GTA Online: Festive Surprise 2016 Now Live

It seems that 2016 is the year of thematic DLC retreads in GTA Online. First, we got a somewhat disappointing Halloween DLC that was just a re-release of 2015's Halloween Surprise plus a new bike that was a tad overpriced while being nothing more than a showpiece. While this year's Festive Surprise is a definite improvement, it doesn't bring too much new to the table.

Unless you count the new customizable supercar, that is. While the new ride isn't strictly speaking part of the holiday celebrations, we might as well chalk it up as an early Christmas present to the community, seeing as it is one mean ride. We are of course speaking of the all new Truffade Nero and Nero Custom.

But first, Christmas. This year's Festive Surprise brings back all the content from previous holiday DLCs including all kinds of clothing items and masks. New content includes sweaters and special festive hats, all of which can be redeemed for free alongside all other festive character customization items from previous updates.

That said, a few ugly Christmas sweaters aren't the only things Rockstar brought to the table this holiday season. A set of three light-up bodysuits with a festive theme to them has also been added to GTA Online. These bodysuits cost $GTA 100,000 each, and work much like the Deadline outfits in the sense that you can alter the illumination settings in the interaction menu.

Naturally, the fireworks launcher has also made a triumphant return, with ammo for the weapon being stocked at Ammunation, and being given away on Christmas Eve.

Players waiting for the much-anticipated snowfall event in GTA Online will have to wait. Much like last year, snow won't be covering the map of the game throughout the festive period, rather it will only be around for a limited time. No concrete dates have been set for when the snow will fall, but if last year is anything to go on, we'll see the white on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Unrelated to the festivities, the game has also been updated with the Truffade Nero, the first post-release car to be added to the Import/Export DLC. The Nero is also serviced by Benny's Original Motorworks, allowing you to customize the ride much more extensively than at Los Santos Customs. The stock vehicle costs $GTA 1,440,000.

Naturally, the fireworks launcher has also made a triumphant return, with ammo for the weapon being stocked at Ammunation, and being given away on Christmas Eve.

In spite of the caption "A God-Emperor Among Supercars", the Nero doesn't exactly blow all others out of the water. That said, it's a strong contender and in the hands of a skilled driver it can be a winning ride. Based on Broughy1322's tests, the stock Nero is the fifth fastest car for racing, while the fully upgraded Nero Custom is fourth. The RE-7B still reigns supreme, while the Pfister 811 retains the fastest top speed in a straight line.

Since it's the season to be generous, Rockstar is rewarding players of GTA Online simply for logging into the game. Through the 2nd of January, simply loading into the game will unlock a swanky Bold Pinstripe Smoking Jacket and Pajama set. You might as well look dapper when you open all those presents near the fireplace of your high-end apartment.

Even though the Import/Export snapmatic competition is still underway, Rockstar has now kicked off yet another venue for budding photographers to profit from their trade. Through the 2nd of January, you can send festive submissions focusing on the content of the holiday DLC in for a chance at nabbing one of the five grand prizes of $GTA 1,000,000.

Since no event would be a true event lacking a double RP and cash promo as well as a hearty lineup of discounts, Rockstar has packed a few of these into their festive season. Through the 22nd of December, players will earn twice as much RP and cash for playing rounds of Turf Wars, the new Adversary Mode added to the game in the recent Import/Export update.

While the double rewards promo only lasts until Thursday (probably only to be replaced by another), the discounts will be sticking around until the 2nd of January. All items in the lineup are going at a 25% discount.

On offer are the Enus Super Diamond and Nagasaki Shotaro in terms of transportation — the latter of which is particularly welcome due to the high price and great performance. Resprays and neons are also part of these discounts, allowing you to trick out your rides on a budget.

If you'd like to shed the chains binding you to the solid ground, the Buckingham Volatus and Nimbus are both also on sale, as are Eclipse Towers Penthouses, Stilt Houses and High End Apartment Interiors while the event lasts. Naturally, since you can encounter a grinch at any time, weaponry is also going on the cheap. The Compact Grenade Launcher, Sweeper Shotgun, Mini SMG and Compact Rifle are all included in the sale.

And of course what would any event announcement be like without the inevitable Premium Race rotation? GTA Online's finest racers will be able to compete for the large cash prize of first place in the Plummet stunt race. Regardless of your performance, you'll be awarded with triple RP, making the endeavor worth the risk.

Which part of GTA Online's in-game festivities excite you the most?