Christmas is right around the corner, which means good food, family time, and games. The only thing that can make this time better is by putting Christmas in your games! So, grab your controller, some hot cocoa with the little marshmallows, and let’s dive into some of the best Christmas themes in video games.
5 – Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2, the game that keeps on giving, is all set to sleigh (get it?) this holiday season with an abundance of Christmas cheer. Picture this: snowflakes falling, festive decorations across the maps, and an exciting collection of holiday-themed game modes that will keep you hooked and entertained. The event, titled “Winter Wonderland” overhauls the entire theme of the game to bring the Christmas spirit to the forefront. From Cosmetics to snowball fights there’s plenty of Christmas to satisfy your jolly needs.
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4 – Kingdom Hearts 2
Kingdom Hearts has become a classic franchise universally loved for its action RPG elements mixed with Final Fantasy… and Disney. Not what you’d expect, but it makes for some incredible worlds of Disney to be put on display. One of these happens to be Halloweentown from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”.
However Jack does not appear to be any different… Sora, Donald, and Goofy have changed their looks to celebrate the festivities. Donald has transformed into a snowman, goofy a reindeer rocking horns and hoofs, and Sora is somewhat dressed like Santa in a black suit and hat but he pulls it off.
As players progress through the level, they join Jack in navigating the challenges of merging Halloween and Christmas traditions. Heartless creatures, influenced by the confusion between the two holidays, pose threats in the form of twisted versions of festive elements. Sora, along with Jack, works to restore order and understanding, ensuring that the joy and magic of Christmas are preserved.
This may be just a section of a level, but the amount of Christmas packed into this little town is worth checking out.
3 – Fortnite
The Fortnite winter wonderland transforms the entire island into a snowy paradise, blanketing familiar landscapes with glistening snow and turning iconic locations into holiday hotspots. Fortnite takes putting Christmas into a videogame to the next level, during the holiday season, Fortnite lives and breathes Christmas.
Every year, Fortnite introduces special limited-time modes, challenges, and cosmetic items that embrace the holiday theme. From festive skins that allow you to dress your character as a snowman or Santa Claus to winter-themed weapon wraps that add a touch of holiday sparkle to your arsenal, Fortnite doesn’t just celebrate Christmas—it immerses players in a virtual holiday spectacle.
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2 – Batman: Arkham Origins
When you think of Gotham, I’m willing to bet Christmas visuals, music, and atmosphere probably weren’t your first thoughts. How wrong you are because Batman: Arkham Origins laces the streets of Gotham with Christmas in both joyous and creepy ways. Not to mention, this entire game takes place on Christmas Eve, does it get any better?
The obvious Christmas visuals are impressive for sure, but the game’s soundtrack is what sets this game apart. Ripping the happy-go-lucky feelings right out of Christmas music, Arkham Origins delivers holiday music that can send a shiver down your spine. If you don’t believe me just check out the Joker’s theme “Carol of The Bells” and tell me you didn’t just turn on your nightlight.
Whether you’re gliding through the snow-covered city or fighting iconic villains, the holiday spirit is a constant companion, adding depth and nuance to the Bat’s journey. For those seeking a dark yet festive gaming adventure, Batman: Arkham Origins stands tall as a Christmas-themed masterpiece within the superhero gaming realm… Except one.
1 – Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Spider-Man: Miles Morales takes the top spot for best Christmas-themed game for one simple reason: You’re Spider-Man (Miles Morales), in the heart of New York, during Christmas! The amount of Christmas cheer packed into this game is almost as amazing as Spider-Man himself rocking a Christmas hat and scarf.
Right off the bat, the city is covered in a blanket of fresh snow, instantly putting you in the right mindset for this incredible Christmas gaming experience. As players swing through the city streets, they’ll encounter Christmas carolers, busy holiday markets, and even festive lights strung across skyscrapers, all contributing to a visually impressive holiday experience.
Beyond the captivating visuals and narrative, the game’s soundtrack deserves a special mention. The melodic tunes of holiday cheer perfectly accompany Miles’s adventures, enhancing the overall festive atmosphere. A close second is the “A Very Spidey Christmas” album that I bet you didn’t know existed, but Miles Morales’ atmospheric experience is unmatched when it comes to Christmas in video games.
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What are your favourite Christmas themes in video games? Leave a comment below!