5 Christmas-Themed Video Games to Play and Gift at Christmas

Whether you’re a little Grinch or a Christmas enthusiast, there’s definitely a game for everyone!
In this article, we’ll explore 5 indie Christmas games to enjoy during these cold winter days (which we hope you’re spending cozily at home under a blanket).

It’s true, we all feel a little kinder during Christmas, so at the end of the article, we’ll also include some more well-known titles we think you’ll enjoy!

What could be better than a codfish saving Christmas in a world where all the penguins (who, in this version, live in the Arctic and serve as Santa’s helpers instead of elves) have been kidnapped?

The answer is simple: James Pond 2: Codename RoboCod!

James Pond 2: Codename RoboCod

This classic side-scrolling platformer left an indelible mark in the 90s, thanks to its humor, creative design, and engaging gameplay. Developed by Vectordean and published by Millennium Interactive in 1991, the game is the direct sequel to James Pond: Underwater Agent.

This time, the protagonist, an aquatic spy inspired by James Bond, dons a robotic suit that allows him to stretch and climb walls, adding a unique twist to the gameplay.

Set in a colorful and whimsical world, RoboCod stands out for its levels inspired by a toy factory and its catchy soundtrack. With its combination of original mechanics and lighthearted, fun atmosphere, the game has earned a special place in the hearts of retro-game fans and continues to be remembered as a gem of the platformer genre.

This title is available for purchase on Nintendo Switch here.

Christmas Massacre

Christmas Massacre is an indie horror game developed by Puppet Combo, known for its retro approach reminiscent of 80s slasher films and the low-poly aesthetic typical of early 3D consoles.

Released in 2021, the game plunges players into a spiral of madness and violence, telling the story of Larry, a disturbed man who takes orders from a sinister talking Santa Claus statuette.

Encouraged to “bring Christmas cheer” through acts of murder, Larry navigates oppressive settings like homes, offices, and even a school in a campaign that blends tension, stealth, and brutal violence.

The game’s strength lies in its unique visual style, combining pixelated textures with intentionally crude lighting to create a terrifying, claustrophobic atmosphere. The lo-fi soundtrack, featuring distorted Christmas carols and unsettling sound effects, further amplifies the unease. Gameplay alternates between moments of silent exploration and frantic sequences where players are chased by enemies or must avoid being discovered, making each level a tense and unpredictable challenge.

Despite its deliberately raw nature and controversial themes, Christmas Massacre is more than just a gore fest. It offers a disturbing reflection on trauma, psychosis, and slasher culture itself, balancing its macabre tone with dark humor and captivating gameplay. For horror enthusiasts and those seeking unconventional indie experiences, this title is a must-play. It’s also on sale in the PlayStation Store until January 7th!

Winter Ember

Winter Ember is a captivating action-stealth title developed by Sky Machine Studios and released in 2022. It immerses players in a dark fantasy world inspired by the Victorian era, filled with political intrigue, personal feud, and a narrative rich in mystery.

The story follows Arthur Artorias, a man returning from exile years after his family’s massacre, driven by the desire to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that destroyed his life. The game offers a complex, oppressive setting where abandoned streets, shadowy alleys, and luxurious mansions conceal secrets, enemies, and opportunities.

With an isometric view and gameplay rewarding cunning, Winter Ember stands out for its methodical approach to the stealth genre. Players can use shadows to move undetected, plan silent attacks, or avoid confrontation altogether.

One of the game’s standout features is its arrow crafting system, allowing players to create unique tools like incendiary, smoke, or lock-picking arrows, providing a variety of options to tackle challenges. Each mission offers numerous paths, encouraging exploration and experimentation, while the skill system allows players to customize Arthur’s playstyle to their preferences.

Visually, the game shines with its evocative aesthetic, combining dark tones, elaborate architecture, and details that convey a constant sense of tension. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, shifting from haunting silence to tracks underscoring action or imminent danger.

Winter Ember is an ideal choice for stealth game enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive narrative experience with gameplay that rewards patience and creativity.

You can find it on Steam with a special discount!

Watch Over Christmas

Watch Over Christmas is a delightful point-and-click adventure developed by Dionous Games, a love letter to classic titles of the genre and a perfect way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

Released in 2021, the game tells the story of Cisco, a young boy tasked with saving Christmas after Santa mysteriously disappears. The plot comes to life through an engaging narrative full of magic, humor, and heartfelt moments, celebrating the core values of the holiday season: courage, generosity, and the importance of family.

The game world is vibrant and beautifully hand-drawn, featuring settings ranging from snowy villages to fantastical and surreal locations, each rich in detail and colors that evoke the warmth of Christmas. Every scene is accompanied by a festive and enchanting soundtrack, creating a cozy and immersive atmosphere.

Gameplay is classic and intuitive, centered on well-designed puzzles requiring logic and creativity. Items collected during the adventure are combined in ingenious ways to overcome obstacles and uncover secrets, while interactive dialogues often hide useful clues. The difficulty curve is balanced, making the game accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the point-and-click genre.

Watch Over Christmas is more than just a game: it’s an experience inviting players of all ages to rediscover the wonder and magic of the holiday season. Its charming art style, engaging story, and nostalgic gameplay make it destined to become a festive classic. Right now, you can find this title on sale, until January the 2nd, on Steam

Cult of the Lamb

Cult of the Lamb (which we’ve covered previously) is a captivating blend of roguelike and management simulation developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital in 2022. It won over players with its unique aesthetic and innovative gameplay. The game casts players as a sacrificial lamb resurrected by a dark entity known as “The One Who Waits.” In exchange for salvation, the protagonist must establish and lead a cult in their savior’s name, recruiting followers, building structures, and braving perilous dungeons. The combination of macabre settings with cartoonish designs creates an irresistible atmosphere that mixes dark humor, frenetic action, and moments of pure strategic management.

One of Cult of the Lamb’s defining features is how it balances dungeon combat with cult management. During raids, players face roguelike challenges with procedurally generated maps, increasingly difficult enemies, and epic bosses, gathering resources that can be used to develop and upgrade their settlement. Back at the base, players must care for their followers, managing their needs, faith, and even behavior, with options to perform rituals, sermons, and even sacrifices to keep the cult thriving.

The game’s initial success was bolstered by a series of expansions and updates that added depth and replayability. The Relics of the Old Faith expansion introduced a wide array of content, including special relics that grant new combat abilities, more complex enemies, and an endless dungeon mode designed for hardcore players. Additionally, new rituals, decorations, and options for customizing the cult provided even more creative freedom in managing the community of devotees. Subsequent updates enriched the narrative, delving deeper into the mystery of “The One Who Waits” and introducing challenges that test the dynamics of loyalty between the protagonist and their followers.

Thanks to consistent post-launch support and its ability to merge diverse mechanics into a cohesive and engaging experience, Cult of the Lamb has established itself as one of the most memorable titles in recent years. Whether you’re a fan of roguelikes, a lover of management games, or simply curious to try something unique, this game offers hours of entertainment filled with dark humor, strategy, and action. With a steady stream of new content, the cult has never been more alive, and the experience continues to evolve, maintaining the curiosity and enthusiasm of its community.

While Cult of the Lamb might evoke associations with Christmas for some players due to its lamb protagonist—often linked to religious and sacred symbolism tied to the holiday season—the game contains no explicit references to Christmas or festivities. This makes it a perfect title even for those who aren’t particularly enchanted by holiday magic. You can find this game on sale, for your switch, on the Nintendo Store

…bonus game!

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a vibrant action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2020. It serves as both a standalone chapter and an extension of the universe established in Marvel’s Spider-Man (2018).

Set in a beautifully realized New York during the Christmas season, the game follows Miles Morales, a young hero learning to balance his new identity as Spider-Man with his responsibilities to his community. With Peter Parker temporarily out of town, Miles steps up as the city’s main protector, facing off against a conflict between the powerful Roxxon Corporation and a rebellious group called the Underground, led by the enigmatic Tinkerer.

One of the game’s most captivating aspects is its setting: a snowy Manhattan adorned with Christmas lights and decorations creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the intensity of the battles and challenges Miles must tackle.

The gameplay, refined from the previous title, introduces Miles’s exclusive abilities, such as bioelectric “Venom” attacks, temporary invisibility, and an array of innovative gadgets. These enhance combat and open up new strategic possibilities in both action and stealth segments. The aerial acrobatics and fights remain fluid and dynamic, making every encounter and leap between skyscrapers exhilarating.

The narrative stands out for its emotional and personal focus, exploring the challenges Miles faces as he strives to be a full-fledged hero while maintaining his connection to his family and Harlem neighborhood. The game touches on themes of cultural diversity, responsibility, and belonging, transforming the story into not just a superhero tale but also a celebration of Miles’s identity as a young Afro-Latino shouldering the mantle of Spider-Man.

The soundtrack is a perfect complement, blending contemporary hip-hop beats with heroic orchestrations that reflect Miles’s duality: a regular teenager with extraordinary powers.

With its stunning graphics, deep narrative, and engaging gameplay, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is not just an extension of the original but a standalone story that deserves its spotlight. Perfect for Spider-Man fans and anyone seeking an immersive and touching gaming experience, this title marks a significant milestone for Insomniac Games and the evolution of Marvel superhero games.

This title is also on sale on Steam!

By Sonia Hassan

Grew up with my dad's Nintendo Game Boy. Became passionate about psychology, but with a geeky twist. I'm always looking to learn new things, additional languages, and to better understand what's happening inside our little brain cells.