Summary
Animated Christmas specials have become an annual tradition for many, from old favorites like Charlie Brown to newer classics like Prep And Landing. With so many out there and such a wide variety of holiday specials to choose from, it’s only natural to wonder… are there any anime Christmas specials out there?
Turns out, not only are there Christmas specials in the world of anime, but there areatonof them. For the anime fan looking for Christmas specials with an anime coat of paint, these are the best ones out there.
11Denki Gai No Honya-San: Episode 3
Party Hard
When Christmas comes to Akihabara and the Umanohone doujin manga and game shop located therein, its quirky band of staff must balance their attempts to sell adating simsequel in the freezing December conditions with their attempts to throw a one-of-a-kind Christmas party.
A self-aware coming-of-age comedy about working in the heart of the electric town of Akiba, Denki Gai No Honya-San’s delightful Christmas special is just the thing to fill slice of life comedy fans' hearts with Christmas cheer.
10Doraemon 2005: Episode 504
Christmas In The House Of Candies
While Doraemon has had a variety of Christmas specials over the years, and realistically, you could have a great time with any one of them, the 2005 series' special from Season 13 is the most easily accessible and the most digestible for those who aren’t already series veterans.
When the robot cat from the future gifts Nobita and co. a cookie house maker, the group shrinks down to micro-size to put together the perfect ginger bread-style cookie house, but in typical Doraemon fashion, it isn’t long before things go haywire.
9Sword Art Online: Episode 3
We Must Save My Family
Whether you’re a fan of the original Sword Art Online or you prefer SWE’s abridgment, the Sword Art Online holiday special is one to remember, complete with reindeer, snow, and a massive red-coated super-boss in possession of an extraordinarily rare item.
Sword Art Online is often seen as the beginning of the great isekai boom, so if you’re well acquainted with Truck-kun’s antics and full dive VR shenanigans, you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy this yule tide carol set in Castle Aincrad.
8Lucky Star: Episode 11
A Cozy Christmas Treat
Lucky Star is one of Kyoto Animation’s most beloved productions, and in classic KyoAni fashion, it is a laid back slice-of-life series where the focus is on character interaction and slow character growth rather than high-octane action or fast-paced storytelling.
Around halfway through the series, the Christmas season rears its holly jolly head, and through a series of cozy conversations, we learn all sorts of things about how each member of the cast feels about the holiday, and how they feel about the idea of Santa Claus.
7Ghost Hunt: Episodes 12-13
Silent Night, Haunting Night
Ghost Hunt is a mid-2000s anime about a team of paranormal investigators who roam Japan performing exorcisms, and while that makes itperfect for Halloween, the series also has a two-episode-long Christmas special entitled ‘Silent Christmas’ for those who prefer scary ghost stories to tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.
When an investigation into possessions at a local church results in one of SPR’s members being taken over by the ghost of a young boy, the team must uncover the ghost’s haunting past to save their friend.
6Yuru Camp: Episode 11
What’s Better Than A Christmas Camping Trip?
Yuru Camp just might be the coziest little anime ever made, and its eleventh episode, which sees the unlikely group of friends come together for a Christmas celebration unlike any other, just may be the coziest Christmas special ever made, too.
With A5 ranked beef Sukiyakion the menufor the camp, and Santa cosplay in tow, the girls are all set to enjoy a very merry Christmas in the great outdoors… just as long as they can all make it to the right campsite in time, that is.
5The Disappearance Of Nagato Yuki-Chan: Episode 1
A Holly Jolly Start To Heartfelt Story
The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan might not have been what fans of the Haruhi Suzumiya series were expecting, but the series' lofiromantic comedyelements and laid back atmosphere have come to win over many of its detractors, and Nagato has garnered a cult following as a result.
The Christmas cheer begins right from the get-go here, with Nagato and friends attempting to secure a turkey for their club’s Christmas party, going to extreme lengths to procure the precious bird.
4Junkers, Come Here
The Forgotten Classic
While the entire movie might not take place at Christmastime, Junkers Come Here’s climax and ending certainly do, which means that the film builds toward the Christmas season right from the start, and the resulting film ends up coming across as a Christmas special of sorts.
Junkers Come Here follows the story of a little girl and her talking dog, Junkers, who must keep his ability to speak a secret from the world at large. As the seasons come and go, we learn more about the life they lead, and the strained relationship of the girl’s parents.
3Tokyo Marble Chocolate
A Delightful Little Christmas Short
Christmas Eve is often said to be Japan’s second Valentines' Day, and is the biggest date night of the year for many couples in the land of the rising sun. Tokyo Marble Chocolate uses the time of year as the premise for a charming story about finding a warm love in the cold weather of the season…with the help of a bizarre donkey creature.
Consisting of only two 26 minute OVAs, Tokyo Marble Chocolate may be short, but it uses its short runtime to tell a story that is not easily forgotten.
2Toradora: Episode 19
A Holy Night, Indeed
Toradora is one of the medium’s greatest hits, and a surefire delight for fans of romantic comedies, complete with some of the most beloved characters in anime history, and incredible writing.
The emotional crux of the story comes with the falling snow and festive decorations, as the cast prepares to throw a Christmas party complete with a special musical number. All the while, however, their teacher plans to spend her Christmas Eve on the hunt for prime real-estate.
