There aren't too many video games set at Christmas, but the ones that are certainly stand out for that reason. There's also the beauty of a Christmas update that video game companies aim to include. Some have been doing it since a game's inception, some have realized that in service-oriented multiplayer games it's an appreciated and engaging inclusion.
For some AAA titles, however, to give that snowy aesthetic and "Christmasy" glow, their stories or DLC take place during the winter and Christmas time. What really makes a Christmas game special is when the festive period is well-incorporated into the game style and cleverly customized to keep you highly entertained.
Update December 17, 2022 by Jeremy Hanna: The holidays come every year and that means that more games come in with Christmas cheer. Just like the three spirits that visited Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, this list has been given three new entries. Also, like everyone's favorite miser, it's seen the errors of its past and has changed its ways, meaning that it has been updated to current publishing standards. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit by the fireplace, and enjoy this updated version of games that will get you in the holiday mood. Happy holidays!
10 Batman: Arkham Origins
If you've ever wondered what a Batman game could be missing, it was obviously holiday spirit. The beloved Arkham games may be known for finally capturing what it's actually like to be the Batman, but Arkham Origins captures something else: a Gotham Christmas.
Arkham Origins shows that despite Gotham being a dark and menacing city, there can still be some holiday cheer. While it would have been cool to feature holiday-themed villains like Calendar Man or the Holiday Killer, you can't really be mad when you're playing one of the best superhero series of all time.
9 Super Mario Odyssey
While most Mario titles have had their fair share of wintry levels, Super Mario Odyssey takes it up a notch. Snow Kingdom features shiver-inducing temperatures, ice sculptures, and collectible snowflakes. But this is all best enjoyed when you deck Mario out in Santa's red suit.
Everything is here: the cap, the jacket, and even the beard. However, Mario's moustache doesn't change colors to match his new snowy-white facial hair. This makes him feel less like Father Christmas and more like a lame mall Santa. But the thought was there, and anyone who's gotten a lame gift from a loved one can tell you that's what really counts.
8 Saints Row 4 - How The Saints Saved Christmas
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The Saints Row series takes the open-world anarchy and maturity of Grand Theft Auto and takes it to almost cartoonish levels. Of course, this translates perfectly to some Christmas-themed DLC for Saints Row 4. How The Saints Saved Christmas tells the story of the Saints trying to teach the player about the meaning of Christmas.
It also features characters wearing Christmas sweaters, film references, and festive enemies and weaponry. And what Christmas wouldn't be complete without some special Professor Genki events? How The Saints Saved Christmas is the type of chaotic Christmas gameplay that can only be matched by working retail during the holidays.
7 Daze Before Christmas
In the 1990s, just about everything got a weird platformer based on them. Michael Jordan got one. The show Home Improvement got one. Even the dot between the seven and the U in the 7-Up logo got one. And Santa Claus was no different with Daze Before Christmas.
Daze Before Christmas tells the story of Santa as he tries to save Christmas from an evil mouse that has stolen all the presents. He can run, jump, use magic to defeat enemies, and turn into his evil twin Anti-Claus because, of course he can. While every game here has Christmas spirit, only one actually has you playing as the main man.
6 Bully (Chapter 3)
No game represents being a kid stuck in a private school quite like Bully. Protagonist Jimmy Hopkins is forced to earn the respect of all the cliques in order to survive the school year. And since it's actually a full year, the holidays are represented in Chapter 3.
Because Bully takes place in the town of Bullworth, it has a more New England feel to it. The decorations are simpler, all the students are in sweaters, and you can even start snowball fights. It would actually be quite quaint if it weren't for the belligerent drunken Santa. A lot of games represent the holly and jolly of Christmas just fine, but only Bully understands the rambunctious side that winter breaks are known for.
5 Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams
NiGHTS Into Dreams might be the most obscure title on this list and its Christmas entry, aptly named Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams, is even more so. Launched multiple times as a promotional disc for the SEGA Saturn, it's now easier to get your hands on as a playable mode in the HD remake.
While the normal series has a lot going on screen, the Christmas NiGHTS Into Dreams has icy backgrounds, festive wreaths, upside-down Christmas trees, and snow particles falling across different levels. If you want your Christmas gaming experience to feel a bit more retro, then this is the perfect game for you.
4 Dead Rising 4
We all know how awful shopping in a mall during the holidays can be. Really, the only way it can get more stressful is by adding zombies to the mix. It turns out that the team at Capcom Vancouver agrees because Dead Rising 4 mostly takes place right after Christmas.
The streets are covered with snow, lights are all around, and you can customize your ridiculous weapons to make them merrier. The Stocking Stuffer Holiday DLC adds even more holiday cheer with Santa and Elf costumes and even a reindeer bike that features a flamethrower. Dead Rising 4 managed to take everything charming from Christmas and give it a warm, gory glow.
3 Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This may seem unfair since Animal Crossing does well capturing every season, but New Horizons nails Christmas time. Toy Day, as it's called in-game, turns your whole island into a winter wonderland if you live in the northern hemisphere or a vibrant sunny day if you're in the south. Either way, you're in for a treat.
Whether it's wearing Christmas outfits, trees being decorated, or exchanging toys, Jingle the reindeer is there to guide you toward a wonderfully festive time. Add on your own Santa outfit and themed items to purchase, and you'll wish that every day was Toy Day. But then it wouldn't seem so special, would it?
2 Hitman - Holiday Hoarders
The Holiday Hoarders DLC for Hitman has Agent 47 infiltrate a home to eliminate two thieves as they try to steal Christmas presents from a beautifully decorated mansion during a party. At the same time, Santa is teleporting throughout the home. While you could kill him and disguise yourself as Santa 47, it'd be much more in the spirit of the season to use the gifts he leaves you instead.
Not only is this a loving homage to Home Alone, but Holiday Hoarders also served a good cause. While the episode was given to players for free, they would ask that players donate money to the World Cancer Research Fund. So while Holiday Hoarders looks like everyone's dream Christmas, the intention behind the game is really what the holiday is all about.
1 Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
There's nothing more picturesque than New York City at Christmas. Snow is falling, Christmas trees are lit, and there are twinkle lights as far as the eye can see. And no game captures that more perfectly than Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Not only do you get to swing your way through the wintry city decked out in warm clothes, but you get to spend a Christmas dinner eating and decorating with his family and friends. It truly captures the nostalgia of Christmas. Spider-Man may be a Marvel property, but these New York holiday elements make it feel like a Nora Ephron movie.