Zooloretto: Christmas Tree

Zooloretto: Christmas Tree is a half‑official expansion that first appeared as the designer's 2009 Christmas card and later resurfaced as an insert in the German gaming magazine Spielbox (issue 7/2010). It adds a small six‑slot enclosure to the base Zooloretto board. The goal of the expansion is straightforward: fill those six slots during the game. When a player completes the enclosure, they earn a one‑time ability – they may choose one of three available tiles and pay a single coin to take it into their reserve. This single decision can tip the balance by improving an animal collection or optimizing tile placement. Because the theme is Christmas, the rules suggest using the expansion only during the holiday season, making it a collectible seasonal treat. No core mechanics change; set collection of animals and tile placement remain as in the base game, but the extra enclosure adds a tiny layer of planning. With a light weight of about 1.86/5, it’s easy to learn and fits neatly into the usual 45‑minute, 2‑5 player sessions. In short, it’s a thematic add‑on that offers a mini‑challenge and festive flavor without complicating the original gameplay.