Unexpectedly Festive Games to Play this Winter
The festive season is upon us, and gamers everywhere are eyeing their overflowing backlogs as we head toward 2026. If you’re unsure what to play during this merry stretch, don’t worry. I’ve put together a list of games that capture the holiday spirit without being outright Christmas titles. So, here are some unexpectedly festive games to play this winter.
Hitman
Hitman may not appear festive at first, but if you delve into the array of content now available, you’ll find Holiday Hoarders. Set in a Christmas-themed version of the Paris mansion, you can sneak as Santa to complete your assassination.
Cronos: The New Dawn
A tense psychological horror, Cronos: The New Dawn is crawling with hideous creatures that haunt your every step. At one point, you wander into a Christmas market, slaughtering monsters while lights sparkle in the backdrop; simply having a wonderful Christmas time.
Kingdom Hearts II – Christmas Town
Kingdom Hearts lets you lose yourself in Disney’s many magical worlds. In the second mainline entry, you dive into The Nightmare Before Christmas, a perfect way to slip into the festive spirit.
Batman: Arkham Origins
The most underrated release in the Arkham franchise, Origins takes place on Christmas Eve. With holiday decorations adorning the streets of Gotham, this is the perfect setting for a winter adventure with the Dark Knight.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
For fans of the franchise, Toy Day is the holiday event: snow everywhere, presents flying, and festive fun at every turn. This delightfully cosy title nails the season’s warmth, making it the perfect game to get you feeling Christmassy.
Tom Clancy’s The Division
Set in a post-pandemic New York City, its streets lie desolate while corruption festers in the shadows. Taking place in winter, the city remains decorated for Christmas, creating a striking juxtaposition between an iconic holiday backdrop and the violence unfolding within.
Astro Bot
One of the best platformers in recent memory, this adventure sends you across vibrant worlds to rescue characters cosplaying as industry legends. A free Christmas-themed update adds a festive new level where you hunt for presents scattered throughout the snow-covered stage. It’s an absolute joy to revisit during the holidays.
Super Mario Odyssey
Odyssey is a remarkable adventure filled with incredible worlds begging to be explored. But one realm in particular captures the holiday spirit: the Snow Kingdom. Brimming with winter charm, it exudes a warm, cozy atmosphere, exactly what so many of us look for this time of year.
There you have it. Are there any surprises on the list? What are your favorite unexpectedly festive games? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.
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