Fortnite downtime is underway right now for Winterfest 2025, the annual Christmas event. Servers will be back online in 90 minutes after maintenance concludes. Epic Games launched update v39.11 at 4 AM ET on December 18 to prepare for the festive celebration.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Downtime Duration: 90 minutes of scheduled maintenance for version 39.11
- Start Time: 4 AM ET / 1 AM PDT / 9 AM GMT on December 18, 2025
- Expected Restart: 5:30 AM ET / 2:30 AM PDT / 10:30 AM GMT
- Matchmaking: Disabled 30 minutes before full server downtime begins
What Is Winterfest 2025 Bringing to Fortnite?
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When servers return online, players will find new map changes featuring frost and snow covering the Golden Coast region. The beloved Winterfest Cabin makes its triumphant return, allowing players to open daily presents throughout the event. This year’s seasonal celebration promises multiple rewards and collectibles for completing challenges and exploring festive locations.
Epic Games has promised one of the most exciting crossover lineups in recent memory. New cosmetics and collaborations will roll out across multiple days starting immediately after servers come back online.
Which Celebrity Skins and Collaborations Are Coming?
| Crossover/Skin | Release Date |
| Harry Potter Skins | December 18, 2025 |
| Snow Miku (Hatsune Miku) | December 19, 2025 |
| SpongeBob SquarePants (Patty Wagon) | December 19, 2025 |
| Bleach Anime Skins | December 20, 2025 |
| Sabrina Carpenter (Santa variant) | December 22, 2025 |
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The crossover event also introduces new Sidekicks including Baby Groot, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Dr. Emmett Brown from Back to the Future. Players will have the option to equip these companions during matches for added cosmetic flair.
How Long Will the Winterfest Event Run?
While Epic Games hasn’t officially announced an end date, previous Winterfest events typically run through early January, giving players several weeks to unlock cosmetics and complete seasonal challenges. The Winterfest Cabin becomes the hub for daily gift openings, rewarding dedicated players with free cosmetics each day they log in.
Epic Games also confirmed support for 5-player squads launching alongside Winterfest, expanding teamplay from 4-player to 5-player configurations in Battle Royale mode. This represents a significant change to core gameplay mechanics within the seasonal update.
“Winterfest blows into the Golden Coast! Downtime for v39.11 begins at 4 AM ET with matchmaking ending shortly beforehand.”
— Fortnite Status, Official Epic Games Account
Important Update for Xbox Players: Download Size Warning
Xbox Series X|S users should note that Epic Games issued a specific warning about file size for this update. The v39.11 download may require significantly more storage space on Xbox devices compared to PlayStation 5 and PC versions. Players running low on drive space should consider deleting other games before attempting the update.
The 90-minute maintenance window provides plenty of time for the update to roll out across all platforms. For those eager to jump in immediately after servers return online, ensure your Fortnite application has room to download and install the full update package without interruption.
Will Fortnite Return Online on Schedule at 5:30 AM ET?
Epic Games has listed 90 minutes as the official downtime duration, suggesting servers should be fully operational by 5:30 AM ET on December 18. However, extended maintenance occasionally occurs if unforeseen technical issues arise during deployment. Players should monitor the official Fortnite Status page for real-time updates if delays occur.
The timing ensures morning players in most North American time zones can jump into Winterfest by early morning hours, while European and international players will have access during their afternoon and evening. This scheduled downtime marks the final major update before Fortnite’s Christmas break, making Winterfest 2025 the centerpiece finale for 2025’s seasonal events.
Sources
- Express.co.uk – Official Winterfest release date and Xbox downtime details
- Epic Games Official Status – Scheduled maintenance and timing confirmation
- TechRadar – Winterfest 2025 event details and crossover lineup
Annabelle Ink is a gaming journalist and lifelong gamer who lives and breathes video game culture. From console releases to esports tournaments, this dedicated journalist brings insider knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to every review and feature. Her expertise spans multiple gaming platforms, helping readers discover their next favorite game while staying connected to the pulse of the gaming industry.