The holiday season in Fortnite is about to get a whole lot more magical. Epic Games has confirmed that Winterfest 2025 will launch on December 18, bringing with it not just the usual festive cheer but what appears to be the game's first-ever collaboration with the Harry Potter universe.
According to multiple sources tracking the game's seasonal events, this year's winter celebration will also feature a winter-themed Hatsune Miku skin and transform more of the battle royale map into a snowy wonderland.
Fortnite Winterfest 2025 Launch Times Across Regions
| Region | Local Time | Date |
|---|---|---|
| North America (PT) | 4:00 AM | Thursday, December 18 |
| North America (ET) | 7:00 AM | Thursday, December 18 |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 12:00 PM | Thursday, December 18 |
| Europe (CET) | 1:00 PM | Thursday, December 18 |
| Brazil (BRT) | 9:00 AM | Thursday, December 18 |
| Japan (JST) | 9:00 PM | Thursday, December 18 |
| Australia (AEST) | 10:00 PM | Thursday, December 18 |
If you're wondering about the timing, here's the thing: Winterfest traditionally kicks off in mid-December, and this year follows that pattern perfectly. TechRadar reports the official start date as December 18, while other gaming outlets note that every previous Winterfest has launched between December 15 and 21.
The event arrives as part of Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 1, which has already been serving up Hollywood celebrities and even a Kill Bill-themed chapter, so adding wizards and magical brooms to the mix feels like a natural next step.
What makes this Winterfest particularly interesting is the rumored Harry Potter collaboration, which multiple leakers and dataminers have been buzzing about. According to reports from Vice and Radio Times, the crossover will include character skins and a Broom Mythic item that players can use in battle.
The exact characters haven't been confirmed yet, but the presence of Harry Potter-themed content represents a significant expansion of Fortnite's already massive crossover universe. Meanwhile, a winter-themed version of virtual pop star Hatsune Miku from the Icon Series is also reportedly part of the package.
The seasonal transformation goes beyond just new skins and items. Leakers analyzing footage from recent trailers have spotted that more of the map will be covered in snow this year, though the extent of snow coverage hasn't been officially confirmed.
This builds on last year's Winterfest, which featured Mariah Carey and saw certain parts of the island blanketed in snow. The cozy Winterfest Cabin, where players can unwrap presents, is also expected to return based on patterns from previous years.
Here's what we know about how to access the goodies: both the Harry Potter and Hatsune Miku skins are reportedly available as free gifts through a gift unwrapping feature, continuing Fortnite's tradition of offering substantial free content during seasonal events.
The event will run through early January, giving players plenty of time to collect all the festive items before the holiday season wraps up.
The Harry Potter collaboration in particular taps into one of the most beloved fantasy franchises globally, potentially attracting both existing players and new audiences who might be drawn to the magical crossover.
It's also worth noting that this comes during Chapter 7 Season 1, which has been positioning Fortnite as not just a battle royale but a platform for diverse entertainment experiences.
As with any major Fortnite update, there are always questions about how these changes will affect competitive play. Tournament organizers typically exclude seasonal gameplay features from official competitions, so players shouldn't expect to see broomsticks flying around in ranked matches.
But for the casual majority of Fortnite's massive player base, Winterfest 2025 looks set to deliver exactly what holiday events should: festive fun, free rewards, and memorable crossovers that make the game feel fresh during the most wonderful time of the year.
The countdown is on : Winterfest begins December 18, and if past events are any indication, players can expect a generous helping of holiday magic mixed with Fortnite's signature brand of chaotic, cross-cultural fun.
