Every ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Christmas Episode In Order

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Though Brooklyn Nine-Nine has many funny episodes, the Christmas ones are particularly memorable. The show is known for Jake Peralta and the precinct crew getting into crazy situations, but those that happen during Christmas feel extra special and charming.

Jake Peralta’s obsession with Die Hard is a running joke throughout Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and it likely explains why the show’s Christmas episodes are so full of action. Even though there are only four Christmas episodes, they’re all uniquely memorable and fun to watch, whether you’re a fan of the holiday season or not.

4
“Christmas”

Season 1, Episode 11


Fox

A key storyline in the first Christmas episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine revolves around Terry Jeffords returning to active duty. When Terry is initially introduced, he’s no longer working as a field officer because he’s worried about leaving his twin daughters. The episode features a funny and touching psych evaluation that gives viewers insight into Terry’s character and what he was like before the series began.

The second half of the episode centers on Jake being Captain Holt’s bodyguard while Holt investigates some death threats. This leads to a lot of funny moments, as Jake enthusiastically acts out scenes from his favorite action movies. Though he initially doesn’t treat the threats seriously, he quickly steps up to protect Holt when things become dangerous. Andre Braugher gives a fantastic performance in this episode—it’s no wonder he received an Emmy nomination for his supporting role in the Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode “Christmas.”

Even though the episode is called “Christmas,” it doesn’t focus much on the holiday itself, but it’s still fun to watch. It kicks off with a lot of action – the opening scene shows Jake and Boyle stopping a fight between two Santas. Terry finally getting back to active duty is a highlight, and there’s a funny, dramatic moment when Boyle is shot while trying to protect Rosa.

3
“The Pontiac Bandit Returns”

Season 2, Episode 10


Fox

“The Pontiac Bandit Returns” is a memorable episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, famous for the return of car thief Doug Judy, who playfully challenges Jake. The episode starts with a thrilling chase through New York City, ending in a Christmas tree lot, where Jake, dressed as Santa, tries to catch Judy. Just when Jake is about to arrest him, Judy offers a deal: information about the mysterious Giggle Pig drug ring in exchange for his freedom.

Okay, let me tell you about this Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode. It’s a genuinely fun watch for pretty much anyone, but honestly, you really need to have seen the earlier seasons to get the most out of it. This is where the ‘Giggle Pig’ storyline really kicks into high gear, and it’s a pivotal moment for Jake and Rosa’s relationship. It’s laugh-out-loud funny – especially Jake’s disastrous attempt at grand theft auto – and we get to see another side of Rosa. Her undercover persona as a drug dealer’s girlfriend is fantastic and proves what a brilliantly layered character she is. While the plot isn’t exactly steeped in Christmas spirit, it’s still a standout episode.

The secondary storylines in “The Pontiac Bandit Returns” fit the holiday theme well. Amy hilariously tries to find the perfect gift for Holt, even though he keeps saying he doesn’t want one, and we see her internal struggle with always wanting to please people. Meanwhile, Boyle and Gina are comically panicked about their parents starting to date, which is extra funny considering they were briefly a couple themselves not long ago.

2
“Yippie Kayak”

Season 3, Episode 10


Fox

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine episode “Yippie Kayak” lets Jake Peralta fulfill his fantasy of being in Die Hard. When he realizes he forgot to get Charles Boyle a Christmas gift, Boyle and Gina join him for some last-minute shopping. Unfortunately, their trip turns into a hostage situation! Even though people still argue about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie, Jake and Boyle’s adventures are always charming. While Jake gets his moment to be an action hero, Gina and Boyle really steal the show in this episode.

Some of the best parts of “Yippe Kayak” include Boyle misquoting Die Hard and Gina using a flamethrower. Terry also shines, especially when he confronts both his brother-in-law and the Vulture. His conversation with Zeke is surprisingly important – it’s actually the last time we see Terry interact with him on screen. Though Terry mentions his family later, Zeke clearly has less of an effect on him after this scene.

This episode centers around Jake’s fantasy of being in Die Hard, and while it’s not heavily focused on Christmas, it does include fun references to past Christmas episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. We see Amy trying to get around Holt’s rule about gifts – leading to a funny opening scene – and Terry bravely jumping into action to help a teammate. The subplot with Holt, Rosa, and Amy participating in a polar swim is a nice addition to the story, but it doesn’t feel particularly tied to Christmas and could happen in any episode.

1
“Captain Latvia”

Season 4, Episode 10


Fox

“Captain Latvia” is the final Christmas episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It features two storylines: Jake and Boyle trying to find a missing gift for Nikolaj, and the precinct’s yearly singing battle with the MTA. Compared to the other three Christmas episodes, “Captain Latvia” feels the most Christmassy and is more centered around the holiday spirit. The episode starts with a hilarious cold open, highlighted by the funny image of Terry comically squeezed against the break room window by a large inflatable Christmas tree.

The first half of the episode is packed with fun, holiday-themed music and funny moments, but Lance Barber truly shines as the delightfully clumsy and intoxicated Patrick. His performance in “Captain Latvia” makes him one of the best guest stars Brooklyn Nine-Nine has ever had, showcasing both his comedic timing and surprisingly strong singing voice. It’s another reminder of why he’s such a consistently great character actor in comedy.

Charles’s natural parenting skills are always heartwarming to watch on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and they consistently help him grow as a character. But his determination to create the perfect Christmas for Nikolaj—especially with the Captain Latvia action figure—makes this episode truly special. Even Jake is impressed by how devoted Charles is to his son, and it feels like this moment changes how Jake thinks about his own relationship with his father, a subject that’s always been difficult for him.

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2025-11-23 19:19