Splatoon 3’s Frosty Fest Returns to Ring in 2026 with a Holiday-Themed Splatfest

In a delightful surprise for Inklings and Octolings who thought they had seen the last of the major festivities, Nintendo has announced that Splatoon 3’s annual winter event, Frosty Fest, is making a comeback early next year.

Despite Nintendo previously winding down “regular updates” for the shooter, the game has enjoyed a significant revival recently, bolstered by updates for Nintendo’s successor console. Now, players have one more reason to jump back into the ink-splattered action as they kick off 2026.

Event Details: Dates and Theme

The festivities are set to begin just after the holiday rush. According to the official announcement, the Frosty Fest in-game event will run from January 9, 2026, to January 11, 2026.

As always, the centerpiece of the event is a new Splatfest battle. This year’s holiday-themed question asks players to reflect on their seasonal social habits: “Who do you spend the holidays with?”

Players will choose between three distinct teams:

• Friends
• Family
• Solo

A Second Wind for Splatoon 3

The return of Frosty Fest highlights the impressive longevity of Splatoon 3. While the game’s initial content cycle has concluded, 2025 proved to be a year of resurgence for the title. Following the launch of the “Switch 2” in June 2025, Splatoon 3 received a substantial free update that boosted the game’s resolution and frame rate, breathing new life into the competitive scene.

This event serves as a perfect opportunity for veterans to return and for newcomers on the new hardware to experience one of the game’s most atmospheric seasonal events.

Looking Ahead: Splatoon Raiders

The news of Frosty Fest comes alongside other exciting developments for the franchise. Nintendo has also confirmed a new spin-off title, Splatoon Raiders, which is slated for release exclusively on the Switch 2 later in 2026. While details on the spin-off are still emerging, the continued support for Splatoon 3 suggests the franchise is as healthy as ever.

Whether you prefer partying with pals, gathering with relatives, or enjoying a peaceful holiday alone, get your Splattershots ready for January 9th. Which team will you be repainting the town for?