Winter
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 Artwork of winter from New Horizons | |||||||||||
 Northern Hemisphere months
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| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | ||||||
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||||||
Southern Hemisphere months 
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| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | ||||||
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||||||
| Weather | |||||||||||
| Clear, Snow | |||||||||||
Winter in the Animal Crossing series is a season that starts on November 26 and ends on February 24. In the southern hemisphere in New Horizons, winter starts on May 26 and ends on August 24.
The weather of winter consists mainly of snowy, cloudy days. Snow may fall as soon as late November / May, but will not settle until December 11 / June 11 (December 10 in Animal Crossing). With the settling of the snow, snowballs can be found dotted around the town. These can be rolled up and joined together to make snowfolks, or to discover and catch a Dung Beetle. Because of the cold setting, winter has the least amount of critters to catch.
During December, all existing cedar trees will be decorated with flashing lights, which alternate between blue, green and red. Any new cedars planted will lack the lights, and after the first week of the year, all lights will disappear. In the northern hemisphere, a huge frequency of snowy weather will be around Toy Day. Auroras can also form during clear winter nights.
Throughout winter in New Horizons, the player has the opportunity to catch Snowflakes and receive Large Snowflakes from Snowboys. Additionally for the northern hemisphere, from December 15 to January 6, any cedar trees with light will, when shaken, produce Red, Blue, and Gold Ornaments for DIY projects.
Events[edit]
Below is a list of events during winter, what happens during each, in which game, and when. Note that hemispheres are only accounted for in New Horizons.
| Event | Dates (In 2024 when applicable) | Games | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Tourney | Wild World: January 20, February 25, and December 15 City Folk/New Leaf: January 20, February 10 and December 14 New Horizons (Northern Hemisphere): January 13 New Horizons (Southern Hemisphere): July 13 |
Wild World City Folk New Leaf New Horizons |
Chip (or Tortimer in Wild World and C.J. in New Horizons) will set up a stall in the Plaza. Prior to New Horizons, Chip (or Tortimer) will challenge the villagers of the town to catch the biggest fish (either overall or a specific type of fish). In New Horizons, C.J. will ask players to catch as many fish as possible within a 3 minute time range. The Fishing Tourney lasts from 9 AM to 6 PM, after which the winner is rewarded a trophy (or in New Horizons, the player can continue redeeming points for fish swag until 8 PM). |
| Flea Market | Wild World: February 3 and December 7 City Folk: January 28, February 25, and December 22 |
Wild World City Folk |
Players can visit villager's homes and buy selected items of furniture. Likewise, villagers can visit the player's house and buy items from them, at a price set by the player. In Wild World, the Flea Market will not occur likely due to New Year's Day. |
| Igloos | January, February, and December | Animal Crossing New Leaf |
Throughout the season, one of the villagers from the player's town may decide to live in an igloo for a day. Players that visit them can chat or play winter games, or in New Leaf, convince them to move in. If the player spends enough time in the igloo, they may receive one of several exclusive snowy gifts. This event is the winter equivalent to the Summer Campers. |
| Lighthouse Watching | January to February | Animal Crossing | Tortimer may ask the player to turn on the lighthouse every night for seven nights (one week) as he leaves for vacation in January or February. If the player turns the light on for seven consecutive days, Tortimer will reward the player with either a Lighthouse Model or Chocolates. |
| La-Di-Day | January 13 | Wild World | On this day, the player can hear villagers' suggestions for a new town tune. After the tune is sung to the player, they can decide whether or not they want it saved as the town's new melody. |
| Yay Day | January 28 | Wild World | Villagers swap compliments with the player, and may refer to them infrequently after the event. |
| Bright Nights | February 5 to 13 | Wild World | Villagers decorate their houses with lights, and the player may go to Tortimer to vote each day on the house they like best. The winning villager will be given the title of Bright Star at the end of the week. |
| Valentine's Day | February 14 | Animal Crossing City Folk New Leaf |
In Animal Crossing, the player will receive letters from various villagers. The more the villager likes the player, the better the gift they are given will be. In City Folk and New Leaf, the player will receive a letter from the villager that they are friendliest with. This villager is always of the opposite gender. The letter contains a box of chocolates, which can be eaten. Brewster will prepare a cup of hot chocolate for the player if they visit The Roost. |
| Wedding Season | June (Southern Hemisphere) | New Horizons | Harvey will ask the player to take anniversary photos of Reese and Cyrus's wedding in Harv's Island. Players are rewarded with heart crystals which can be used to purchase wedding furniture from Cyrus. |
| Fireworks Show | August 4, 11, 18, 25, and (Southern Hemisphere) | New Horizons | The winter nights come alive in the town with a fireworks display. Isabelle will give the player special items in the Plaza. Redd will also be there to sell raffles for items. |
| Winter Solstice | December 21 | City Folk ( )New Leaf |
The shortest day in the player's town/island. In City Folk, Tortimer stands outside the town hall, giving the player a snowglobe. In New Leaf, the sky is all dark all day. Isabelle will be in the Event plaza, giving the player a Blue Glow Stick. |
| Toy Day | Animal Crossing: December 23 City Folk/New Leaf/New Horizons (Northern Hemipshere): December 24 |
Animal Crossing City Folk New Leaf New Horizons |
In Animal Crossing, the player can visit the wishing well during the day to find and talk to Tortimer, who will then give the player a toy: a Dolly if the player is a girl, and a Miniature Car if the player is a boy. On December 24 after 8 PM, Jingle the reindeer will distribute presents to players, but only if he fails to recognize them after the initial prize-giving. To do this, the player must change into different outfits. In City Folk, the player may have to search for him inside empty neighbor houses. In New Leaf, he'll ask the player to distribute presents to villagers instead. This is carried over to New Horizons, except Jingle will be present all day. |
| Countdown | December 31 (Northern Hemisphere) | Animal Crossing Wild World City Folk New Leaf New Horizons |
Starting at 6 AM (or 5 AM in New Horizons) on December 31, Tortimer, Isabelle, or Tom Nook (depending on the game) will stand outside in the plaza with a large countdown clock, which will count down the seconds till midnight and is adorned either with the town's flag and/or flashing lights. In the final hour before the new year, villagers will talk about their past year, and the music will change several times, building tension during the last minute with a beep for every second. After midnight, fireworks will go off in the sky and residents will wish the player a happy new year. |
Nook Shopping seasonal events (New Horizons)[edit]
The following is a list of events celebrated through the Nook Shopping app in New Horizons.
| Event | Dates | Items | Hemisphere | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nanakusa Gayu | January 5 to February 7 |  Nanakusa gayu |
Northern | "This dish is a porridge of rice made with seven herbs, eaten on the morning of January 7th to celebrate Jinjitsu. It's easy on the stomach, which can be helpful after all the holiday treats." |
| Carnival of Venice | Varies by year (earliest start on January 15) |  Venetian carnival mask |
Northern | "This carnival started in 12th-century Italy, after people danced in the city square to celebrate their victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia. Masks let people enjoy the carnival without the rigid social burdens of class." |
| Big Game Celebration | January 15 to February 15 |  Football cheer megaphone  Fiery cheer megaphone  Starry cheer megaphone  Glittery cheer megaphone  Football rug |
Northern | "Whether a championship is on the line or it's a showdown with a rival team, folks love to get into the spirit of the competition with all kinds of football-themed decor and game-day accessories. Go, team!" |
| Lunar New Year | Varies by year (earliest start on January 20) |  Lunar New Year decoration  Lucky red envelope |
Northern | "The beginning of the lunisolar new year is celebrated in many parts of Asia. Hanging certain red and gold decorations is said to bring peace, happiness, or good fortune!" (Lunar New Year decoration)
"The start of the lunisolar new year is celebrated in many parts of Asia. In some areas, such as China, children are given red envelopes filled with money to wish for their good health. Don't spend it all in one place!" (Lucky red envelope) |
| Seollal | Varies by year (earliest start on January 20) |  Bokjumeoni lucky pouch |
Northern | "The start of the lunisolar new year is celebrated in many parts of Asia. In South Korea, children are given small bags filled with money to wish for their good health. Don't spend it all in one place!" |
| Setsubun | January 25 to February 3 |  Bean-tossing kit |
Northern | "Mainly celebrated in Japan. People throw beans outside as they shout, "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!" This is said to ward off "demons," such as sickness and disaster, and invite a year of good health and peace." |
| Groundhog Day | January 25 to February 2 |  Resetti model |
Northern | "Every year, a special groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd. Legend says if it sees its own shadow, winter will continue for another six weeks. If it doesn't see its shadow, spring will arrive early!" |
| Valentine's Day | February 1 to 14 |  Chocolate heart  Heart-shaped bouquet |
Northern | "February 14th is Valentine's Day. Celebrated worldwide, people give cards, chocolates, flowers, and other gifts to sweethearts and to others who may be dear to them." |
| Dragon Boat Festival | Varies by year (earliest start on May 18) |  Festival zongzi |
Southern | "Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year according to the lunar calendar in parts of East Asia, this holiday is meant to ward off disease. Steamed sticky-rice dumplings are typically served." |
| Dano Festival | Varies by year (earliest start on May 18) |  Surichwi tteok |
Southern | "Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year according to the lunar calendar, in South Korea this holiday is for praying for a bountiful harvest and warding off bad luck." |
| Father's Day | June 1 to 30 |  Thank-you Dad mug  Thank-you Dad apron |
Southern | "Father's Day is when we say, "Thanks for watching out for me, Dad!" But what should go into a gift mug for fathers? How about all your love, for starters?" (Thank-you Dad mug)
"Father's Day is when we say, "Thanks for watching out for me, Dad!" Although the holiday is celebrated at different times around the world, the gratitude and respect for dads is the same everywhere." (Thank-you Dad apron) |
| International Children's Day | June 1 to 15 |  Handmade cape  Handmade crown |
Southern | "This event is for celebrating children growing up in good health, while thanking those who raised them. If you've ever been a good kid or raised one, flip your cape in a superhero way!" (Handmade cape)
"This event is for celebrating children growing up in good health, while thanking those who raised them. Those who behold your new crown will be compelled to kneel before your royal...royalness." (Handmade crown) |
| Wedding Season | June 1 to 30 |  Nuptial bell  Nuptial doorplate  Nuptial ring pillow  Flower-petal basket |
Southern | "There's a saying that June brides will be happy forever, which is perhaps linked to the month of June being named after Juno, the goddess of marriage and birth. Also, June is just a nice month to have a wedding!" |
| Tanabata | July 1 to 7 |  Bamboo grass |
Southern | "Celebrated on July 7th, this is the one day that the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi—represented by the stars Vega and Altair—can meet. Write a wish on tanzaku paper, hang it from bamboo, and wish on the stars!" |
| Marine Day | Varies by year (earliest start on July 6) |  Ship-wheel door decoration |
Southern | "This Japanese holiday celebrates the many blessings that the sea provides. It is a day to acknowledge the role of the ocean in cultural exchange, trade, and prosperity for a country surrounded on all sides by water." |
| Le 14 juillet | July 10 to 20 |  Phrygian cap |
Southern | "The city of Paris celebrates this holiday with a large military parade followed by a spectacular fireworks show at night. This cap is a symbol of freedom in the style of those worn during the French Revolution." |
| Cowboy Festival | July 15 to August 15 |  Rodeo-style springy ride-on |
Southern | "Many countries have their own cowboy-themed celebrations, but this one is inspired by Brazilian traditions. We hope this springy ride-on toy will help you get into the spirit!" |
| Cowherd & Weaver Girl Day | Varies by year (earliest start on July 22) |  Orihime outfit  Hikoboshi outfit |
Southern | "Based on the star-crossed story of two lovers who were only allowed to meet once per year. Perhaps you'll think of reuniting with someone dear to you when you wear this special outfit." |
| Obon | August 10 to 16 |  Eggplant cow  Cucumber horse |
Southern | "Celebrated mainly in Japan, it is said that ancestral spirits will visit the living beginning on August 13th, arriving on creatures made from cucumber and eggplant before departing once more on the 16th." |
| Tomato Festival | August 20 to 31 |  Tomato Festival tee |
Southern | "This festival, inspired by one that originated in Spain, has participants tossing squished tomatoes at one another for a splat-filled hour between 11 AM and noon. Better put on a Tomato Festival tee quick!" |
| Winter Solstice | December 15 to 22 (Northern Hemisphere) June 15 to 21 (Southern Hemisphere) |
 Midwinter sweater  Aurora wall  Bathtub with yuzu  Tangyuan |
Both | "The winter solstice is the day with the least daylight all year. Put on this sweater to send chilly Old Man Winter running!" (Midwinter sweater)
"The winter solstice is the day with the least daylight all year. This wallpaper depicts that mystical shining light of clear winter skies, the aurora borealis. It's so magical that you'll forget how cold it is outside!" (Aurora wall) "The winter solstice is the day with the least daylight all year. In Japan, one might take a bath with yuzu on this day to avoid catching a cold. Yuzu is an aromatic citrus fruit with a strong but relaxing scent." (Bathtub with yuzu) "The winter solstice is the day with the least daylight all year. In China, people often enjoy tangyuan, a clear, sweet soup mode of rice-flour dumplings, to celebrate this day." (Tangyuan) |
| Ōmisoka | December 22 to 31 |  New Year's noodles |
Northern | "In Japan, many celebrate the new year with toshikoshi-soba ("year-passing soba") for good luck. The noodles' length is a symbol of long life, and the ease of cutting them represents cutting away misfortunes." |
| Silvester | December 22 to 31 |  Berliner |
Northern | "A Berliner Pfannkuchen is a type of German pastry filled with jam and topped with sugar—not unlike a jelly donut. They're available year-round, but are a traditional treat in Germany for New Year's celebrations." |
| Nochevieja | December 22 to 31 |  Twelve-grape dish |
Northern | "You eat las doce uvas de la suerte ("the 12 grapes of luck") at midnight on New Year's Eve for good fortune. As the bell tolls 12, you eat one grape for each ring. That's not a lot of time to eat 12 grapes!" |
| New Year's Eve | December 22 to 31 |  Olivier salad  Sparkling cider |
Northern | "This salad, a staple of New Year's celebrations in Russia, came about at the end of the 19th century. It was invented by Lucien Olivier, but since his recipe wasn't publicized, nobody knows the "official" way to make it." (Olivier salad)
"No party to celebrate the new year is complete without everybody raising a glass of sparkling cider together. Reflect on the past year and wish everyone a good year to come… Cheers!" (Sparkling cider) |
| Shōgatsu | December 22 to January 5 |  Kadomatsu  Kagamimochi  New Year's shimekazari  Otoshidama envelope  Osechi |
Northern | "Japanese tradition has it that Toshigami-sama, a god of the new year, visits each house on the first of the year to bless it. The kadomatsu is like a signpost to welcome him in." (Kadomatsu)
"In Japan, kagami-mochi ("mirror mochi") is set out as an offering to Toshigami-sama. On January 11th, you break the mochi apart and eat it, sharing out the spirit contained within for good health." (Kagamimochi) "Shime-kazari are Japanese rope decorations said to purify the home. They welcome Toshigami-sama in and keep impurities out. Place one on your door to protect yourself from misfortune!" (New Year's shimekazari) "Otoshidama is a gift of money given to children by adults at Shōgatsu. Long ago, people gifted mochi rather than money. It's said the name comes from Toshigami-sama's "tamashii," or spirit, which lived within that mochi." (Otoshidama envelope) "The boxes, filled with various foods and stacked atop one another, represent your good luck piling high. Many different foods are eaten as osechi, but all share the symbolic meaning of good fortune." (Osechi) |
| New Year's Day | January 1 to 15 |  2021 celebratory arch  2022 celebratory arch  Yut Nori  Zodiac dragon figurine |
Northern | "An arch bearing the Gregorian calendar's number for the new year. If you pass beneath this arch while carrying your hopes and dreams in your heart, you're certain to have a good year!" (2021 celebratory arch & 2022 celebratory arch)
"Yut Nori is a traditional Korean board game. Instead of dice, it is played with wooden sticks called "yuts." Play it with family on New Year's, but don't get so into it that you have the first fight of the year!" (Yut Nori) "Some folks put out zodiac figurines or statuettes to protect their houses and invite good luck throughout the year. Leave out this decoration for good fortune!" (Zodiac figurines) |
Characters[edit]
| Name + Icon | Description |
|---|---|
 Chip |
A beaver who hosts the Fishing Tourney in Animal Crossing: City Folk and Animal Crossing: New Leaf. |
 C.J. |
A beaver who hosts the Fishing Tourney in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. |
 Snowfolk |
Characters who can be made out of snowballs in the winter. If a snowman is made to the correct proportions, he will reward the player with a piece of snowman furniture. Snowmen can be spoken to, and stay around the town for three (four in Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Animal Crossing: New Horizons) days, melting a bit more every day. There are four kinds of snowman in Animal Crossing: New Leaf and each gives different furniture out. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Snowboys will give out DIY recipes of the Frozen Series, alongside a Large Snowflake to use to make furniture with them. |
 Harvey |
A dog who hosts Wedding Season on his own island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. |
 Reese |
An alpaca who will award the player heart crystals during Wedding Season in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. |
 Cyrus |
An alpaca who will allow the player to purchase wedding furniture using heart crystals during Wedding Season in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. |
 Isabelle |
A dog who runs the Fireworks Show on Sundays in August. |
 Jingle |
A reindeer who appears on December 24th to distribute presents. |
 Tortimer |
A tortoise who is the mayor of the player's town. He hosts some events. |
Critters[edit]
These are the fish, bugs and sea creatures that appear during winter.
Fish[edit]
Bugs[edit]
Sea creatures[edit]
Birthdays[edit]
Northern hemisphere[edit]
Southern hemisphere[edit]
Items[edit]
The following items are exclusive to the winter season.
Clothing[edit]
In Animal Crossing, all clothing items have a season and probability group (A, B, or C) associated with them. Each town favors a certain probability group for clothing and this can be manipulated using feng shui. There are 165 clothing items available in winter, of which 29 are exclusive to the season.
List of winter clothing in Animal Crossing
380 
Gallery[edit]
Artwork[edit]
Screenshots[edit]
A perfectly proportioned snowman in City Folk. Note the characteristic snowy clouds of winter in the sky.
A bulletin announcing the arrival of a cold front in City Folk.
Poster borders[edit]
Thumbnail
Border frame
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Nintendo Switch Online profile icon backgrounds[edit]
 Seasons
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