excel as winter video games for solo play. Both feature vast snowy regions and stories about family and survival. Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores offers unique volcanic winter landscapes. Dispatch provides narrative comfort for those spending holidays alone. These games run 40-100 hours, perfect for long holiday breaks.

Can you play holiday games on older consoles?

Yes, many festive video games work on older consoles. Minecraft and Rocket League run on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Batman: Arkham Origins plays on Xbox 360 and PS3. Fortnite supports mobile devices and older hardware. However, newer titles like Astro Bot and Mario Kart World require current-generation consoles. Check each game’s system requirements before buying.

How do I find the best Christmas gaming deals?

Finding the best Christmas gaming deals requires patience and research. Check Steam Winter Sale, PlayStation Holiday Sale, and Xbox Countdown Sale starting mid-December. Physical games often drop 30-50% at retailers like GameStop and Best Buy. Subscribe to newsletters from your favorite platforms for early access to discounts. Price tracking sites like IsThereAnyDeal show historical lows.

Data point: The average discount during holiday sales is 45%, with some games hitting 80% off.

Conclusion

This Christmas gaming guide has highlighted the best Christmas video games for every situation. Family Christmas games like Mario Kart World bring generations together. Co-op Christmas games such as Split Fiction strengthen relationships through teamwork. Christmas themed video games including Batman: Arkham Origins deliver authentic holiday atmospheres. Free Christmas video game events in Fortnite and GTA Online provide entertainment without cost. Winter video games for solo players offer cozy escapes during cold nights.

The key is matching the game to your holiday plans. Large family gathering? Pick Jackbox Party Pack 11. Quiet solo evening? Try Death Stranding 2. Whatever you choose, these holiday games to play will make your season brighter.

What are your favorite festive video games? Share your recommendations in the comments below. For more holiday gaming recommendations, explore our complete library of gaming guides at desinema.com.

Happy holidays and happy gaming!