The holiday season is here, so what better way to get in the spirit than with some holiday-themed anime episodes! Christmas is actually really popular in Japan. Naturally, that makes its way into a lot of anime. If a series is running through December, then there’s bound to be an episode dedicated to the winter festivities. Gather a watch party, brew some hot cocoa, snuggle in close, and enjoy this list of 10 anime episodes to get you in the holiday spirit!
The Ancient Magus’ Bride: Season 1 Episode 16
Chise Hatori is a young girl with near limitless magical energy. She’s taken in by the mysterious mage, Elias Ainsworth, to be his apprentice and his betrothed. Together, they uncover the mysteries of the chaotic world of magic and fairies. In the first half of this episode, Chise and Elias prepare for the Yuletide by hanging greenery, lighting a yule log, and even kissing under the mistletoe. The second half focuses on Christmas shopping with Chise and her friend Alice as they struggle to think of gifts for their respective guardians. The Ancient Magus’ Bride does an excellent job exploring European mythology, and this episode has a nice balance of old and new Christmas spirit. It’s fascinating seeing the origins of longstanding traditions and the connection they have to pagan beliefs. This holiday anime episode is available on Crunchyroll.
Lucky Star: Episode 11
Cute girls doing cute things is a great way to insert a Christmas episode. In this case, though, the holiday takes a bit of a back seat. Adapted from the four-panel comic strip of the same name, Lucky Star follows the daily lives of Konata, Miyuki, and twins Tsukasa and Kagami. The show mostly depicts their mundane and quotidian conversations with various supporting characters chiming in. In this holiday anime episode, they talk about train rides, final exams, the existence of Santa Claus, and leftover Christmas cake. Even though this episode takes place during Christmas, it serves more of a backdrop to fuel the conversations. It’s not particularly Christmas-y, and some may find the constant talking a bit boring, but there is charm in just watching characters live their lives.
Laid Back Camp: Season 1 Episode 11
Nothing beats camping around a warm fire, sharing freshly cooked food with friends. Join Rin, Nadeshiko, and the rest of the Outdoor Activities Club as they find the best camping spots in Japan. In this episode, found on Crunchyroll, the whole gang meets up for one big group Christmas camping trip. Set against a snow-peaked Mt. Fuji, the girls eat their fill of ice cream, smores, and sukiyaki. Then they really get into the Christmas spirit with Santa costumes, reindeer antlers for their favorite Chihuahua named Chikuwa, and a miniature Christmas tree. Laid Back Camp is the embodiment of relaxation. The winter vibes and cozy imagery makes those warm fuzzies go wild. It’s the perfect anime for the holiday season.
Aggretsuko: We Wish You a Metal Christmas
Ever felt like your life is stuck in a constant rhythm of stress and unfulfillment? Retsuko does. The only thing that can soothe her weary soul is death metal singing. Like the rest of the show, this special paints a very different picture about society and what people place value in. Corporate slave Retsuko gets so addicted to posting on social media that she fails to make any big plans for Christmas Eve. Eventually, her yoga buddies, Washimi and Gori, show her Christmas doesn’t have to be a big production to be enjoyed. Underneath the show’s Hello Kitty-inspired aesthetic, is a poignant social commentary about toxic coping mechanisms. It tackles the typical Christmas story in its own unique, rage-filled, way. The holiday anime episode is available on Netflix.
My Hero Academia: Season 5 Episode 101
Not even the ever popular My Hero Academia is immune from the Christmas spirit. This episode takes place during a rare moment of normalcy for class 1-A, right after Shigaraki and his entourage dismantle the Meta Liberation Army. Our student heroes practice improving their public image, and the teachers discuss reinstating the work studies. Then, we get a festive Christmas party. The party is complete with costumes, a gift exchange, and even Eri gets in on the fun. In the midst of the chaos brewing in the background, it’s nice to have calm moments and celebrations with friends.
D4DJ First Mix: Episode 7
It’s time for some banging beats for Christmas! D4DJ First Mix follows a quartet of girls as they dive into the club DJ scene. It’s more like an idol anime paired with club and rave music, but the feeling is still there. It’s also noteworthy for its impressively expressive 3D animation. In this holiday anime episode, Rinku and her friends are trying to secure a venue for a Christmas show. However, their school doesn’t have any vacancies. Then, the lead singer of another group, Kyoko, invites them to her show that same night. During the performance, Kyoko invites Rinku to sing a set with them, a surprise gift that launches Rinku into the spotlight. This episode may not put Christmas at the forefront, but the spirit of giving and goodwill is just as strong.
Dr. STONE: Episode 21
A strange light turns all of humanity into stone statues, leaving nature to reclaim the Earth. 3,700 years later, Senku, a boy with a genius scientific mind, revives himself and sets about restoring humanity with the power of science. By episode 21, he’s already revived his friends, teamed up with other humans of this new stone age, re-invented ramen, harnessed electricity with a water wheel, and now seeks to create a primitive portable phone system. It’s hard work and takes the talents of everyone involved to complete even a single step. By coincidence or by design, Senku is able to recreate light bulbs just in time for Christmas night. He then treats everyone to a dazzling display. A welcome sight for the modern people and an inspiring gift showcasing the wonders of science and teamwork. Watch this holiday anime episode on Crunchyroll.
BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt so I’ll Max Out My Defense: Season 2 Episode 1
Don’t forget the netizens this Christmas season, specifically the MMO players. When Kaede Honjo starts playing a new VRMMO, she maxes out the defense stat on her character. This makes her nigh invincible, attracting attention from everyone, including the developers of the game. She’d rather just hang out with friends and enjoy the new content. This holiday episode follows her and her guildmates as they explore the new region, grind for materials, and discover new features of the game. It all culminates in one big in-game Christmas party with friends and rivals alike. They even received mystery boxes from an in-game event, adding to the festive atmosphere. It’s a sweet laid-back episode showing it’s okay to just enjoy the game.
Komi-san Can’t Communicate: Episode 16
On the surface, Komi appears to be the perfect girl. Underneath that stunning beauty, however, is a girl so shy she can barely string together a sentence. That is until Tadano helps her emerge from her shell and promises to help her make 100 friends. This episode embodies the chaotic nature of holiday get-togethers. Komi forces her brother to keep her company at the mall while she looks for gifts. Meanwhile, her friends compete over who can buy the best cheap present. Christmas Eve arrives, and Komi hosts a party for her friends and classmates, featuring games, secret Santas, and an overall festive atmosphere. It’s a nice benchmark showing just how far Komi has come. Truly the greatest gifts are the friends she made along the way. Watch Komi-san Can’t Communicate’s holiday episode on Netflix.
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
When Kyon started high school, he’d already accepted the fact that things like Santa, superheroes, aliens, and evil syndicates were fake. Then, he meets Haruhi Suzumiya, an eccentric girl who is convinced that aliens, time travelers, and espers exist. She ropes him into helping her start her own club to find such people. From there, hijinks ensue as Kyon is swept up in Haruhi’s hunt for the paranormal. This feature-length holiday anime special explores what life would have been like for Kyon if he hadn’t met Haruhi, if aliens, time travelers, and espers were in fact fake. It carries shades of the classic 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life, complete with a Christmas setting. Not only does it convey the moral of being grateful for the life you’re given, but it also asks us to make peace with the uglier side of our psyches. In the end, life is more fun when it’s shared with others.
Leave a Reply