The holiday season is here, and it's a time when I personally don't like to play games that stress me out. This is the moment for curling up under a blanket on the couch with a hot drink and playing a super casual game that relaxes you and makes you forget about the troubles of the real world. Crafting games, decorating games, or games that just have a cute, lighthearted atmosphere, basically.
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If you want to get into the holiday spirit, too, here are a few games I highly recommend trying this season. Not all of them are specifically holiday-themed, but they are without a doubt cozy, adorable, and low-stakes. If you're into rustic, aesthetically pleasing games, too, you'll find what you're looking for here.
Light Up The Town
Spread The Holiday Cheer
Starting off with something that's appropriate for the whole family, from eldest to youngest, we have Light Up The Town. It's a really pretty game that's all about putting up Christmas lights, and probably the most suited for those who really want their holiday gaming to be themed around winter scenes.
The folks of Bellflower are in need of some Christmas cheer, and Bean, an adorable little ferret, has to step into her father's shoes and spread the holiday cheer before the approaching Winter Festival. Super simple and cute game that lets you unleash your creativity with not just Christmas lights but other Christmas decorations like wreaths, gift boxes, and candy canes.
Tiny Glade
Bring Your Rustic Vision To Life
If you're looking to go a step beyond just decorating, Tiny Glade is the way to go. No, it's not holiday-themed exclusively, but this time of the year is also about appreciating nature and snow, which is why I find it the best game to play in December. It's a building game where you make your own little rustic homes or lavish castles, and even shape the surrounding environment.
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The graphics are breathtaking, and the building is very chill due to the game sort of adapting around your placements. There are no grids, either, so you can make anything you imagine, all the while its relaxing tunes play in the background.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Decorate And Develop Your Island From Scratch
Before January is probably the best time to jump into Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with an upcoming free update on the way. Time and seasons pass in real-time in this adorable game where you're tasked with developing your very own island. Build islands and services, receive villagers, decorate to your hearts' content, go fishing and diving, craft a bunch of new items... The activities go on.
With winter here, the game is in full snow splendor, with exclusive winter craftables available if you hop on while it's cold. There are some truly magical islands you can design, though you do have to play it slow first to unlock all the tools needed to shape your perfect new home.
Cast n Chill
Fishing In A Picturesque
Pixel graphics fans are in for a major treat with Cast n Chill, a game that looks insanely good and atmospheric despite being 2D. Sure, it's not exactly a holiday game, but the watercolor painting-like scenery is really relaxing to look at while you go fishing in this tiny, adorable indie game.
The gist of the game isn't complicated by any means: you cast your line with specific bait to fish, collect all the fish you can in your little booklet, and then eventually upgrade your rod, hooks, and lures for better versions. Even if you're not a fan of fishing, it's hard to deny the addictive charm of it.
Wytchwood
Become The Witch You Were Meant To Be
Speaking of games that look like paintings, Wytchwood is another incredible title with a uniquely beautiful and quirky art style. If you've ever wanted to leave society as a whole and just go live as a witch or a hermit in the woods while doing silly little hobbies like brewing potions or foraging for ingredients, this is the perfect title for you.
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It's a game rife with adventure, magic, and alchemy, with a wilderness to explore and even puzzles to solve. If you don't mind a bit of an adventurous thrill in your cozy game, give this one a shot. I promise you, its fairytale book-like vibes will charm you.
Whisper of the House
For All The Unpacking Enthusiasts
Back to pixel art games, one title that has one of the prettiest art styles is Whisper of the House. Maybe you've played Unpacking before and really liked the way the game looked, and thought the organization gameplay was super relaxing and satisfying. In that case, Whisper of the House will be your jam.
Your job is to assist the locals with a bit of organization. No, not just homes, though there are plenty of houses you'll get to furnish, but there are also shops and messy rooms you'll get tasked with tidying, so there's a pretty nifty variety in terms of the different projects you get in the game. And again, who can resist those adorable, vibrant, retro pixel graphics?
SantaCraft
Restore Santa's Village To Its Full Glory
Back to the theme of the holidays. If you absolutely require something that's themed around the holidays and winter, then SantaCraft might be more your speed. A bit of a catastrophe has happened in the North Pole, and Santa's Village needs to be rebuilt. It's your job as Santa to gather all the resources needed to build up and decorate everything again.
The best part? The buildings are gingerbread houses, and the resources and items you gather are all themed around the holidays, too: your axe is made out of gingerbread, and your hammer is a candy cane. I'm not responsible for how hungry this game will make you for holiday snacks and treats.
The Garden Path
Gardening At Your Own Pace
Gardening, in the middle of winter? You best believe it. The Garden Path is a bit different, though; the art style is very cozy and rustic, which, in my opinion, suits a snowy, dark month of December just fine. If anything, it'll remind you that yes, summer will arrive one eventual day. There's a winter season in the game, too, though, so not to worry.
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Like Animal Crossing, the game works in real-time hours, but seasons only last 28 days, similar to Stardew Valley. If you're looking for a slower version of a game like those two titles, with in-depth gardening, housing, and even a few quests and fishing featured, this is your jam.
Cozy Grove
Help The Spirits, Help The Island
Another game that works in real-time is Cozy Grove, and it shares a lot of parallels with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Namely, it takes place on an island, and you get to build, craft, and help the local spirits that haunt the island. The graphics have a really unique look, a sort of light-hearted take on something like Don't Starve Together.
As you help the spirits, the island thrives, and you progress through Cozy Grove's story (yes, it has quests!) And befriend more of the local spirits. If you loved Animal Crossing and you enjoy a bit of exploration in a dynamic world, this one's a holiday gift for you.
Winter Burrow
Help A Mouse Survive The Winter
Winter Burrow is easily my top cozy game of this holiday season because of how adorable and rustic it is. Also, I just appreciate the winter theme and the gorgeous, snowy environments. Now, word of warning: this is a survival game, so there will be some survival elements like fighting enemies, managing stamina, health, and hunger, but if you can look past that, it's a true gem.
It has a Stardew Valley-like premise, where you, as a mouse, find your family home from your childhood dilapidated, and must restore it to its previous glory. There's a bit of a story mixed in, too, with the fate of your Aunty a great mystery to solve. It's an utterly adorable game with wonderful music and sound design to boot. You will be "awwing" at your mouse's cuteness, especially when they get around to knitting garments and such.
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