Top 10 Anime Christmas Episodes

In a realm where people are trapped forever in a fantasy video game, death becomes suddenly real. The episode starts a few months prior to Christmas and protagonist Kirito joins the low level Black Kats Guild. They train for months to make enough money to buy a guild home, but on Christmas eve the majority of the members are killed in an Anti-Crystal Trap. Vowing to avenge them, Kirito kills the Christmas event boss, and the episode ends with him playing back a message from one of his deceased friends, Sachi . In her message she tells him not to blame himself for their guild’s demise, and then hums a beautiful rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Um… merry Christmas?

What better time for bitter rivals to put aside their conflict and come together in peace and harmony! Temporarily at least. Of course Santa travels everywhere, and Christmas even comes to the battlefield. Just when it seems like the Allies have the axis on the ropes, Finland shows up dressed as Santa with gifts for everyone. Luckily we get to see what everyone receives and classic Hetalia, those gifts range from funny and adorable to stereotypically racist. To top the joy off, Santa brings beautiful snow down to their tropical island and everyone is able to make love not war.

One of the older series on this list, Maison Ikkoku follows the adventures of Yusaku and his other tenants at the titular boarding house. After Godai and Sakamoto meet, they go on a hunt for a special rock that Sakamoto had found. Retracing their steps, they eventually have to board the train again to find that rock. While humorous and still romantic, the episode will surely guarantee you a fun time.

In a world where magical cards can make anyone a sorcerer, we follow Sakura as she deals with the upcoming Christmas festivities and her various romantic interests. Who knew that romance and magic go so well together? The Christmas episode is unique as it features many characters that fell of the radar since the series began. But don’t worry, there’s still action and danger to keep things interesting, with a good dose of holiday cheer to close it all out.

If anime is to be believed, the Japanese school system is a romantic place; and action packed and dramatic and violent and home to every TV genre imaginable. Love Hina follows our main man Keitaro as he balances his school and love life before the holidays. Keitaro is desperate to find the love of his life but unfortunately he forgot her name. This OVA series stays true to the themes and tropes of the original series while still bringing new ideas by way of holiday cheer to the table.

You can celebrate everywhere, even in the Digimon realm. In a world filled with digital monsters a group of human teenagers known as the DigiD-estined take a break from monster battling to celebrate Christmas. Their festivities are cut short though by the interruption of a Dark Tyrannomon and other various Digimon. The episode truly grasps Christmas spirit and how festivities can mend damaged relationships.

When a delinquent falls in love, all best are off. Unfortunately this doesn't happen very often for Ryuji, who has completely given up on finding a girlfriend, blaming his own looks and personality. During the episode we watch the events leading up to the Christmas Eve festival, where his luck may finally turn around. The episode also explores the relationships of each of the characters and as this isn’t an OVA series, we get satisfying development at the end of the episode.

In this romantic comedy we chronicle the lives of six Japanese girls who have some pretty spectacular days. While the Christmas episode doesn't have any ground breaking revelations or events, it’s extremely entertaining as we learn a lot about the characters through their opinions on Santa Claus. Not to mention we actually are able to touch on some serious differing beliefs on the Chritmas holiday itself, making this episode a lot more than just your average feel good holiday special.

Sometimes we just need a friend, especially during the holidays. In a series entirely about how hard relationships really are, no one knows it better than the main characters Kazehaya and Sawako . We follow Kazehaya as he tries to have everyone come to a Christmas Eve party, specifically though, he really wants to see Sawako there. Focused on the relationships and bones one creates with their friends, this episode has you a little sad at times. Sawako only arrives after the party is over, to find Kazehaya still waiting patiently. True friendship.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Holiday Hi Jynx”
“Pokemon” (1997-)

“Various Ways to Spend Christmas Eve”
“Lucky Star” (2007-2013)

“Christmas!”
“K-On!” (2009-2011)

“Ah! I Offer You This Feeling on Christmas Eve!”
“Oh My Goddess: Flights of Fancy” (2006)

Not everyone has had a real Christmas. Set during the Roaring Twenties in a world where demons and exorcism exist, we follow a trio of exorcists in their demon hunting adventures. In the festive special, the trio decides to take time off to celebrate Christmas in their own special way. When learning one of their friends has never celebrated Christmas, they decide to change that. Contrary to other episodes in the series, "Holy Night Starry Night" is a sweet holiday episode that stands out from the rest of Chrono Crusade.

Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite anime Christmas episode? For more festive top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.