10 Best Christmas Video Games of All Time

We play games all year, but festive video games always feel a bit different. For one thing, snowy levels, festive music, and late-night holiday sessions just make everything better. On top of that, with extra time off and longer nights, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into something cozy or chaotic. To begin with, some games only sprinkle in a bit of Christmas spirit, while others fully embrace the season. So, grab a snack, get comfortable, and let’s count down the 10 best Christmas video games of all time.

10. The Grinch: Christmas Adventures

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is a surprisingly fun little stealth game. For starters, you play as the Grinch, sneaking through Whoville to grab presents without getting caught. In a way, it’s like Pac-Man with a holiday twist, but way more chaotic. At the same time, the top-down view nails the cartoon look, and the Grinch’s animations are hilarious. Plus, the music is cheerful too, making the whole thing feel fun, festive, and a little mischievous. It’s a fun little game to dive into while the holidays roll on.

9. Home Alone

Home Alone is pure holiday chaos, and honestly, it’s a total blast. For starters, you play as Kevin, setting up all kinds of crazy traps to stop Harry and Marv while snow piles up around the house. At the same time, twinkling lights, festive music, and mountains of presents make everything feel properly Christmas-y, even as stuff explodes and goes haywire. Meanwhile, running from room to room, laughing at what happens next, and pulling off sneaky tricks never gets old. All in all, it’s funny, mischievous, chaotic, and full of Christmas spirit, a holiday mess in the best way possible.

8. Christmas Night Into Dreams

Christmas Nights into Dreams is pure festive fun on the Sega Saturn. For starters, it’s a 3D winter twist on the original 1996 demo from Team Sonic, and it blends Sonic-style speed with a bit of Super Mario 64 charm. Meanwhile, the gameplay has you collecting festive tokens to light candles on a Christmas cake and rescue the Christmas Star. On top of that, the visuals and music create a real holiday feast, while unlocking presents, mini-games, and even playing as Sonic keeps the experience addictive and joyful.

7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a 2020 Nintendo Switch game that turns your island into a Christmas wonderland. For example, during December, you can deck the place out with trees, lights, and presents while also celebrating Toy Day with your animal friends. At the same time, you can gather, craft, and customize to your heart’s content while exploring a cozy snowy island. Honestly, it’s easy to get lost in all the holiday fun, and moreover, frequent updates keep things fresh. 

6. Bully

Pure chaotic fun awaits at Bullworth Academy in Bully. From the start, you play as Jimmy Hopkins, causing mischief, climbing the school ranks, and dealing with all sorts of cliques. And the best part? During the winter months, the school and town get decked out with Christmas trees, lights, and even a bit of snow, which makes your antics feel extra festive. What’s more, you can skateboard, bike, or go-kart around town, adding a full-on karting vibe and even more fun. Overall, it’s basically a mix of teenage chaos and holiday cheer you can’t help but enjoy.

5. Hitman 3: Holiday Hoarders

Agent 47 truly embraces the holiday spirit in HITMAN. To start with, the Showstopper mission is fully Christmas-themed, with festive decorations, snowy streets, and a cheerful holiday vibe. Even better, sneaking around in a stylish, festive setting keeps things exciting. At the same time, all the classic HITMAN mechanics, planning, disguises, and clever takedowns stay intact. All in all, it’s a perfect mix of sneaky action and Christmas cheer, making it a fun holiday treat for fans of the series.

4. Saint Row IV: How the Saints Save Christmas

How the Saints Save Christmas is the second mission pack for Saints Row IV and includes three chaotic holiday missions. To start with, it’s part of the Season Pass and special edition bundles. Playa ignores rescuing Santa from a Matrix-like simulation, so the Saints step in to teach the true meaning of Christmas. On top of that, the DLC includes festive nods, featuring references to A Christmas Story and playful Grinch jokes. Even better, once completed, missions can be replayed infinitely for endless holiday fun.

3. Daze Before Christmas

You play a very unusual Santa in the 1994 platformer Daze Before Christmas. For starters, an evil snowman has kidnapped the reindeer and elves, so as a result, it’s up to you to rescue them before Christmas. Meanwhile, Santa can use magic to turn enemies into gift boxes with a satisfying pop that adds extra fun. The real highlight, however, is the coffee power-up, which transforms Santa into Anti-Santa, smashing everything with invincibility. Plus, the game’s moderate difficulty and light pace make it perfect for a cozy and relaxing holiday playthrough in bed.

2. Batman: Arkham Origins

Batman really doesn’t get a holiday break in Arkham Origins. First of all, it’s all happening on Christmas Eve, and Gotham’s completely frozen, with empty streets everywhere. Meanwhile, Alfred begs Batman to come home, but he’s out hunting the eight assassins Black Mask sent. As a result, the snowy streets make every patrol feel tense. At the same time, the contrast between Christmas warmth and Batman being totally alone is amazing. Additionally, the combat, stealth, and detective work all feel like classic Arkham, especially during the boss fight with Deathstroke on a snowy bridge. Absolutely epic.

1. Dead Rising 4

Frank West is back just in time for the holidays in Dead Rising 4, taking the top spot as one of the best Christmas video games ever. Meanwhile, players explore a rebuilt Willamette, Colorado, fully decked out for the winter season. Not only that, zombies are everywhere, seriously; you can’t go two steps without bumping into one. So, Frank has to smash, bash, and blast his way through with all kinds of crazy weapons and combos. And somehow, with all the Christmas lights and decorations, it actually feels a little festive in the middle of the apocalypse. All in all, it’s classic Dead Rising chaos with a festive twist. Honestly, zombies and holiday cheer don’t usually mix this well.