Beloved Horton family members return home for the holidays – including a pair of supercouples – and two Salemites receive surprise visitors, according to Days of our Lives spoilers. Meanwhile, two characters that have spent months in the friend zone finally share a kiss, and another DiMera surfaces in the crypt, surprising his abducted siblings. Here’s your DAYS video preview for the week of December 22-26, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The Horton family gathers for Christmas traditions, with beloved relatives — including two supercouples — returning home.
- Holiday surprises pop up all over Salem, from a touching reunion in Bayview to a bold Kiriakis doorstep arrival.
- Two friends finally cross the line from the friend zone with a spur-of-the-moment kiss.
- A long-absent DiMera resurfaces in the family crypt, shocking his abducted siblings.
Traditions and Reunions
It’s Christmas week in Salem, which means the traditional hanging of ornaments on the Horton family’s tree. The huge clan gathers at Julie’s (Susan Seaforth Hayes) home, and there are many returned loved ones on hand. Joining Julie are Jack (Matthew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Lucas (Bryan Dattilo), Eli (Lamon Archey), Lani (Sal Stowers), and more.
Young Thomas (Christopher Cary) leads the crowd in a rendition of Silent Night, where he appears to have made amends with his dad, Chad (Billy Flynn). Later, the father, son, and young Charlotte (Autumn Gendron) hang the late Abby’s Christmas ball on the tree, while Eli and Lani embrace Julie, after she hangs the late Doug’s (Bill Hayes) ornament.
Surprise Visitors
Across town, Marlena (Deidre Hall) pays a special visit to her granddaughter, Rachel (Alice Halsey), at Bayview. The young girl is thrilled to see her and runs into her arms.
Meanwhile, the shunned Xander (Paul Telfer) throws caution to the wind and arrives at the Kiriakis mansion bearing a very large gift. Might it be the late Victor’s (John Aniston) portrait, which he previously confiscated? “Merry Christmas, Maggie (Suzanne Rogers),” he offers gingerly. Maggie appears touched.
Kiss, But No Mistletoe
In Horton Square, a couple of friends get caught up in the holiday spirit. They even share an impromptu kiss. It’s new housemates, Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) and Brady (Eric Martsolf). Let’s hope Xander doesn’t wander by and witness it.
DiMera Returns
Another DiMera turns up inside the family crypt, surprising EJ (Dan Feuerriegel), Tony (Thaao Penghlis), and Theo (Tyler Joseph Andrews). It’s someone none of them have seen in years. “Peter, is that really you?” asks Tony. Yes, it is, and newcomer Dan Gauthier is tackling the role.
