Every December DayZ, the hardcore multiplayer survival game from Bohemia Interactive — transforms its hostile post-apocalyptic world into a winter themed holiday event. For 2025, the Christmas Event returns bigger and more festive than ever, offering seasonal content that blends the grim survival core of DayZ with the spirit of the holidays. 

According to the official DayZ website the 2025 Christmas Event began on December 11, 2025 and will run through January 8, 2026 on all official servers and platforms. Survivors across maps including Chernarus, Livonia, and Sakhal can encounter seasonal decorations, challenges, and loot while braving hoards of zombies and opposing survivors. 

One of the central features of the event is the appearance of singing Christmas trees scattered throughout towns and villages. These trees emit festive carols and serve as hotspots for gift boxes. Gift boxes contain a variety of valuable loot: food, ammunition, weapons, clothing, cosmetics, and other useful items. These gift boxes vary in size and rewards so these Christmas trees can quickly become player conflict zones due to the valuable loot.

A seasonal twist on the classic helicopter crash event, the Dynamic Sleigh Crash introduces an infected Santa zombie and his elves that have crashed into the landscape. When defeated, they can drop loot and scattered presents. These do not replace helicopter crashes but appear alongside them, increasing opportunities for high-tier rewards. 

Wildlife also receives a seasonal update. Standard deer are replaced with reindeer, reinforcing the holiday atmosphere across the maps. Among them, players may encounter a special festive reindeer distinguished by glowing antlers and a red nose. Successfully hunting these rare animals can reward players with unique Christmas-themed items, adding an extra incentive to explore rural and forested areas during the event.

The Christmas Event also introduces a wide range of seasonal cosmetics and novelty items. Survivors can equip Santa hats, festive headbands, themed gloves, holiday sweaters, and even a baseball bat decorated with Christmas lights. While these items do not drastically alter gameplay, they allow players to express creativity and humor in a world that is usually defined by bleak survival and scarcity. For many players, these cosmetic additions provide a refreshing contrast to the game’s normally serious tone.

Community reception to the 2025 Christmas Event has been largely positive. Players appreciate the increased loot opportunities and the way seasonal content encourages exploration and interaction. At the same time, the event does not remove the danger that defines DayZ. Christmas trees and sleigh crashes often become high-risk areas where cooperation, betrayal, and combat occur, preserving the game’s core survival identity.

While carols play and reindeer roam the forests, the threat of infection, hunger, and hostile survivors remains constant. The event offers a limited-time experience that rewards curiosity and bravery while reminding players that even during the holidays, survival in DayZ is never guaranteed.