I will start this with a confession. I fucking love Christmas. I adore it in a way that is probably unhealthy for anyone over the age of ten. My tree has been up for three weeks already and at this point it feels more like an emotional support organism than a piece of seasonal decor. My wife is a goth who would happily live in a house filled only with skulls, obsidian and eternal darkness, but the moment Halloween ends I am dragging out tinsel like a man possessed. The day after Halloween is the true beginning of Christmas in my home. Everyone else calls it November. I call it Christmas Phase One.
Because of this obsession, I have always adored Christmas levels in games. There is something wonderfully nostalgic about stepping into a virtual world where the snow is crisp, the lights sparkle and everything feels warm even if the temperature is freezing. Christmas levels hit a special part of the brain that wants comfort, colour and the warm glow of childhood memories, even if the main story of the game involves shooting aliens or battling darkness. So to celebrate the season that has very much already begun in my household, here are some of the absolute best Christmas or festive levels gaming has ever offered.
1. Freezeezy Peak from Banjo Kazooie
Freezeezy Peak is gaming Christmas distilled into pure form. It has everything that makes the holiday feel magical. There is the giant snowman towering over the landscape, the beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the jingling music and the quest to help the little polar bear family have a proper holiday. It even lets you fly around a winter wonderland while throwing snowballs at evil snowmen. It captures the innocent joy of childhood Christmas better than almost any game before or since. Rare was on another level when designing worlds and Freezeezy Peak remains a shining example of how to do a festive stage right.
2. Christmas Town from Kingdom Hearts II
Kingdom Hearts II gives players a chance to dive into the world of The Nightmare Before Christmas for a second time, but this time everything is bathed in glowing holiday warmth. Christmas Town is a beautiful contrast to Halloween Town. The snowy rooftops, candy cane striped buildings and Santa’s workshop blend perfectly with the Kingdom Hearts art style. Jack Skellington’s attempts to understand Christmas remain hilarious and heartfelt and the whole place feels like walking into a stop motion Christmas card. It blends whimsy, nostalgia and Disney charm in a way only this series can.
3. Winter Crash from Call of Duty Modern Warfare Remastered
It might seem odd to include a Call of Duty map on a Christmas list but Winter Crash has become something of a holiday tradition for FPS fans. The original Crash map is transformed with bright lights, snowy streets and a giant Christmas tree complete with presents scattered around the central area. Even the killstreak rewards are festive. Airstrikes are replaced with exploding Christmas lights and the whole experience takes on a chaotic holiday energy. It is still intense multiplayer combat but with a layer of seasonal silliness that makes it perfect for late night holiday sessions with friends.
4. A Little Light Snowfall from Yoshi’s Woolly World
Yoshi’s Woolly World is already one of the most wholesome games ever created and its winter level, A Little Light Snowfall, is a visual dream. Everything is made of yarn and fabric which somehow makes the snow feel even softer and more magical. The level is packed with gentle slopes, falling snowflakes and warm glowing lights that give it an irresistible Christmas atmosphere. It is not hammering you over the head with Santa and reindeer but it radiates winter comfort and cheer with every stitch. Nintendo’s ability to create emotional warmth through visuals alone is on full display here.
5. Toy Day from Animal Crossing New Horizons
Animal Crossing New Horizons might as well be a holiday simulator. When December arrives, islands across the world transform into idyllic festive villages. Trees glow with baubles, snow covers the ground and villagers get adorably excited for Toy Day. Jingle the reindeer appears and tasks you with delivering presents like a cute little postman of joy. It captures the quiet, peaceful side of Christmas, the kind where you sip hot chocolate, listen to soft music and enjoy the slow build to the big day. Few games make the festive season feel as warm and personal.
6. American Consumption from Splinter Cell Blacklist
This one stands out because it is such a strange but effective mix. Splinter Cell Blacklist is a game filled with stealth, tension and tactical decision making, yet American Consumption throws Sam Fisher into a sprawling holiday themed shopping centre. The decorations are everywhere. The atmosphere is pure commercial Christmas excess. The contrast between the festive cheer and the serious tone of the mission makes it incredibly memorable. It feels like sneaking through a real shopping mall during December which is an act of stealth in itself.
7. Feast of Winter Veil from World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft has seasonal events down to a science and Winter Veil remains one of its best. Every major city becomes festively decorated. Snowballs can be thrown at friends and enemies. Greatfather Winter hands out gifts. There is a sense of community and celebration that fits the MMO format perfectly. The world feels alive in a uniquely holiday way and for long time players Winter Veil is a warm reminder of how alive Azeroth can feel when everyone is celebrating together.
8. Feast of the Winter Star from Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley thrives on cosy vibes and nothing sums that up better than the Feast of the Winter Star. The event is Stardew’s version of Christmas and it brings the whole town together for gifts, conversation and community warmth. The snow covered landscape, the decorated town square and the gentle music combine to create a peaceful holiday atmosphere that feels genuinely heartwarming. It reminds players that Christmas is also about connection and kindness, not just presents or spectacle.
9. Hollijolli Village from Mario and Luigi Partners in Time
Hollijolli Village is a charming holiday town filled with lights, snow and cheerful music. It looks like a winter postcard come to life and makes for one of the most memorable areas in the game. The Mario and Luigi series has always leaned into quirky humour and bright energy, so pairing that with a Christmas aesthetic feels natural. The result is a festive slice of Mario adventure that hits all the right notes.
10. Christmas Lemmings from Lemmings
Christmas Lemmings, also known as Holiday Lemmings, is retro festive joy at its finest. Classic Lemmings gameplay with Santa hats, snow covered stages and merry music. It is simple, charming and filled with old school holiday spirit. It represents a time when seasonal game releases were smaller, sillier and completely delightful.