Comprehensive Guide To Free Holiday Rewards In Gta Online For The 2025-2026 Season

Grand Theft Auto Online, the expansive multiplayer component of Grand Theft Auto V, regularly features limited-time events that provide players with opportunities to earn in-game items without spending additional in-game currency. During the holiday season, specifically from mid-December through early January, Rockstar Games typically hosts a "Christmas" or "Festive" update. Based on recent reports and official announcements regarding the 2025-2026 holiday period, players can access a variety of free gifts, vehicles, and cosmetic items simply by logging into the game or completing specific activities.

The following guide details the specific free rewards available, the methods to obtain them, and the relevant timeframes for redemption, based on information released for the current holiday event.

Available Free Gifts and Rewards

The primary method for acquiring free items during the holiday event is logging into GTA Online during specific date windows. Rockstar Games distributes these rewards directly to player accounts.

General Login Rewards

Players who log into GTA Online between December 23 and January 7 will receive a bundle of free items. The contents of this bundle include both new and returning cosmetic and utility items.

• Season's Greetings Sweater: A new festive clothing item introduced for the current holiday season.
• New Year Fireworks Bodysuit: A new cosmetic bodysuit designed for the holiday celebration.
• Snowball Launcher: A returning weapon that allows players to engage in snowball fights.
• Candy Cane: A melee weapon available during the event.
• Firework Launcher with 20 Firework Rockets: A weapon item accompanied by a supply of ammunition.
• Consumable Refills: The package also includes refills for snacks, body armor, and ammunition.

Newsletter Subscriber Bonus

Players who are subscribed to the Rockstar Games Propaganda email newsletter and log in between December 18 and December 31 will receive a specific cosmetic item.

• Red Festive Tree Hat: This item is distributed to eligible accounts within 72 hours of logging in during the specified window.

Specific Vehicle Rewards

In addition to the general bundle, specific vehicles are offered for free during limited windows or as rewards for specific actions.

• Buckingham SuperVolito Carbon: This helicopter is available for free claim at Elitás Travel for players who log in between December 23 and December 29. According to reports, this vehicle can be upgraded with a Missile Lock-On Jammer at a hangar.
• Vapid FMJ MK V: This vehicle is available for free to GTA+ subscribers. The offer is valid until early January.

Event-Specific Challenges and Rewards

Beyond simple login bonuses, the holiday event features limited-time modes and challenges that allow players to earn specific cosmetic rewards by completing objectives.

Snowman Hunt

A recurring holiday activity involves finding and destroying snowmen hidden throughout the game world.

• Objective: Find and destroy all 25 snowmen located on the map.
• Availability: This challenge is active between December 23 and December 29.
• Reward: Successfully completing this challenge unlocks the Snowman Outfit.

The Gooch Event

This limited-time adversary mode involves tracking down a specific target.

• Objective: Locate and defeat "The Gooch."
• Reward: Defeating The Gooch rewards the player with The Gooch Outfit.

Weazel Plaza Shootout

This mode involves a combat scenario against bank robbers.

• Objective: Stop the bank robbers at the Weazel Plaza location.
• Reward: Completing this objective rewards the player with the WM 29 Pistol.

eCola Happy Holidays Hauler

A dynamic event involving a vehicle driving around the map.

• Activity: The eCola Happy Holidays Hauler drives around dropping gifts.
• Loot: Gifts dropped by this vehicle can contain sweaters, cash, RP (Reputation Points), ammo, and snacks.

Bonus GTA$ and RP Opportunities

The holiday event also serves as a prime time for players to earn in-game currency and reputation points at an accelerated rate.

Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid

A specific heist-style mission, the Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid, offers a significant financial bonus for completion during the event period.

• Availability: The bonus payout is available through January 7.
• Payout Structure:
  • Leaders: Completing the finale as a leader grants a one-time bonus of GTA$500,000.
  • Associates/Bodyguards: Associates and bodyguards participating in the finale also receive a bonus of GTA$500,000.

General Multiplier Events

Historically, Rockstar Games applies multipliers to specific activities during holiday events. While specific multipliers for the current event vary by week, players can generally expect increased earnings on select missions and job types. These events allow players to earn GTA$ and RP faster than standard gameplay rates.

Seasonal Environment and Modes

The visual atmosphere of Los Santos changes during the holiday event, contributing to the seasonal experience.

• Snowfall: Snow covers the streets and countryside of Los Santos. Reports indicate snowfall is present from at least December 18 through December 29.
• Returning Modes: Several holiday-themed game modes are available in the rotation:
  • Yeti Hunt: A mode focused on tracking a creature.
  • Snowball Fights: A combat mode utilizing snowballs.
  • The Gooch: An adversary mode.
  • Weazel Plaza Shootout: A combat defense mode.

Summary of Redemption Methods

To ensure players do not miss out on available rewards, the following is a summary of the required actions based on the provided timeline:

1. Log in between December 18 and December 31: To receive the Red Festive Tree Hat (requires newsletter subscription).
2. Log in between December 23 and January 7: To receive the general bundle of gifts (Sweater, Bodysuit, Weapons, Refills).
3. Log in between December 23 and December 29: To claim the free Buckingham SuperVolito Carbon helicopter.
4. Complete Snowman Hunt (Dec 23–29): To unlock the Snowman Outfit.
5. Defeat The Gooch: To unlock The Gooch Outfit.
6. Complete Weazel Plaza Shootout: To unlock the WM 29 Pistol.
7. Complete Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid (through Jan 7): To earn the GTA$500,000 bonus (Leader or Associate).

Conclusion

The GTA Online holiday event for 2025-2026 provides a substantial volume of free content for active players. By adhering to the specific login dates and participating in limited-time challenges, players can acquire new clothing items, powerful vehicles, and weapons without spending in-game currency. Additionally, the event offers significant opportunities to accumulate GTA$ and RP through boosted payouts on specific missions like the Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid. Players are advised to monitor the in-game map and weekly updates for specific locations of snowmen and event playlists to maximize their rewards before the event concludes on January 7, 2026.

Sources

1. GTA 5 Is Giving Players Free Gifts For Logging On During The Holiday
2. GTA Online: Weekly Christmas Update Brings Free Festive Gifts, Outfits, Limited-Time Events, and More
3. New GTA Online Event Week: Christmas Special - All Rewards & Features
4. All Christmas Gifts in GTA Online and How to Get Them
5. GTA Online Christmas Winter Update 2025