As the chilly winds signal the approach of winter, collectors everywhere anticipate the arrival of a holiday tradition that’s as warm and inviting as a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace: the release of the 2025 Topps Holiday Baseball card set. An annual treat, this collection artfully mixes the core designs from the earlier Topps Series 1, Series 2, and Update, then dresses them up in all the trimmings of the festive season.
Collectors can eagerly prepare to get their hands on these gems, with a presale ready to hit Topps.com on September 22 at the clock of noon EST. Be ready to click quickly, as these tend to sell out faster than a snowflake melts upon landing on your tongue.
Let’s unwrap the several cherished formats Topps has to offer this year, each with its own set of distinct parallels. The first delightful treat on the list is the Advent Calendar. Not unlike its chocolate-filled counterpart, it invites you to savor one delightful pack each day. Hidden behind the twenty doors, you’ll find a selection of packs including an Evergreen parallel pack, along with a couple of nostalgic buybacks that make it a perfect playground for collectors seeking a touch of nostalgia. This can easily be a cherished gift that delivers joy long after it’s opened.
For those preferring a more robust experience, the Collector’s Tin offers a delightful single, chunky pack that’s an all-in-one indulgence. When the ripping is done, you’ll be left with a neat, reusable metal tin that’s both eye-catching and practical for storing your newfound treasures.
Meanwhile, the Mega Box stands as the traditionalist’s choice. Packs come in tens, balanced perfectly between thrill and ease, with format-exclusive glitter parallels that twinkle like stars on a December night.
The base collection from the flagship series consists of 200 cards, presenting a mélange of well-loved subjects including stars and rookies alike. To complement the photographs, holiday-themed borders featuring candy cane stripes, evergreen garlands, and delicate snowflake patterns create a festive aura without overshadowing the player’s image. It’s designed for both display and preserving collector value.
Seasonal parallels keep the festive spirit alive, with variants like Holiday Lights, Holiday Plaid, and Glitter Holiday all making a return. For a more vivid presentation, the new Chrome Holiday arrives with a Gold variation, adding significant appeal for those who relish the shine of a more polished finish.
Short-prints are back with playful holiday-themed variations, nudging your eyebrow up and prompting that satisfying “aha!” moment when you spot them. Be sure to check for the tiny distinguishing code on the card back or have a photo guide handy to confirm your hunches. Also, the announcement of buyback cards provides a delightful homage to days gone by, offering up genuine older Topps cards that have been formally returned to circulation.
While autographs and memorabilia don’t shower down in abundance like snowfall (they’re trickier to come by here than in some other sets), finding one is akin to finding a golden ticket in a chocolate bar. Thematic touches on memorabilia cards, featuring die-cut windows resembling Christmas staples like stockings and trees, add a whimsical flourish that’s perfectly on-brand for the holidays.
Continuing with the theme of festive delight, the beloved ornament die-cuts mimic a stack of presents this year, which some collectors may even hang decoratively. Alongside, the Making the Nice List die-cuts, which celebrate the statistical leaders of the previous season, makes it easy to nab a seasonal greeting card version of your favorite player’s standout moments.
For those strategizing their collecting season, here’s a set of suggestions: For the exclusive finishes, align with the format unique to your preference – explore tins for Holiday Lights or delve into Mega Boxes for Glitter variations. For those uncertain of their shot at grading, soft sleeves and gentle dusting with a microfiber cloth is always recommended, especially given the glitter’s propensity to collect minor marks if left bare.
Tins and Advent Calendars double as entirely giftable packages, particularly for introducing newcomers to the joyful world of card collecting. And if you’re one of the eager beavers chasing those new Chrome Holiday cards, a keen eye on centering and roller lines under bright light will be your best friend.
Mark your calendars with the presale date of September 22, noon EST. Topps will keep collectors updated on the broader release timeline, as they have traditionally seen availability expand to retail locations, local hobby shops, and of course, the vast virtual marketplace.
For those keen to get a taste of baseball card holiday bliss earlier, last year’s records are often accessible through hobby shops or major online retailers, allowing one to cherry-pick their formats, be it a Mega Box, a tin, or the entire Advent Calendar experience.
So, whether you’re a meticulous set builder, an enthusiastic pack ripper, or just someone looking for a festive gift that’s sure to start a new tradition, the 2025 Topps Holiday Baseball set promises to deliver a delightful twist on the winter season that is warmly welcomed each year. As the saying almost goes—’tis the season to be collecting!
