Last updated: October 2026
A Christmas mahjong set turns the weekly game into a holiday tradition. The rules do not change, but the tiles do: ornaments instead of plain circles, snowy pines instead of bamboo, Nutcrackers or elves as Jokers. This guide explains what to look for in Christmas mahjong tiles, how to pick a holiday mahjong mat to go with them, and when to order so everything arrives before the first December game.
Quick answer
A Christmas mahjong set is a complete American mahjong set, 160 tiles with Jokers, drawn with holiday artwork. It plays exactly like any other American set with the current National Mah Jongg League card. Look for engraved tiles that stay crisp for many seasons, artwork you can still read at a glance, and a matching Christmas mahjong mat. Processing time depends on the design and is shown on each product page, so check it before you order: for Christmas, order engraved sets by November 6 and ready-to-ship sets by November 25. See all our designs in the Christmas mahjong collection.
What makes a Christmas mahjong set
Underneath the artwork, a holiday set is a normal American set: 36 Dots, 36 Bams and 36 Craks, 16 Winds, 12 Dragons, 8 Flowers and at least 8 Jokers, plus spare blanks. That matters, because a pretty set that is missing Jokers or Flowers cannot be used with the card. If you are new to the tile count, our guide to what is in an American mahjong set lists every tile.
What changes is the design. On a good Christmas set, every suit keeps its shape and its number, but the picture gets a seasonal twist:
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Dots often become glass ornaments or wreaths, so the count still reads at a glance.
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Bams become pine trees, candy canes or strings of lights.
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Craks keep their numerals, framed with holly, bows or snow.
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Winds may show reindeer or a sleigh, with clear N, E, W and S letters.
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Jokers are where designers have the most fun: Nutcrackers, elves or vintage holiday characters.
Curious what the original symbols mean? Read mahjong tile names and meanings.
How to choose Christmas mahjong tiles
1. Engraved or printed
A holiday set comes out every December for years, so durability matters. On engraved tiles the artwork is cut into the acrylic and color-filled, so it holds up to shuffling. Printed tiles sit on the surface and can wear faster with heavy play.
2. Readability
Busy holiday artwork can make tiles harder to read. Check that the numbers on Craks are clear, that the Dots can be counted quickly, and that the Dragons are easy to tell apart. Larger tiles help, especially for guests who only play at Christmas.
3. Colors
Red and green is the classic look, but blue-and-white or vintage palettes stand out on a holiday table and feel less like a one-season set. Think about the room where you play and the mat you will use underneath.
4. A full American set
Make sure the set includes Jokers and Flowers and is labeled for American play. Chinese and Hong Kong holiday sets look similar but do not include Jokers.
5. Extras for the table
Four racks with pushers, two dice and a mat complete the setup. Many holiday sets can be ordered with a coordinating mat, or a mat plus racks, so the whole table matches.
Our Christmas mahjong sets
Crimson Christmas Collection Mahjong Set: the classic red Christmas
Our best-selling set. Crisp white tile faces sit on ruby red backs accented with a gold snowflake. The engraved artwork covers Christmas ornaments, decorated trees, snow globes and festive florals in red, green, gold and ivory, and the Jokers are Nutcrackers. The tiles are on the larger side, about 1.42 × 0.98 × 0.62 in, and the set includes a clear-window carry case. Choose tiles only, add the coordinating mat, or add the mat plus four racks with pushers.
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Crimson Christmas Collection Mahjong Set $289.99 |
Classic Santa Christmas Mahjong Set: a traditional Santa Christmas
A Christmas set for players who love old-fashioned holiday decor. White tile faces sit on green backs with a gold poinsettia. The Dots become ornaments, the Bams turn into Christmas trees, the Craks are trimmed with wreaths, reindeer run across the Winds, Santa appears on the Dragons and the Flowers are Christmas stockings. The Jokers are two elves holding wrapped gifts.
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Classic Santa Christmas Mahjong Set $289.99 |
Want to see every holiday design side by side, including tiles and mats? Browse the full Christmas mahjong sets and holiday mats collection.
Christmas mahjong mats
A holiday mat finishes the look and does the practical work too: it quiets the tiles, protects the table and keeps walls from sliding. Our mats are 31.5 × 31.5 in, made of water-resistant natural rubber, and roll up for storage. For sizes and materials, see how to choose a mahjong mat.
Red Christmas Mahjong Mat
Red cardinals, holly, golden bells and wreaths inside a red-and-green tartan border, around a warm ivory center. It pairs well with red tiles such as the Crimson Christmas set.
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$139.99 |
Santa Christmas Mahjong Mat
A vintage Christmas postal design: retro holiday stamps with golden bells, poinsettias and reindeer frame a classic Santa portrait, inside a candy-cane striped border. A natural match for the Classic Santa set.
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$139.99 |
Sisters Sisters Mahjong Mat
Powder-blue feather plumes, silver bells and satin bows around a sisterhood script centerpiece. A soft blue and ivory choice for a winter table, and a thoughtful gift for a sister.
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$139.99 |
Complete the holiday table
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Racks with pushers. Four racks keep every hand tidy. See mahjong racks with pushers or shop all racks.
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Dice. A set of gemstone dice makes a small gift for the group or a prize for the night's winner.
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A case. Handy if your holiday game moves from house to house. Browse bags and cases.
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Natural Gemstone Mahjong Dice, Set of 6 $51.99 |
When to order a Christmas mahjong set
Processing time depends on the item and is shown on each product page. Ready-to-ship items leave us in 5 to 7 business days, engraved sets in 15 to 20, and made-to-order designs in 30 to 35. Shipping within the U.S. then takes 7 to 10 business days and is free. For a set under the tree, order engraved sets by November 6 and ready-to-ship items by November 25. Made-to-order designs, such as the Peace, Love & Mahjong set, may not arrive before Christmas if you order now.
Hosting a holiday mahjong party
A Christmas set is the easiest centerpiece for a December game night. Add a tartan runner, hot cocoa and bite-sized snacks, and plan your guest list in groups of four. Our guide to hosting a mahjong night covers setup, food and a simple timeline. Shopping for the player in your life instead? Our mahjong gift guide has ideas at every budget.
FAQ
Can you play a Christmas mahjong set all year?
Yes. A Christmas set has the same tiles as any American set, so it works with the card in any month. Many players simply bring it out from Thanksgiving to New Year.
Do Christmas mahjong sets include Jokers?
Ours do. Every set is a full 160-tile American set with Jokers, Flowers and spare blanks. Always check that a holiday set is labeled for American mahjong before you buy.
What size mat do I need for a Christmas mahjong set?
A 31.5 × 31.5 in mat fits a standard four-player game on a card table, with room for racks and the wall.
Is a Christmas mahjong set a good gift?
It is one of the most popular holiday gifts for mahjong players, especially for someone who already owns an everyday set. Pair it with a matching mat for a complete gift.
When should I order for Christmas delivery?
Order engraved sets by November 6 and ready-to-ship items by November 25. Made-to-order designs take 30 to 35 business days to make, so they may not arrive in time. U.S. shipping takes 7 to 10 business days.
Shipping: shipping is free on all U.S. orders. We currently ship to U.S. addresses only. Shop Christmas mahjong sets, all American mahjong sets or mahjong mats.