We’ve made it! December is finally here, which means it’s the season of twinkling lights, overindulgent feasts, and the age-old debate about Die Hard being the best holiday movie (spoiler: it’s not).
But let’s face it, December also means the Monopoly board is getting pulled out, and the real question should be, what games can I play before the family drama starts brewing over?
Thankfully, not every game demands 200 hours of your soul like The Witcher 3 or emotionally prepares you to ignore your relatives like Stardew Valley. Sometimes, you need a perfectly portioned game for your break—a festive fling rather than a long-term commitment.
And even Santa would appreciate a game you can finish in a week; the guy has a seriously tight schedule. So, with that, here’s a curated list of games that can fit snugly into your holiday plans, like Mario into his overalls.
Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming tales, chaotic co-op fun, or even a little festive fright (Alan Wake 2, anyone?), we’ve got you covered.
Hi-Fi Rush
Platforms: PlayStation 5; PC; Xbox Series X/S
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Rock out to a rhythm-action game and burn off those Christmas cookies. This colourful, stylish beat-’em-up lets you fight baddies in sync with a killer soundtrack.
Think of it as a Christmas concert where you’re the star performer, and every punch is on the beat. Its energetic vibe and quick pacing make it the perfect game to liven up a lazy holiday week.
Stray
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; PC; Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S; macOS; Nintendo Switch
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You can finally be the cat, knocking things off tables without consequences. Explore a dystopian world from the perspective of an adorable stray cat.
Solve puzzles, make robot friends, and unravel mysteries while looking too cute to handle. It’s a quick, satisfying adventure with a purr-fectly uplifting ending that’ll make your heart grow three sizes.
Oxenfree II: Lost Signals
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; PC; Nintendo Switch
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Because even ghosts deserve holiday airtime. In Oxenfree II, you’ll enter a supernatural mystery where walkie-talkies are your lifeline, and the past refuses to stay buried.
With snappy dialogue and eerie vibes, Oxenfree II feels like a holiday ghost story—minus the tacky Christmas sweaters, and it’s short enough to knock out before work comes knocking at your door.
Overcooked! 2
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; PC; Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S
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Overcooked! 2 lets you test your communication skills before intense family dinners. Gather your loved ones to cook (and probably burn) meals in absurd kitchens that include hot air balloons and portals.
Whether you’re chopping onions or putting out fires, literally, it’s guaranteed holiday chaos with a side of laughter.
It Takes Two
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; PC; Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S; Nintendo Switch
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This is the ultimate relationship test before you hit the New Year’s resolution stage. It is a co-op masterpiece that throws you and your partner into a world of inventive challenges, from piloting underpants to battling evil squirrels.
The story follows a divorcing couple who must team up (as tiny dolls, naturally) to fix their marriage. It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and way more fun than tackling those holiday chores together.
The Last Campfire
Platforms: macOS; PC; Nintendo Switch; PlayStation 4; Xbox One
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The Last Campfire is all about finding hope and light—very on-brand for the season. This puzzle-adventure game puts you in the shoes of a tiny ember trying to find its way home.
The whimsical art style and emotional story are enough to melt even the Grinch’s icy heart. Plus, the puzzles won’t leave you feeling like you need a second helping of eggnog to figure them out.
The Artful Escape
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; Nintendo Switch; PC; Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S
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Because the holidays could always use a little more rock-and-roll—and lasers. Step into the sparkly boots of Francis Vendetti, a teenage musician on a journey to find his stage persona.
The Artful Escape is a visually stunning, music-fueled adventure filled with cosmic landscapes, eccentric characters, and more light shows than a Christmas tree farm. Short, sweet, and absolutely dazzling, it’s the perfect game to play while you wait for your holiday playlist to loop back to All I Want for Christmas Is You.
Tunic
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; PC; Nintendo Switch; macOS; Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S
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A cute fox adventuring through a mysterious world is peak holiday magic. Tunic combines the charm of classic Zelda games with modern indie polish.
As a tiny fox armed with a big sword, you’ll explore lush landscapes, solve puzzles, and fight adorable enemies. It’s got just the right balance of challenge and whimsy for a holiday adventure you’ll treasure.
Night in the Woods
Platforms: PlayStation 4; PC; macOS; Nintendo Switch; Xbox One; iOS
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A little existential crisis to pair with your Christmas cookies. In Night in the Woods, you’ll follow Mae, a college dropout, as she returns to her quirky hometown.
Night in the Woods is part mystery, part exploration, and all heart, with a cast of lovable animal characters and witty dialogue. It’s like the emotional reset you need after the holiday madness.
Alan Wake 2
Platforms: PlayStation 5; PC; Xbox Series X/S
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Why is this on the list? Because I’ll be replaying this game this break, and spooky campfire tales fit surprisingly well with Christmas lights.
In Alan Wake 2, you’ll step into a chilling psychological thriller where shadows are your worst enemy, and light is your only salvation—talk about festive irony.
You’ll play as two protagonists unravelling a dark, gripping mystery that will keep you on edge the entire week. It’s perfect for cosying up with a warm drink while you prove that, yes, despite what Cody might think, even holiday cheer can use a little horror.
And there you have it—a near-perfect lineup of games to keep you entertained while the rest of the world is either napping off a food coma or pretending to enjoy another Hallmark Christmas movie.
From cosy adventures to co-op chaos, these games are all you need to survive the festive season with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Until next time, may your loot be legendary, your save files uncorrupted, and your controllers free of sticky eggnog fingers.
Happy gaming, and have yourself a very pixelated holiday!