The Best of Archie Christmas Comics #[nn]

Archie’s trying to help Mr. Weatherbee deck the school for the holidays when a clumsy moment sends the metal deer tumbling—leaving a mess and a very sticky situation in its wake. With the schoolyard decorated and the clock ticking, Archie’s got one chance to fix things before the big reveal.

When Moose temporarily forgets who Midge is due to a concussion from football practice, Reggie seizes the chance to impress her—especially while Moose is busy playing Santa Claus at the school holiday event.

Archie’s determined to bring home a real Christmas tree this year, convinced nothing beats the smell and spirit of a freshly cut pine—though his enthusiasm clashes with Reggie and Veronica’s preference for the hassle-free charm of artificial trees. The trio’s holiday debate takes a delightfully chaotic turn as they navigate the woods, a tangled mess of branches, and the kind of misadventures only a Riverdale Christmas can deliver.

Betty and Veronica team up to find the perfect gift for Archie—on a budget of just five dollars—and quickly discover that thrift-store finds, handmade crafts, and last-minute deals aren’t as simple as they seem. With their competitive spirits flaring and the clock ticking, the two friends navigate a holiday shopping frenzy that tests their friendship, creativity, and wallets.

Veronica tries to outdo Betty in gift-giving, but when she can't match Betty's budget, she splurges on a diamond-studded platinum knife at La Snobbe Shoppe—just for spreading caviar. When she sees Betty’s thoughtful, modest gift, she hatches a plan to switch presents, setting up an awkward swap that leaves Archie confused and the girls caught in a web of holiday pride.

Martha watches in disbelief as Veronica dives into a snowbank with a gallon of food coloring, determined to sculpt the perfect red-suited Santa. With the neighborhood’s winter wonderland turning into a sticky, crimson spectacle, Martha wonders if this is the year the holidays finally outsmarted her friend.

In "Merry Mayhem," Betty and Veronica’s holiday hustle takes a snowy detour when a surprise ambush by mischievous boys leaves their wrapped gifts abandoned in the snow. What follows is a delightfully chaotic mix-up when the pranksters, spotting an address on one of the packages, end up delivering the gifts to the very house they were meant for.

Dilton’s birthday falling just before Christmas leaves him feeling overlooked, but Betty and Veronica aren’t about to let that happen—determined to make his day special, they plan a surprise party to lift his spirits. With a little help from their friends, they’re pulling off a festive celebration that’s equal parts chaos and heart.

Archie steps in when the gang accuses Jughead of being a Scrooge during the holidays, uncovering a quiet act of kindness: helping Mrs. Hanley with groceries and chopping wood. It’s a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the heart beneath Jughead’s usual indifference.