Animal Crossing New Horizons characters and players participating in various activities on the shore.
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If you're tired of Animal Crossing being your go-to cozy game for the winter, a surprise December update for another comfortable title might give you the fresh experience you need for the holidays. Disney Dreamlight Valley is getting new features in its Winter Ball expansion, including the overdue arrival of a new character. With multiple events, cosmetics, and other items to unlock, this update has plenty to explore.
The announcement of the Winter Ball update actually came from the official X account for Disney Dreamlight Valley, marking the exact date when the expansion will happen. The cover art for the update showcases the new featured character, Cinderella, as well as her Fairy Godmother helping her attend the festivities. This reveal for the game was unexpected, and has left many players excited about other content for the future.
Disney Dreamlight Valley Is Getting A Big Update Soon
Mid-December Marks A Large Addition To The Popular Game
Disney Dreamlight Valley Winter Ball update with Cinderella, Fairy Godmother, and custom characters
On December 10, 2025, the Winter Ball update for Disney Dreamlight Valley will go live, giving players much more cozy content to experience. This expansion adds a variety of features, including a playtested mode that finally allows for greater multiplayer co-op. Similar to past events, the Winter Ball will only last for a limited time, making it perfect to complete over the holidays after some preparation.
The Winter Ball event's content will remain even when it concludes, but two limited-time events during the update will have specific start and end dates.
Like you prepared for previous Disney Dreamlight events, there are some tasks you should do to get your inventory ready for everything Winter Ball has to offer. Some goals you might want to pursue before the event starts are:
- Grow Pumpkin plants for Cinderella's carriage.
- Farm Gemstones that might help with Cinderella's outfit.
- Complete other character quests to know how Cinderella's might be structured.
- Build a high Friendship with the Fairy Godmother.
These are speculative, but knowing the Fairy Godmother is by far the most important objective here. With Cinderella being the new character in the Winter Ball update, her connection to the Fairy Godmother undoubtedly makes her a character you'll want to know prior to forming a friendship with the girl with the crystal slipper.
Everything Coming In The Winter Ball Update
Events, Characters, And Quests Introduced Alongside New Multiplayer Features
Disney Dreamlight Valley character riding elk from Frozen into winter-themed area
As was mentioned before, Cinderella comes as a new character in the Winter Ball update, probably the largest part of the expansion. Cinderella has been locked away, hidden behind a magical enchantment you'll need the help of the Fairy Godmother to break. This story quest will help you add Cinderella to your valley, joining alongside other characters you've recruited from other updates.
Cinderella also has a variety of Friendship Quests to deepen your bond with her, which come with unique rewards. Hanging out with Cinderella will help you complete a new Star Path too, named "Warmer Winter." Completing some basic tasks with Cinderella and Olaf might let you collect several cosmetic items, from winter-themed clothing and furniture to a special Festive Baby Pegasus for your Valley.
Players can also purchase the Cinderella Mega Bundle from the Premium Shop, which has items that give Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother new looks. Other holiday items inspired from Frozen are also in the Bundle to receive as well.
One of the biggest new features for Disney Dreamlight Valley in the Winter Ball update is DreamTeams, a multiplayer system teased in prior expansions. DreamTeams allow you and up to seven friends to join together, sharing items between each individual player. Teams can customize their motto, motif, and share photos with each other as long as they're grouped up.
The Winter Ball will feature two separate events, listed below:
- "The Gift of Giving" — starts on December 17, 2025, and ends on December 31, 2025
- "Winter Floating Festival" — starts on January 7, 2026, and ends on January 28, 2026
The increased opportunities to team up with friends makes this update even more exciting, whether you're a long-time player of this game or not. Veterans of Disney Dreamlight Valley can expect this new content to give them much more to do, while beginners will have a wonderful winter backdrop to building their Valley for the first time as the expansion continues.
9.7/10
Disney Dreamlight Valley
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed Life Simulation Casual Systems
OpenCritic Reviews
Top Critic Avg:
75/100
Critics Rec:
77%
Released
December 5, 2023
ESRB
Everyone / In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Gameloft
Publisher(s)
Gameloft
Engine
unity
10 Images
Close
Multiplayer
Online Co-Op
Franchise
Disney
Platform(s)
PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PC, iOS
Genre(s)
Life Simulation, Casual
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