As the Christmas season approaches, you may be looking for something to watch that puts you in a holiday mood, such as a Christmas movie. Anime is no short of holiday-based episodes that celebrate warmth, family, and friendship. From iconic series to underrated gems, catch these 10 best Christmas special episodes in anime that you can watch with everyone.
10. Horimiya (Ep. 12) “Hitherto, and Forevermore”
To kick things off, this episode of Horimiya offers a soft, reflective take on the holiday season. Each of the characters celebrates Christmas with their family and loved ones. Then, we look at the quiet moments of intimacy and emotional honesty between Hori and Miyamura, as they contemplate their future together. It’s a pretty chill episode if you’re starting on an anime Christmas special run-through.
9. Yuri!!! On Ice (Ep. 10) “Gotta Supercharge it! Pre-Grand Prix Final Special!”
This quiet standout episode is wholesome on so many levels. On the cusp of the Grand Prix Final, Viktor reflects on how his life has changed since meeting Yuri. As another warm episode, you’ll find Viktor and Yuri exploring a nearby Christmas market, with the latter surprising Viktor with two rings, showing their love and care for each other. The episode is sweet and ends on a comedic note, revealing how, in the previous Grand Prix Final, a drunken Yuri asked Viktor to be his coach.
8. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – The First Kiss That Never Ends
Set after the events of Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Season 3, this Christmas special uncovers more about Kaguya and Miyuki’s romance, especially after the Culture Festival arc. Here, both characters explore their flaws and anxieties when it comes to relationships, especially when the student council Christmas party comes around, which is filled with a lot of chaos from Chika in the gift exchange segment.
7. K-ON! (Ep. 7) “Christmas!”
A wholesome and classic Christmas episode comes from K-ON!. The episode shows a flashback to Christmas between siblings Ui and Yui. The episode leans into sibling affection, shared moments, and the joy of simple gestures. Plus, the Light Music Club plans a last-minute Christmas party that culminates at Yui and Ui’s home. The episode is a comforting reminder that Christmas is best spent with people who feel like family.
6. Himouto! Umaru-chan (Ep. 8) “Umaru and Christmas and New Year’s”
On a similar note, Himouto! Umaru-chan follows Umaru’s lazy winter days at home with her older brother Taihei. However, Umaru’s friend Kirie visits her and makes Umaru realize how much she has changed ever since meeting a lot of new people and spending time with her friends. Juxtaposed against this are silly antics from Taihei’s co-workers, who are working through Christmas.
5. Komi Can’t Communicate (Ep. 16) “It’s Just a Merry Christmas”
Christmas becomes both a challenge and a joy for Komi in this festive episode. On Christmas Eve, Komi and her friends have a fun present exchange, which shows her character development in how she deals with her social anxiety. The class celebration is filled with games, heartfelt moments, and laughter among friends, making it a gem for contemporary Christmas anime episodes. It even hints at Komi and Tadano’s blossoming romance.
4. Toradora! (Ep. 19) “Christmas Eve Festival”
Known as one of the anime community’s most beloved Christmas episodes, this one from Toradora is iconic. As their classmates prepare for a festival, Ryuuji hopes that the event will be his chance to help his crush, Minori, while Taiga pours her heart into making the night special. Later on, however, plans take a bittersweet turn for the characters. It’s a Christmas episode that you should watch to find out more, since it mixes a lot of unfiltered emotion, festive tradition, and has earned its place as one of the top holiday specials.
3. Sword Art Online (Ep. 3) “Red Nose Reindeer”
If you’re looking for something more on the action side, look no further. This episode from Sword Art Online has Kirito fighting a monstrous Santa lookalike. Kirito explores a lot of loneliness further, especially, which many also experience in real life during the holidays. It’s a melancholic episode that’s both exciting and reflective.
2. My Hero Academia (Season 5 Ep. 13) “Have a Merry Christmas”
Another top pick is this episode from My Hero Academia. The students of Class 1-A are on a holiday break. While saving the world, the heroes still find time to celebrate with each other and try to be normal students. It’s a breather from all the intensity and drama that happens in the anime, especially with how it sets up the next storylines in the series.
1. The Slime Diaries [That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime] (Ep.11) “Where Is Santa Claus?”
An underrated but truly unique Christmas episode is from The Slime Diaries. Rimuru introduces Santa Claus to Tempest, and he sets out to create a Tempest Christmas festival. It’s a standout episode that blends cultural curiosity and the festive spirit in the most exciting way. You’ll see the monster-folk being introduced to the concept of a Christmas tree, having Christmas dinner, and even seeing some characters singing Christmas songs. Tempest is certainly wrapped up in the Christmas spirit.
Whether you’re looking for heartfelt moments, emotional depth, or lighthearted holiday cheer, anime Christmas episodes offer something for every viewer. These episodes inspire connection, rest, and togetherness. Hopefully, these picks make the perfect companions to you for a comforting feel-good watch.