The most wonderful time of the year is almost here—at least in Fortnite. Winterfest 2025, Epic Games’ annual festive celebration, is set to return with free gifts, holiday-themed skins, and major crossovers. Leaks have already revealed some massive surprises, including a long-awaited Harry Potter collaboration and a festive Hatsune Miku skin.
If you’re wondering when Winterfest starts, what’s included, and whether the beloved gift cabin is returning, here’s everything we know so far.
When Does Fortnite Winterfest 2025 Start?
There’s no official start date yet, but based on previous years, Fortnite Winterfest typically kicks off between December 13 and December 20.
When Will We Know for Sure?
The v39.10 update drops on December 11, 2025, and dataminers will dig through the files immediately after. Once the patch is live, leakers will have concrete details on:
- The exact Winterfest start date
- All included cosmetics and rewards
- Map changes and event challenges
Expect official confirmation from Epic Games shortly after the update goes live.
Hatsune Miku Festive Skin Leaked
One of the biggest Winterfest 2025 leaks so far? Hatsune Miku is getting a festive skin.
Miku’s First Fortnite Appearance
The Japanese virtual pop star made her Fortnite debut in early 2025 in one of the game’s most successful collaborations. Fans went wild for the original Miku skin, and now she’s returning for Winterfest with a holiday-themed makeover.
How to Get the Winter Miku Skin
It’s unclear if the festive Miku skin will be:
- Available in the Item Shop (requiring V-Bucks)
- Part of the free Winterfest rewards (unlocked via daily logins or challenges)
Given Miku’s popularity, Epic could go either route. If she’s a free reward, expect the Fortnite community to lose their minds. If she’s in the shop, be prepared to open your wallet.
Either way, Miku fans won’t have to wait much longer.
Harry Potter Crossover Confirmed by Leaks
Here’s the big one: Harry Potter is finally coming to Fortnite during Winterfest 2025.
What We Know About the Harry Potter Collab
According to prominent leaker HYPEX, the collaboration will include:
1. Broom Mythic Item
- Likely allows players to fly around the map on a broomstick (similar to Quidditch)
- Could become one of the most fun mobility items in the game
2. Character Skins
- HYPEX didn’t specify which characters, but safe bets include:
- Harry Potter (obviously)
- Hermione Granger
- Ron Weasley
- Possibly Dumbledore, Hagrid, or Voldemort
Which Version of Harry Potter?
The big question: Which Harry Potter universe is this based on?
Option 1: Book version (classic illustrations) Option 2: Film franchise (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint) Option 3: HBO series (expected 2027, but unlikely for this collab)
Most fans expect the film versions, as those are the most iconic and recognizable. Imagine running around the Fortnite map as movie Harry, blasting spells and flying on a broomstick.
Why This Crossover Took So Long
Harry Potter is arguably the biggest franchise that hasn’t appeared in Fortnite yet. Given Epic’s history of collaborating with Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and even anime properties, the absence of the Wizarding World has been glaring.
Licensing issues and Warner Bros.’ tight control over the IP likely contributed to the delay. But it seems Epic finally worked out a deal—and Winterfest 2025 is the perfect time to debut it.
Will the Winterfest Cabin Return in 2025?
One of the most beloved Winterfest traditions is the gift cabin, where players log in daily to open presents. But will it return this year?
Cabin History
- Winterfest 2023: Epic removed the cabin, instead giving everyone one reward when they first logged in. Fans hated this change.
- Winterfest 2024: Epic brought the cabin back due to popular demand, letting players pick their own gifts daily—including a free Snoop Dogg skin.
2025 Prediction
Expect the cabin to return in 2025. Epic learned their lesson in 2023, and the 2024 response was overwhelmingly positive. Players love the interactive aspect of opening gifts, so it’s almost certain the cabin will be part of Winterfest 2025.
What to expect:
- Daily login rewards (skins, emotes, pickaxes, wraps)
- Choice-based gift selection (pick which present to open each day)
- Free cosmetics from past events and new Winterfest exclusives
Expected Map Changes for Winterfest 2025
No Winterfest is complete without a snowy map makeover, and 2025 should be no different.
What We’ll Likely See
1. Snow-Covered Island
- Expect the entire map (or most of it) blanketed in snow, giving Fortnite a wintery aesthetic
2. Christmas Decorations
- Christmas trees in major POIs
- Fairy lights strung across buildings
- Wreaths, ornaments, and festive props scattered around
3. Possible POI Changes
- Some locations may get holiday-themed renames or visual overhauls
- Expect Winterfest-exclusive landmarks for challenges
4. New Weather Effects?
- Snowfall could return, adding atmospheric vibes
- Ice physics on certain surfaces (slippery roads, frozen lakes)
Will the Map Stay Snowy All Season?
Typically, Winterfest map changes last 2-3 weeks, reverting to normal by early January. This keeps the event feeling special without overstaying its welcome.
What Else Could Be in Winterfest 2025?
Beyond the leaks, here are some educated guesses about what else Winterfest might include:
1. Limited-Time Modes (LTMs)
Past Winterfest events featured holiday-themed LTMs like:
- Snowdown Shuffle (soccer with snowballs)
- Operation Snowdown (festive challenges)
- Fortnite Frosty Fights (winter combat modes)
Expect at least one or two festive LTMs this year.
2. Winter-Themed Weapons and Items
Fortnite loves adding seasonal items:
- Snowball Launcher (returning?)
- Ice-themed weapons (freeze mechanics)
- Festive vehicle wraps (reindeer-themed cars?)
3. Challenges and Free Battle Pass Tiers
Winterfest usually includes free challenges that reward:
- Battle Pass XP
- Free V-Bucks (small amounts)
- Exclusive cosmetics
4. Item Shop Bundles
Expect holiday-themed bundles in the Item Shop:
- Past Winterfest skins returning (Frozen Fishstick, anyone?)
- New festive outfits
- Emotes and pickaxes with Christmas vibes
How Long Will Winterfest 2025 Last?
Based on previous years, Winterfest typically runs for 2-3 weeks, ending shortly after Christmas or right before New Year’s.
Estimated timeline:
- Start: Mid-to-late December (Dec 13-20)
- End: Early January (Jan 3-7, 2026)
This gives players plenty of time to unlock all the free rewards and experience the festive content.
Final Thoughts: Winterfest 2025 Could Be the Biggest Yet
With Harry Potter finally arriving in Fortnite, a festive Hatsune Miku skin, and the likely return of the beloved gift cabin, Winterfest 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best holiday events yet.
Epic Games has a proven track record of delivering massive seasonal content, and this year looks no different. Whether you’re a casual player logging in for free gifts or a hardcore fan grinding challenges, Winterfest always has something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for mid-December—the holidays are about to get a whole lot more chaotic in Fortnite.
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