Jingle those bells and “ho ho ho!” Winter Veil is here! Whether your goal is to ambush your crush under the mistletoe or to start a playful snowball fight in the street…there’s something for everyone at this time of year. Expect the fun and the random, as you’ll be doing everything from transforming into Santa’s gnome helper to riding Metzen the Reindeer on your quests. Don’t fancy gnomes? How about transforming into a snowman instead? If you’re not fan of the dramatic, some Northrend humanoid bosses now drop stylish Green or Red Winter Hats upon death this year. Hopefully you’ve been good though, as Great-father Winter will come bearing coal for the wicked and gifts of non-combat pets for the good under his tree.

The event itself runs from December 15th to January 2nd. The Alliance celebrations take place in Ironforge, and the Horde celebrations in Orgrimmar. All major cities are appropriately decorated to help their residents get into the Christmas cheer. In every inn you’ll find a Winter Reveler, who when /kiss-ed (at most once an hour) will reward you with something special in return. This can be a Handful of Snowflakes, Fresh Holly or Mistletoe, and will all come in handy when working towards Winter Veil-specific achievements.

Completing all the necessary achievement requirements will grant you the title of Merrymaker. You’ll have to wait another full year before you get the chance to work towards it again, so be sure to make it count. One of the more interesting achievements – With a Little Helper From My Friends – involves transforming into a gnome and racking up 50 honourable kills. The catch is that you transform back into your normal self upon death (or shapeshift!), so it may you entering a battleground a number of times. Backgrounds, in most cases, are the quickest road to completion of this achievement (especially as a healer).

Winter Veil comes bearing a good number of quests for players to play through too – including dailies. 2009’s event, however, bears no difference to 2008’s quest-wise, so if you don’t fancy working towards the Merrymaker title or replaying quests you’ve done in the past, there’s nothing new in this department. Should this not be the case, however, expect to spend a good deal of time doing them.

There are even special seasonal recipes for the Leatherworkers, Tailors and Cooks among us. The former two can enjoy crafting Winter Clothes, and Cooks are to thank for any Hot Apple Cider floating around town. But please, don’t get drunk on the streets – there are children about!

Should you prefer to simply buy what you need instead of crafting it yourself, keep an eye out for Smokeywood Pastures vendors who have a number of items available that you will only find around this time of the year. These are the people to consult should you wish to give your character a seasonal makeover. They, of course, have food and drink available too, as well as patterns and various other fun goods.

And that’s about it! All that’s left to do is log on and join in on the cheer. Merry Christmas!