Short and Sweet Anime to Binge in December to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

The holidays are often a mix of joy and stress after a busy year of work or school. Between gift shopping and family events, it can be hard to relax and truly enjoy the season. For anime fans, the upcoming Winter 2026 season adds to the excitement, but also means less time for watching. Luckily, a few short and comforting anime series – both older and newer – are perfect for a quick, cozy watch with a warm drink and comfortable blankets, and can help brighten the holidays.

Lots of anime feature Christmas episodes, but this list includes shows that capture the feeling of the season in other ways. Many emphasize the importance of family – whether biological or chosen – and heartwarming connections. Others create a cozy winter vibe with beautiful scenery and characters who are kind, inspiring, and generous. Throughout these shows, you’ll find themes of love and hope, and many are short enough to enjoy in one sitting, making them ideal for relaxing after a busy day of holiday preparations.

All anime series on this list are available to stream on Crunchyroll unless otherwise noted.

Yotsuiro Biyori

Few things are more comforting than relaxing in a cozy cafe with a warm drink, a fresh pastry, and a good book. While the 12-episode anime Yotsuiro Biyori might not scream ‘Christmas,’ it captures the spirit of the season through its themes of community, kindness, and comforting atmosphere. The Rokuhodo cafe, run by Sui and his staff, is a haven where people can find support and a little relief from life’s challenges – whether it’s stress at work or family issues. The staff offer helpful advice, a delicious meal, and a tasty treat to brighten everyone’s day. Gure, the coffee expert, is a particular standout, dedicated to spreading joy, one customer at a time.

Sometimes you just want a heartwarming show that’s easy to watch, but still leaves you feeling good. Yotsuiro Biyori is like that – it can make you appreciate your own family, or even feel like you’ve found a new one, filled with supportive friends who are always there for you.

Laid-Back Camp

Since its debut in 2018, Laid-Back Camp has become the go-to anime for relaxing, seasonal vibes. The show follows a group of high school girls as they explore Japan through camping trips. Surprisingly, it’s also a helpful guide to camping, offering detailed information on essential gear and safety tips for solo adventures.

It’s really enjoyable to watch Rin expertly build a campfire and cook, or to see Nadeshiko happily discover the joys of camping, even when it’s cold. While the series Laid-Back Camp isn’t short – it has three seasons of 12-13 episodes each – it’s easy to watch casually because the story is relaxed and doesn’t have a lot of intense plot points. And good news for fans: a fourth season is coming soon!

Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable!

Hokkaido Gals are Super Adorable is packed with moments designed to please fans, so it won’t appeal to everyone. However, if you’re looking for a lighthearted romantic comedy to take your mind off the holidays, this is a fun choice. The story follows Tsubasa, who moves from Tokyo to the frigid northern region of Hokkaido and struggles to adjust to the new culture and weather. Luckily, he meets Minami, a playful local who cheers him up with her charming Hokkaido accent. Fans of dubbed anime will also appreciate the choice of a Minnesotan accent for Minami, which perfectly captures her personality.

If you enjoyed My Dress-Up Darling, you’ll likely appreciate this show, as it shares similar characters and a vibrant visual style. While it does follow some familiar romantic comedy tropes, its charming and lighthearted winter romance makes it a great fit for this list. Viewers interested in Japanese culture might also pick up a few new insights.

Pretear

Many magical girl fans have overlooked the 2001 series Pretear, but it’s a real treasure. Created by Junichi Sato – the director behind popular shows like Sailor Moon, Ojamajo Doremi, and Pretty Cure – this 13-episode anime centers on Himeno, who unexpectedly finds herself battling demons threatening to destroy all life on Earth. While it’s shorter than some other magical girl series, allowing for less character development, Pretear makes up for it with a fast-paced, focused story that cuts out unnecessary scenes.

This series is full of holiday spirit, with snow being a key element – the main character’s name even means ‘light snow’ in Japanese! From the instantly festive opening theme to the charming art style reminiscent of the early 2000s, it evokes a nostalgic feeling. Plus, with its focus on fresh starts, it’s a perfect watch as we look ahead to 2026.

Kanon

Most of the shows on this list are fun and easygoing, but Kanon is different – it’s more emotionally complex. This Kyoto Animation series is set in a snowy Japanese town and follows Yuichi, who returns after seven years hoping to recover lost memories. He meets five girls who were all part of his past. Though the art style isn’t always praised, the show’s themes are still discussed today, almost twenty years later, and with good reason.

There’s just something about Kanon that feels like the holidays to me! It’s all about the beautiful scenery and, more importantly, the really deep connections between the characters. Each of the five girls has this unique bond with the main character – some are like family, others are best friends, and even a couple have a history as rivals or exes. It’s a really emotional ride, full of unexpected twists, and honestly, if you’re looking for a Christmas anime that’ll let you have a good cry, this is definitely it!

Alice & Zouroku

Similar to the series Pretear, Alice & Zouroku draws inspiration from classic fairy tales, especially Alice in Wonderland, with many references to its characters and creatures. The story centers around Zouroku, a grumpy old florist, who meets Sana, a young girl escaping from an organization that wants to recapture her due to her powerful psychic abilities. Despite his initial reluctance, Zouroku takes Sana in and tries to help her live a normal life, essentially becoming her grandfather as comical events unfold.

Grandparents often play a big role in making holidays special. Many of us have fond memories of them – grandma baking, or grandpa enjoying a football game. The anime Alice & Zouroku beautifully highlights how important these relationships are, and reminds us not to take them for granted. The series gently shows how the people who raised us shape who we become.

Toradora!

The anime Toradora, released in 2008, is still a fan favorite romantic comedy. It’s a funny series about Ryuji and Taiga, who initially try to help their friends fall in love, but end up developing feelings for each other. Despite being very different people – and Taiga’s tendency to be a bit aggressive – they find themselves drawn together. The show stands out because of its well-developed characters and smart storytelling, making it incredibly easy to watch again and again.

Toradora is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.

This show earned its place on the list thanks to its three heartfelt Christmas episodes, which really focus on developing the characters. Instead of just being cheerful, Toradora explores more complex feelings around the holidays, like disappointment and insecurity. It acknowledges that the holidays can be tough when expectations aren’t met, or when gifts don’t feel worth the effort. Ultimately, it shows us that getting what you want for Christmas isn’t always the same as getting what you need.

Tamako Market

No matter where you are in the world, sweet treats are often a key part of the holidays. In the anime Tamako Market, Tamako is a skilled mochi maker who helps run her family’s shop. The show follows her daily life in Kyoto, along with her friends, family, and a rather unusual character – a talking bird looking for a partner. This 12-episode comedy is a charming look at everyday life and the simple joys it brings.

Tamako Market is currently available to stream on HIDIVE.

With its charming winter setting and Kyoto Animation’s warm, inviting style, Tamako Market is a relaxing show that focuses on connecting with its characters. It explores relatable experiences like dealing with crushes or overcoming anxieties – such as Tamako’s fear of public speaking – and reminds viewers that everyone faces similar challenges.

Yuri on Ice

Yuri Katsuki is a figure skater who hopes to reach the top, but a recent loss leaves him discouraged. Unexpectedly, a video of his performance goes viral, catching the eye of his idol, Victor Nikiforov – a world-renowned champion. To Yuri’s surprise, Victor offers to coach him, a dream come true, and inspires him to believe that anything is possible.

It might seem a little too perfect to recommend Yuri on Ice for a winter holiday watch, but it truly fits the bill! This touching series is full of strong emotional connections, amazing music, and complicated relationships, all centered around the pursuit of even the most challenging dreams. As we approach the new year, this 12-episode show could be just the inspiration viewers need to make 2026 their best year yet.

Flying Witch

While a show about a witch might feel like a Halloween treat, Flying Witch is actually a charming and gentle series focused on cozy vibes rather than spooky magic. It follows Makoto, a young witch-in-training, as she moves from the city to the countryside with her cat, Chito, to learn more about witchcraft from her relatives. Instead of scares, the show highlights Makoto’s passion for creating potions, her adjustment to rural life, and the beauty of nature – it even includes helpful tips on identifying edible plants and herbs! Flying Witch is a prime example of iyashikei anime, designed to be relaxing and soothing for viewers.

Episode eight really captures a cozy winter feeling, with a magical café and lots of delicious treats. While the show doesn’t focus on any particular holiday, its overall comfort makes it a great watch, especially when you’re feeling down or a little sad during the Christmas season. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for a chilly day.

2025-12-08 20:38