Overwatch 2 fans are counting down to the start of the Winter Wonderland event for 2024.

The festive-themed Winter Wonderland event has a December 19 release date and a 6pm GMT UK start time for PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Featuring a host of Christmas rewards and limited-time game modes, the event runs until January 6. It’s playable alongside the recently introduced 6v6 Experiment mode.

The highlight of the event is the release of the Winter Brawls, which include fan-favourite game mode Mei’s Snowball Offensive.

With players firing deadly snowballs, the mode features 5v5 elimination and free-for-all deathmatch.

Another mode featuring Mei is Yeti Hunt, which is an asymmetrical battle in which five players hunt down a Yeti Winston.

The final limited-time game mode is Freeze Flash elimination, which is described as the game’s take on freeze tag.

“It’s Overwatch’s take on freeze tag, where eliminations are not as permanent, because allies can thaw you so that you can get back into it.”

The Winter Wonderland festivities are accompanied by the chance to earn fresh rewards by completing challenges.

For starters, fans can earn the Causal Hanzo skin, as well as new sprays and name cards to “deck the halls”. 

Best of all, however, is the chance to unlock three new legendary skins for free – and just by playing games. (You can see the skins in the tweet below.)

Blizzard explains more: “When you complete just three fun and festive games, the Merry Marionette Echo Legendary Skin shall be gained.

“Playing a total of six games won’t leave you frosty, because Cassidy’s new Legendary Skin and Highlight Intro will be nice and cozy.

“Finally, playing nine games will be just as sleek, with Widowmaker’s Legendary Skin and Highlight Intro that is totally winter chic.”

It’s also worth pointing out that wins count as double, which means skilled players can earn the skins in super quick time.

Of course, fans can also purchase new festive skins, with the Happy Holly Mercy Bundle joining the item shop. (You can see the Mercy skin at the top of the page.)