The Christmas and New Year season is always synonymous with joy and moments of togetherness. Not only celebrated in the real world, the spirit of this holiday is also felt in the world of anime and manga.
From quirky Santa's to creative Christmas trees, these visuals not only enliven the holiday season, but also serve as a way for creators to bring fans closer to the characters they love.
Here are some must-see illustrations for Christmas and New Year!
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

©Tappei Nagatsuki,KADOKAWA/Re:ZERO PARTNERS
Serial Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- kicked off the 2024 Christmas celebrations on December 11 with an illustration featuring Emilia as Santa, accompanied by Ram and Rem as helpers. Their presence gives fans a warm Christmas feel as they look forward to Second cour from season 3 which will air on February 5, 2025.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

© Yamada Kanehito, Abe Tsukasa /Shogakukan / "Sousou no Frieren" Production Committee
Christmas illustration of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End begins with a visual featuring Himmel as Santa, accompanied by his team in minor roles. Not stopping there, the second visual shows Denken as Santa, with Laufen as a helper and Richter as a reindeer. The series is also currently collaborating with the game Tensura: ISEKAI MEMORIES, adding to the appeal for fans.
OSHI NO KO

©Aka Akasaka x Mengo Yokoyari/Shueisha, "OSHI NO KO" Partners
Ruby Hoshino and Mem-Cho are highlighted in the Christmas special illustrations and video from OSHI NO KO. Meanwhile season 3 are in production, fans are also celebrating the success of the finished manga. These illustrations bring a festive mood with their character's signature touch.
My Hero Academia

© Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project
Christmas illustration of My Hero Academia created by Kohei Horikoshi features an unusual trio: Deku, Bakugo, and Mirko.

© Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project
In addition, additional visuals feature Bakugo with Best Jeanist and Edgeshot, two heroes who have played a big role in his life. By season 8 is scheduled to air in Fall 2025, and the adaptation of Vigilantes coming in April, fans have a lot to look forward to.
Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian (Roshidere)

© SunSunSun/Momoco/KADOKAWA/Alya-san Partners
Roshidere presents a visual featuring Masha and Alya Kujo in a warm Christmas atmosphere. This illustration was released on December 24, which is also Masha's birthday.

© SunSunSun/Momoco/KADOKAWA/Alya-san Partners
The presence of this illustration is a sweet surprise for fans, while waiting for season 2 of this anime.
BLEACH

© TITE KUBO / SHUEISHA, TV TOKYO, dentsu, Pierrot
BLEACH presents a unique illustration with Sosuke Aizen as the main star. A web page specially created, allowing you to get this illustration of Aizen. This concept provides a fun interactive experience.
My Deer Friend Nokotan

© 2020 Oshioshio / Kodansha Ltd.; © Oshioshio, Kodansha / Hino Minami High School Deer Club
Santa Nokotan and Koshitan as Christmas trees are the highlights of the 2024 Christmas celebration from My Deer Friend Nokotan. After the anime finished airing in September, this illustration is a sweet, warm ending.
Dragon Ball

©BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION
The main characters of Dragon Ball appearing in cheerful holiday costumes. In addition to celebrating Christmas, the franchise has also recorded great success through the game DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO. Serial Dragon Ball DAIMA which is currently airing adds to the reasons for fans to stay tuned.
Demon Lord 2099

©︎2024 Daigo Murasaki Creta/KADOKAWA/ Demon Lord 2099 Production Committee
Christmas illustration of Demon Lord 2099 featuring Machina, Takahashi, and Hizuki in Santa costumes. These illustrations are also available for download in high quality at special website, so fans can use it as a wallpaper or profile picture.
The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten

© Saekisan, SB Creative / Anime Angel Next Door Production Committee
Mahiru is featured in the Christmas 2024 illustration. This illustration brings out the charm of the fan-favorite character, while looking forward to season 2 that are in production.
Nights With a Cat

© Kyuryu Z, KADOKAWA/Nights With a Cat
Nights With a Cat presents cute and adorable Christmas illustrations.
Kaiju No. 8

© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
Illustration from Kaiju No. 8 shows Kafka, Kikoru, and Reno in a cheerful Christmas setting, with the addition of Kaiju No. 9 appearing in the background.
Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu suru? (Yes, Shinai!!)

©2024 Nana Nanana / KADOKAWA / Danjoru Production Committee
The series is getting into the Christmas spirit with exclusive illustrations. With the anime scheduled to air in April 2025, these illustrations are the perfect way to boost fan enthusiasm.
With various interesting illustrations of the titles anime and manga, Christmas and New Year celebrations become more festive. Don't forget to share your favorite illustrations on social media and stay tuned for more surprises from the world of anime in the coming year!
If that's not enough, you can also check out the illustrations that were released when this year's Halloween celebration.
Source: Anime Corner