Many of us enjoy settling down in front of the TV and playing video games during the holidays, so why not play some games that spread festive cheer?
12Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, mistletoe, and the deafening sound of gunfire.Call of Dutyis back in a big way for 2024, complete with a holiday-themed remix of the iconic Nuketown map. There’s even a 24/7 Holiday Nuketown mode, where you can play a mixed bag of modes in this notoriously fast-paced arena instead of spending quality time with your loved ones.
For many, the latestCall of Dutycampaign feels like the perfect Christmas game. Back in the day, beforeday one releases on Game Pass, many players would settle into the campaign after Christmas lunch (the perfect offline experience for when your Wi-Fi is congested from too many guests).
11Batman: Arkham Origins
Arkham Originsis just about the only big AAA game I can think of that takes place on Christmas Eve. It didn’t land with the same fanfare as its predecessors when it arrived in 2013, but the game is still worth a look (especially given the frosty reception received by itslive service spiritual successor).
The game has all the festive tropes you’d expect given the setting: snow, Christmas trees, and a murderous jailbreak to set the scene. TheCold, Cold HeartDLC takes place on New Year’s Eve and offers a shorter and more digestible gameplay experience. The game is often heavily discounted, so give it a whirl.
10SkiFree
Has any video game ever captured the feeling of flying down a mountain at breakneck speed, wind in your hair, snow caking on your beard quite likeSkiFreedid in the Windows 3.1 era? The answer is “probably,” but I won’t hear it.
SkiFreehas plenty of the white stuff and a few Christmas trees to boot. you’re able to play a JavaScript recreationin your browser, sample the original Windows 3.1 version onClassic Reload, or download the “most officialest version” for Windows (it’s apparently maintained by the original developer).
9Spider-Man: Miles Morales
One of the most recent AAA titles set during the holidays, Sony’sSpider-Man: Miles Moralescombines Christmas and New York in a reliably entertaining package. It’s a lot of fun fighting and web-swinging around a snowy Manhattan, and the game looks gorgeous to boot.
Perhaps one of the best things about playingMiles Moralesat Christmas is the fact thatthe game is short enough that you’ll be able to finish itbefore the holidays are up.
8Shenmue
Shenmueis a tale of revenge set in Yokosuka, Japan that opens on November 29th, 1986. The first time you take control of protagonist Ryo Hazuki is the first day of December, which means a good chunk of your playtime takes place over the Christmas period.
While the game’s story is enough of a distraction from the festivities, the game has plenty of holiday charm sprinkled in. You’ll find Santa walking the streets of Dobuita, see Christmas decorations appearing as the big date closes in, and hear festive remixes of the game’s excellent soundtrack. Plus you’re able to spend your allowance playingHang-OnandSpace Harrier.
7Yakuza Kiwami
Much likeShenmue, many of theYakuzagames also take place at Christmas time. 2016’sYakuza Kiwamiis the “first” game in the series, a remake of the original 2005Yakuza. The prequel,Yakuza 0, also takes place partly at Christmas (though it opens in October) as doesKiwami 2and the fifth game.
Christmas isn’t much of a central theme, but you do get snow and decorations. LikeShenmue, there are plenty of things to distract yourself when you want a break from the main story, including quirky and at times questionable side quests, arcade games, and even management sub-games.
6The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
SoSkyrimdoesn’t take place at Christmas, but it certainly hits all the right notes. Much of the map is covered in snow or alpine forests and there are countless cozy taverns in which to rest your arrow-strewn knees. Themodding scene is lively enoughthat you’ll probably find a heap of festive add-ons if you look hard enough.
Above all,Skyrimitself is a somewhat comforting experience that’s easy to pick up. The game is 13 this year (feel old yet?), but it still fits like a pair of good shoes. Sometimes booting up the game, creating or revisiting a character you love, and wandering around a magical winter wonderland is enough. Plus, it runs on everything.
5Tom Clancy’s: The Division
Staying on theme with the “snow = Christmas” vibe, Ubisoft’s originalThe Divisioncombines New York and wintery post-Thanksgiving scenes in a way that feels unavoidably festive, despite the premise of a deadly pandemic sweeping through the city. At least it’s a lot cheaper than a flight and hotel at this time of year.
Team up with friends and take on enemies together, or enter The Dark Zone for some high-stakes PvP extraction (I can’t guarantee there’ll be many people playing, though). The story is arguably better than the sequel, and though it’s a fairly benign “numbers game” shooter, you can pick it up for cheap (and get a six-hour free trial onSteam).
The fourth entry in Capcom’s zombie action-adventure,Dead Rising 4takes place around Black Friday so the staple shopping mall setting has been freshly decorated for the holidays. This gives you lots of opportunities to spread your own brand of Christmas cheer by getting inventive with candy canes and other seasonal-but-deadly paraphernalia.
The game isn’t as fondly remembered as some of the others in the series, but its holiday setting means it’s worth revisiting at this time of year. It’s also frequently discounted, currently selling for $5.99 on theXbox Store.
3Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Christmas is a fine time to turn on the Switch version ofAnimal Crossingand revisit your neglected townsfolk for the holidays (really, any version ofAnimal Crossingwill do). You’ll get some stick about not visiting for a while, but you’ll be able to enjoy the wintery weather and redecorate with some festive items.
TheFestive Seasonruns from December 15 through January 6, with decorations appearing and a special event occurring. “Toy Day” happens each year on Christmas Eve, and you’ll be able to learn recipes and ornaments that you may trade throughout the season.
