With the holidays just around the corner, MMO players everywhere are diving into their favorite games to experience seasonal events that are as festive as they are immersive. Players often visit capital cities during these events to complete various objectives and collect items. From classics like World of Warcraft to modern hits like New World, MMO in-game holidays bring unique twists to real-world celebrations or invent entirely new traditions for players to enjoy. Here’s our list of the top 5 MMO holiday events that should be on your radar this season.
Introduction to MMO In-game Holidays
In-game holidays are a beloved tradition in the world of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, offering players a chance to dive into festive events, activities, and rewards that mirror real-world celebrations. These virtual holidays often coincide with major events like Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving, providing a unique and immersive way for players to engage with both the game world and its community.
Take, for instance, the Feast of Winter Veil in World of Warcraft. This event transforms Azeroth into a winter wonderland, complete with snow-covered landscapes and festive decorations. Players can interact with Greatfather Winter, participate in special quests, and enjoy a variety of holiday-themed activities. Similarly, New World’s Winter Convergence Festival brings the magic of the season to Aeternum, offering players a chance to earn unique rewards and decorate their settlements with dazzling holiday items.
These in-game holidays not only add a layer of festive cheer to the gaming experience but also foster a sense of community and shared celebration among players. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, these events provide a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
5. New World: Winter Convergence Festival
Once considered a rocky launch, New World has steadily found its footing in the MMO space. The Winter Convergence Festival is a testament to the game’s growth, offering players a visually stunning holiday event.
Set against the frosty backdrop of Aeternum, this event combines festive cheer with in-game challenges. Players can take part in special quests to earn unique rewards, gather winter tokens, and decorate their settlements with dazzling holiday-themed items. Players can also use garrison decorations to enhance their settlements during the festival. The Winter Wanderer, a mysterious holiday figure, takes center stage, giving this event an immersive and magical feel.
New World’s attention to detail and evolving content ensures that this festival is more than just a seasonal event—it’s a celebration of the game’s growing community.
4. Runescape: A Timeless Classic of Seasonal Cheer
Few MMOs can rival the longevity and charm of Runescape, and its holiday events are an integral part of its identity. With decades of celebrations under its belt, Runescape delivers a mix of nostalgic and inventive seasonal festivities that keep players coming back.
Runescape’s Christmas events are especially memorable, featuring activities like snowball fights, festive crafting, and scavenger hunts. But it’s not just about Christmas—events like the Halloween Festival and Eastertime Eggstravaganza bring unique twists to seasonal traditions.
What sets Runescape apart is its player-driven economy, which often sees festive items gaining significant value, turning holiday events into both a celebration and an economic opportunity. Players can use the auction house to buy, sell, and trade festive items, enhancing their crafting and collection capabilities.
3. Fortnite: Winterfest
Known for its ability to captivate players with dynamic and engaging content, Fortnite doesn’t hold back when it comes to holiday events. Winterfest is a standout example, transforming the game into a snowy wonderland packed with surprises.
Players can find presents underneath the Christmas trees, which contain exclusive cosmetics and other in-game goodies. Players can unlock daily presents filled with exclusive cosmetics, emotes, and other in-game goodies. The event also features limited-time modes and challenges, keeping gameplay fresh and rewarding. Whether it’s throwing snowballs at opponents or riding holiday-themed vehicles, Winterfest adds a layer of festive fun to Fortnite’s competitive environment.
Fortnite’s ability to mix creativity with rewarding gameplay makes Winterfest an unmissable holiday celebration.
2. Final Fantasy XIV: Starlight Celebration
When it comes to blending breathtaking visuals with heartwarming festivities, Final Fantasy XIV consistently delivers. The Starlight Celebration, the game’s holiday event, turns Eorzea into a winter wonderland filled with charm and whimsy.
From decorating towns with twinkling lights to participating in festive quests, the Starlight Celebration captures the joy of the season. Players can earn exclusive items like mounts, minions, and glamour gear, ensuring that everyone walks away with something memorable. Players can also receive a gently shaken gift, which contains unique in-game toys and rewards, including Wild Holly that transforms a mount into a festive Wild Reindeer for a limited time.
What sets Final Fantasy XIV apart is its focus on storytelling—even during holiday events. The Starlight Celebration often includes touching narratives that add emotional depth to the festivities, making it one of the most beloved in-game holidays.
1. World of Warcraft: Feast of Winter Veil
Topping the list is the legendary Feast of Winter Veil in World of Warcraft, an event that has become a staple of the MMO holiday calendar. Players need to visit both their own and enemy capital cities to complete achievements and participate in event activities.
From snowy landscapes to holiday-themed dungeons, Winter Veil offers players a wide range of activities. Players can use the Falling Star Catcher to catch falling stars and earn Feats of Strength. Special quests let players interact with festive NPCs like Greatfather Winter, while exclusive rewards like pets, mounts, and toys provide ample incentive to participate. The Wand of Holiday Cheer allows players to initiate a festive emote among their faction members. Players must bring ice cold milk along with gingerbread cookies to Greatfather Winter as part of a follow-up quest. Merry Supplies can be earned through daily quests and looting snow piles, and can be exchanged for various festive items.
What truly sets Winter Veil apart is its lasting impact on the game’s world. Some quests follow the same model as previous events, involving group dynamics and competition among players. Holiday bosses and rare items that drop during this time have become part of WoW’s enduring legacy, offering players a chance to earn gear and achievements that are both functional and nostalgic. Smokywood Pastures is a special location where players can engage with vendors, quests, and items exclusive to this event. Smokywood Pastures vendors offer recipes and other items needed to complete event-related achievements. The Winter Wondervolt machine grants a buff that transforms players into gnomes with different outfits based on faction and gender.
For fans of Azeroth, the Feast of Winter Veil isn’t just an event—it’s a tradition that celebrates the community and the game’s rich history.
Celebrate the Holidays in Your Favorite MMO
Whether you’re braving the icy wilderness of Aeternum, celebrating with Greatfather Winter in Azeroth, or unwrapping presents in Fortnite, these in-game holidays offer something for everyone. Players can interact with Great Father Winter to complete quests and receive seasonal rewards and gifts. Each event captures the spirit of the season in unique ways, combining creativity, community, and rewards to keep players engaged and entertained.
As the holidays approach, don’t miss out on these incredible celebrations—log in, explore, and make this season a memorable one in your favorite MMO!
