ACNH Event Tier List 2025 - Best Events & Holidays in Animal Crossing New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated players worldwide with its charming life simulation set in real time. One of the key joys of island life is the variety of special events and holidays scattered throughout the calendar year, each bringing unique activities, festive décor, and exclusive rewards. For those looking to make the most out of their in-game year, knowing which events stand out can truly enrich the Animal Crossing experience.

ACNH Event Tier List 2025 - Best Events & Holidays in Animal Crossing New Horizons

Throughout the year, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a rotating schedule of events and holidays inspired by real-world celebrations and unique in-game traditions. Some of these occasions span several days and invite players to participate in themed activities, collect exclusive items, and interact with beloved NPCs. Others are more modest, offering limited-time rewards via the Nook Shopping app. The most memorable events require active participation, whether it's delivering gifts, racing against the clock in fishing tournaments, or solving clever mazes. These annual festivities give players reasons to return to their islands, interact with neighbors, and create lasting memories.

1. May Day

Topping the list, May Day offers a unique experience unlike any other event in New Horizons. From April 29th to May 7th, players embark on a special Mayday Tour using a ticket from Tom Nook. The tour features an intricate maze filled with puzzles that require strategic thinking and resourcefulness. At the end of the maze, players reunite with Rover and receive a special briefcase item. The inclusion of bell vouchers and the maze’s clever design make this event truly memorable. Its originality and engaging gameplay cement May Day as the best event in Animal Crossing: New Horizons for 2025.

2. Halloween

Halloween is a fan favorite, taking place on October 31st and hosted by Jack. The event starts at 5:00 p.m., with villagers dressed in costumes and engaging in trick-or-treating. Players collect candy throughout October to prepare for the big night, exchanging treats for unique items, DIYs, and special reactions. The festive music, costumes, and interactive elements make Halloween a highlight of the year.

3. Festivale

Festivale is a vibrant, carnival-inspired event filled with confetti, music, and dancing. Hosted by Pave, players collect colorful feathers in exchange for festive items. Villagers join in the fun, donning costumes and dancing in the plaza. The ability to participate in the dancing through special reactions purchased at Nook’s Cranny adds even more excitement. The immersive transformation of the island and the infectious energy of Festivale make it one of the year’s standout events.

4. Turkey Day

Turkey Day, inspired by Thanksgiving, is hosted by Franklin the chef. Players gather ingredients from around the island to help Franklin prepare a four-course feast. If you’re missing ingredients, you can trade with neighbors, fostering a sense of community. Completing each recipe unlocks the ability to cook the dishes yourself, making this event both interactive and rewarding. The collaborative spirit and unique gameplay set Turkey Day apart from other holidays.

5. Toy Day

Toy Day is Animal Crossing’s take on Christmas, bringing festive cheer and gift-giving to the island. Jingle the reindeer enlists your help to deliver presents to villagers, requiring you to craft festive wrapping paper and distribute gifts. The inclusion of every villager in the event, along with the cozy winter atmosphere and special DIYs, makes Toy Day a memorable and rewarding holiday.

6. Bug Off

Similar to the Fishing Tourney, the Bug Off is hosted by Flick and challenges players to catch as many bugs as possible within a time limit. The event feels even more fast-paced, and the rewards—such as the bug wand, butterfly backpack, and toy bugs—are particularly adorable. The Bug Off edges out the Fishing Tourney thanks to its charming item rewards and the excitement of chasing down elusive insects.

7. Fishing Tourney

The Fishing Tourney, hosted by CJ, occurs several times a year. Players compete in three-minute time trials to catch as many fish as possible, earning points and selling their catches for a higher price. Points can be redeemed for fish-themed items, making the event both profitable and fun. The fast-paced gameplay is a refreshing change, but it’s disappointing that villagers don’t actively participate in the fishing themselves.

8. Red's Fireworks Show

Every Sunday in August, Red’s Fireworks Show lights up the night sky. This cozy, recurring event is a delightful way to mark the end of summer. Red’s raffle offers handheld items and snacks perfect for photos, and custom firework designs add a personal touch. Though enjoyable, some players find other events more rewarding or engaging, placing this event in the middle of the rankings.

9. New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve brings a festive countdown in the plaza, complete with party poppers, hats, and a light stick from Isabelle. Villagers gather for fireworks and music, creating a celebratory atmosphere. However, the event feels dated due to the lack of updated celebratory items; balloon arches only represent 2021 or 2022, leaving later years unrepresented. This oversight dampens the excitement and makes the holiday feel neglected in recent updates.

10. International Museum Day

Celebrated from May 18th to May 31st, International Museum Day features a stamp rally that encourages players to visit each museum exhibit. Collecting stamps is a wholesome activity that highlights the museum’s role on the island, and the stamp cards themselves are adorable. Unfortunately, the only reward for participating is a matching wall plaque, which feels underwhelming after multiple rounds of the rally. The event could benefit from more meaningful or imaginative rewards.

11. Wedding Season

Running through the entire month of June, Wedding Season takes place at Harv’s Island. Players help Reese and Cyrus commemorate their anniversary by designing photo shoots and themed sets, earning heart crystals to exchange for wedding-themed items. The event is undeniably cute, and the wedding furniture set is a favorite among many. However, the repetitive nature of the daily builds can become monotonous, especially for those less enthusiastic about interior decorating. While a charming concept, it doesn’t offer enough variety to rank higher.

12. Bunny Day

Bunny Day is modeled after Easter and takes place between March 22nd and April 25th. The event unfolds over eight days, culminating with Zipper's arrival on Bunny Day itself. While the idea of hunting eggs around the island seems fun, the reality often feels tedious. Eggs overwhelm the island and basic daily activities are repurposed for egg collection. Many fans consider this event too drawn out and not engaging enough, especially compared to other holidays that offer more themed activities. Although Nintendo adjusted the event to be less intrusive than its original iteration, Bunny Day still lands at the bottom of the list for many players.