The winter holiday season arrives in World of Tanks with the launch of Holiday Ops 2026, running from December 5, 2025, to January 12, 2026. This year’s holiday spirit shines brighter than ever under the impeccable leadership of world-famous actor Benedict Cumberbatch, whose trademark wit, intelligence, and subtle humour set the tone for the event.
With the start of the event, players will be transported to a dazzling Holiday Village, where daylight reveals cozy snowy scenes and nightfall ignites the sky with fairy lights, lamps, and fireworks. Upon entering it, tankers will receive their first special holiday gift: Strv M/31, a Tier III Swedish light tank complete with a fully trained crew and garage slot. Players will also find the Advent Calendar in the Holiday Village, where opening each door unlocks new gifts and surprises.
At the Village Headquarters, our Holiday Ambassador, Benedict Cumberbatch, welcomes players and gives special assignments, offering bits of life wisdom and sharing inspiring stories along the way. Completing his assignments rewards tankers with his signature customization items, including two distinctive 2D styles, custom decals, and thematic inscriptions.
The event’s centerpiece, the Holiday Ops Challenge, features 56 battle missions that offer players great in-game rewards, including Mr. Cumberbatch as a tank commander: a calm, strategic tactician whose voice guides rather than commands. Players can also earn unique decals and inscriptions reflecting his commander’s mindset, the striking “Resolute” 2D style with a military-inspired look, and Benedict’s Gadgets, a set of collectible 3D attachments.
Watch a new trailer for the holiday season in the player below:
And then the celebration goes to the next level. From December 11 through December 22, the beloved magic tanks return in the fun and fast-paced Winter Raid game mode. This year, the action unfolds across two new maps. One transports players into deep space with stars and planets, while the other turns a gift factory into a holiday combat arena. In Winter Raid, three teams of five will compete to collect and deliver presents to their base. Each commander will take control of a unique tank with its own role and special abilities. Through every battle, players will earn points that can be exchanged for bonds or exclusive 3D attachments.
Join Holiday Ops 2026 event filled with wonders, unforgettable battles, and surprises, and team up with Benedict Cumberbatch as he brings a special touch to this year’s festivities.
