It’s Christmas time. For those who need a break from the chores and the gingerbread baking to the wrapping of presents, it is time to settle into that couch or gaming chair and power up your console or rig.
So, grab some of that eggnog and get ready for some of our top picks for games to play during cosy, stay‑at‑home Christmas holidays.
These are in no way the latest titles, but the allure of the holiday season to get in touch with your roots; what better way to do it other than going back to the classics!
Minecraft
PC, consoles, mobile
This is pretty much a no-brainer. Endless building, exploration and survival make Minecraft a timeless holiday favourite. You can decorate villages with lights, build snowy cabins or hop on community Christmas maps, alone or with friends via cross‑platform multiplayer.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo Switch
Set on a gentle island getaway, this game becomes especially charming in December with snow, festive decorations and in‑game winter events. Perfect for relaxed play sessions, decorating your home, visiting friends’ islands and enjoying low‑stress holiday vibes.
Stardew Valley
PC, consoles, mobile
This farming and life‑sim game includes an in‑game “Festival of the Winter Star” around the 25th day of winter, fitting neatly with Christmas downtime. Between tending crops, caring for animals and chatting with villagers, it offers a cosy, offline escape for longer holiday breaks.
Marvel’s Spider‑Man: Miles Morales
PC, PlayStation
This action‑adventure is explicitly set in a snowy, Christmas‑time New York, with festive lights and music all around. Swinging through Manhattan while fighting crime and following Miles’ coming‑of‑age story makes it a cinematic choice. And it is simply a great addition to Marvel’s Spider‑Man.
The Long Dark
PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
For those who like something more intense, The Long Dark is a survival game set in a frozen Canadian wilderness. Its slow pace, snow‑covered landscapes and strong sound design can feel like a harsher, more contemplative winter holiday experience. Plus, you can play it till next Christmas.
Batman: Arkham Origins
PC, PS3, Xbox 360 (backward compatibility on some newer consoles)
This entry in the Arkham series takes place on Christmas Eve in Gotham, with snow, decorations and a darker superhero tone. It blends story‑driven missions, stealth and combat with a distinctly wintry, comic‑book atmosphere. Plus, you get to be Batman.
Dead Rising 4
PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Dead Rising 4 is set during the Christmas season in a zombie‑infested mall, mixing festive decorations with over‑the‑top action. It is best for adults who want chaotic, humorous gameplay rather than a calm holiday vibe.
The titles/consoles mentioned in the article are neither endorsed nor do they purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Please ensure the right age rating of games before playing.