As 2025 winds down, Xbox and EA are unwrapping a special gift for gamers—ten straight days of exclusive EA Play rewards, challenges, and trial access for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members. From December 15 to 24, members can dive into a daily spotlight event featuring some of EA’s biggest franchises, from EA Sports FC 26 to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. This festive campaign, dubbed EA Play’s Holiday Picks, combines free content, limited-time trials, and in-game challenges designed to keep players engaged all season long.
EA Play’s Holiday Picks On Game Pass: A Season of Perks
Every Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass member already gains access to EA Play as part of their subscription. But this December, EA is turning up the cheer with an event that highlights ten different titles, each offering special experiences, rewards, or member-exclusive discounts. It’s a yearly reminder of how deeply EA Play integrates into Game Pass — not just as a games library, but as a continuous stream of evolving content.
From sports showdowns and sci-fi adventures to creative simulations and competitive shooters, every day introduces something new to explore or earn. Whether you’re a football fanatic, MMA brawler, or city-building strategist, EA Play’s lineup ensures there’s a reason to log in and play daily.
Days 1–4: Sports Dominate the Opening Round
EA kicks things off with its world-class sports lineup:
- Day 1: EA Sports UFC 5 opens the festivities with high-impact MMA action. Fans can reimagine the octagon’s biggest fights or shape new rivalries with updated fighters and mechanics from the 2025 roster.
- Day 2: EA Sports College Football 26 continues the momentum with a 10-hour trial and the EA Play Loyalist Ultimate Team Pack (available through Dec. 31). Replay last season’s bowl games or try to rewrite history by leading your alma mater to victory.
- Day 3: The celebration shifts to the pitch with EA Sports FC 26. A 10-hour trial and Holiday Header Blue Boots cosmetic (available through Dec. 25) bring extra flair to every match. Show off your festive style in Clubs or recreate legendary league matchups.
- Day 4: Madden NFL 26 rounds out the opening sports blitz. Members can try the game for 10 hours, grab a MUT EA Play December Pack, and lead their team toward postseason glory ahead of the upcoming NFL playoffs.
It’s rare to see four major EA franchises showcased back-to-back — proof that EA Play is treating this event like a premium gaming festival.
Days 5–7: From A Galaxy Far, Far Away to Global Racing Tracks
After a string of athletic matchups, the event transitions into cinematic and strategic gameplay experiences.
-
Day 5: Star Wars fans get double the fun with Star Wars Battlefront II and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Choose between massive multiplayer battles or an immersive single-player story as Cal Kestis. Players are encouraged to switch allegiances—Light or Dark—as part of the challenge for the week.
-
Day 6: Battlefield 6 takes the spotlight with a challenge tailored for hardcore FPS fans. Members get a 10% discount on the Standard or Phantom Edition along with the EA Play Deployment Pack and Season 1 Pack (available through Jan. 19). Completing in-game feats like destroying 10 structures in a single match earns bragging rights and bonus rewards.
-
Day 7: The racing world gets a turn with EA Sports F1 25. Players can jump into a 5-hour trial and earn a 5,000 XP Boost (through Dec. 31) while competing to set new personal bests. The challenge? Beat the fastest lap record on your favorite circuit and share your run with the EA Play community.
These midweek highlights cater to different kinds of players — from adrenaline-fueled destruction to precision driving — offering something new every day.
Days 8–10: Style, Creativity, and Chill Vibes to Close It Out
EA’s final stretch of its holiday lineup embraces customization, creativity, and social fun:
-
Day 8: In Apex Legends, players can redeem the Gold Topper Weapon Charm (available through Jan. 5). This subtle but flashy reward is perfect for adding a festive twist to your favorite loadout during the winter season.
-
Day 9: Step away from competition and unwind with The Sims 4, which remains free-to-play. Members receive 10% off all expansion packs through EA Play. It’s the perfect chance to design a cozy holiday retreat, build a city apartment loft, or host an in-game celebration for your Sim family.
-
Day 10: The finale focuses on skate., the long-awaited return to the skating genre. Members receive 10% off San Van Bucks, which can be used to unlock the Premium skate.Pass, cosmetics, and exclusive gear. The event’s final challenge invites players to “drop in” to San Vansterdam and showcase their style.
Wrapping up the 10-day celebration with The Sims 4 and skate. embodies the versatility of EA’s offerings — from self-expression to skill mastery.
How to Access These Offers
To take part, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members simply need to log into their accounts, install EA Play titles via the Xbox app or EA app, and check the EA Play Member Benefits page for the latest challenges and available rewards. Specific perks, like cosmetic packs and in-game bonuses, are typically claimable through EA’s reward hub or directly within the selected games.
While each daily feature highlights a particular title, most rewards remain live through late December or early January — ensuring players can catch up even if they miss the exact date.
The Bigger Picture: A Win for Subscription Gaming
This holiday event underscores how far subscription gaming has come under Microsoft’s ecosystem. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate isn’t just a way to save money — it’s become an evolving digital playground that extends across platforms. Partnerships like EA Play amplify Game Pass’s value, giving gamers access not only to a massive game library but also to special events that keep engagement high year-round.
As 2026 approaches, these recurring collaborations suggest that both Xbox and EA are betting big on keeping their communities active between launches — turning every season into a chance to re-engage players with fresh, curated experiences.
EA Play’s Holiday Picks
Between festive challenges, unique rewards, and generous trial access, EA Play’s Holiday Picks is a standout celebration of the best in sports, action, racing, and creative play. Whether you’re stepping into the Octagon, wielding a lightsaber, or building your dream world in The Sims 4, Xbox and EA are making sure there’s something magical waiting for every type of gamer this holiday season.
To stay on top of all EA Play benefits, players can follow EA Play on Twitter or visit the official EA Play member site. With so much to explore, this December looks like one of the best months yet for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members.
Discover more from Microsoft News Now
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
