The annual Fortnite Winterfest celebration has finally arrived, bringing with it a treasure trove of holiday-themed goodies that have players buzzing with excitement. I've been diving into all the festive action since day one, and I'm thrilled to share my insights on how to make the most of this year's event, which runs until January 4th, 2026. The centerpiece of Winterfest 2025 is the cozy Lodge filled with 14 presents just waiting to be unwrapped—including two coveted free skins that are the talk of the community.

The Winterfest Lodge: Your Holiday Gift Hub

Walking into the Winterfest Lodge feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The crackling fireplace, twinkling lights, and of course, the pile of colorful presents create an atmosphere of anticipation that reminds me why this event has become such a beloved tradition in the Fortnite universe.

Have you ever felt that childlike excitement of seeing presents waiting to be opened? That's exactly what Epic Games has recreated here. Each day, players can unwrap a new gift, with rewards ranging from emotes and sprays to back blings and loading screens. But let's be honest—we're all here for the skins, aren't we?

The Crown Jewels: Cheeks and Glacial Dummy Skins

Among the 14 presents, two tall green packages on the left side of the lodge have captured everyone's attention. These aren't just any presents—they contain the exclusive Winterfest skins: Cheeks and Glacial Dummy. But here's the catch: you can't just grab them right away.

Remember when your parents would tell you to save the best present for last? Epic Games seems to have taken that advice to heart. The Glacial Dummy skin (in the left green present) requires patience—you'll need to unwrap seven other gifts before it becomes available on December 25th. What better Christmas present could a Fortnite enthusiast ask for?

The Cheeks skin, housed in the right green present, demands even more patience. You'll need to open 13 other presents before getting your hands on this adorable character, making it available on December 31st. Talk about ending the year with a bang! Could there be a better way to ring in 2026 than dropping into a match with this exclusive skin?

My Strategic Unwrapping Plan

After several years of participating in Winterfest events, I've developed a strategic approach to gift selection. While some players simply click on whatever present catches their eye first, I recommend a more methodical approach.

Here's my personal unwrapping strategy for Winterfest 2025:

1. Start with smaller presents - These typically contain sprays, emotes, or loading screens

2. Move to medium-sized boxes - Often hiding pickaxes, gliders, or back blings

3. Save the special packages - The distinctively shaped ones usually contain unique items

4. Target the green presents - Once you've opened enough gifts to unlock them

What makes this year's Winterfest particularly exciting is the quality of the free skins. In my expert opinion, both Cheeks and Glacial Dummy are well-designed characters that would easily be worth 1,200-1,500 V-Bucks in the item shop. Getting them for free? That's the magic of Winterfest.

Beyond the Presents: Winterfest Challenges

While the presents are the main attraction, don't forget about the Winterfest challenges! These special quests offer additional rewards and XP boosts that can help you progress through this season's battle pass. As someone who's already completed half of them, I can tell you they add an extra layer of fun to the standard gameplay loop.

Some of my favorite challenges include:

Challenge	Reward	Difficulty
Slide 100m continuously on ice	Snowflake Banner	⭐⭐
Eliminate opponents at Snowy POIs	20,000 XP	⭐⭐⭐
Dance near holiday decorations	Festive Wrap	⭐
Win a match wearing a Winterfest outfit	Special Loading Screen	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Timing Is Everything

One crucial tip I can't stress enough: don't miss a day! While you can technically catch up on missed presents (Epic has implemented a system allowing players to open multiple presents if they fall behind), why risk it? Set a daily reminder if needed—it takes less than a minute to log in and claim your gift.

Have you considered how quickly Winterfest will be over? With only 14 days of gifts, January 4th will arrive before we know it, and the Lodge will disappear until next winter. The exclusivity of these items is what makes them special—many Winterfest rewards never return to the item shop.

Final Thoughts

As we enjoy the winter holidays both in-game and in real life, Winterfest 2025 represents Epic Games' continued commitment to providing free, high-quality content to the Fortnite community. In an era where many games nickel-and-dime players with microtransactions, it's refreshing to see such generous offerings.

So bundle up, drop into the snow-covered island, and make sure to visit the Lodge daily. The Cheeks and Glacial Dummy skins await those patient enough to earn them—and trust me, they're worth the wait. Will you be rocking the Glacial Dummy on Christmas Day? Or are you holding out for Cheeks to celebrate New Year's Eve? Either way, happy hunting, and enjoy the frosty festivities! ❄️🎮