Each year the Tyrian New Year is celebrated in Guild Wars with the Wintersday Event, where the world of Tyria is treated to fun holiday weather, festive decorations, gifts, holiday treats, and more!

Details on what you can expect during Wintersday 2009 below:

• 8v8 ATS-style Snowball Tournaments!
• Holiday quests in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, and the Eye of the North! Certain quest chains returning from previous years involve beloved (and rare) holiday-themed animals.
• Two repeatable quests set in the Secret Lair of the Snowmen. It's your choice: help save the Snowmen and all of Wintersday, or lead a group of Grentches for a final "bah, humbug" of the season.
• Venture into the Underworld for a series of repeatable snowball fights against the forces of Grenth or the followers of Dwayna. Seize control of piles of presents to claim victory for your side in this frosty fray!
• Embrace the old adage "it is better to give than to receive" at the city event games in Lion's Arch and Kamadan. Deliver presents to the children before the Grentches ruin Wintersday. You never know, the little urchins might reward you with something special for your generosity!
• Collectors will once again exchange items for Wintersday consumables in Kamadan, Lion's Arch, Ascalon City, Droknar's Forge, and the Eye of the North.
• More snowball mayhem in the form of PvP snowball fights! Random forces unite within an arena to fight for either Grenth or Dwayna. The first team to gather five presents for its patron deity wins the day. Will Grenth have his way and plunge the world into eternal winter, or will Dwayna be able to melt enough hearts to bring about an early thaw? You'll have the final say!

In addition to the festivities, the Wintersday Art Contest has returned! Players are encouraged to submit their best Wintersday themed pieces before noon PST on December 31st, 2009.

Prize details below:

Top Winners (3 awarded)

• One The Art of Guild Wars 2 Book, signed by members of the Guild Wars 2 development team
• One randomly selected, signed Guild Wars Penny Arcade Expo 2008 art print
• One in-game digital item: an Everlasting Reindeer Tonic

(Approximate total retail value of package: $35.00 US.)

Winners (7 awarded)

• One randomly selected and signed Guild Wars Penny Arcade Expo 2008 art print
• One in-game digital item: an Everlasting Reindeer Tonic

(Approximate total retail value of package: $5.00 US.)

Honorable Mentions (10 awarded)

• One in-game digital item: an Everlasting Reindeer Tonic 

(This prize has no retail value.)

Wintersday 2009 will begin at noon PST this Friday, December 18th and will come to a close on Monday, January 4th, 2010.

For more information on Wintersday 2009, go here.