Every December, numerous platforms host free cybersecurity and hacking events designed for educational purposes. These events provide participants with a chance to enhance their hacking skills and compete for prizes ranging from merchandise to actual tech gear. The list of events for December 2025 includes several noteworthy options. TryHackMe's Advent of Cyber runs from December 1 to December 24, offering a general focus on cybersecurity. pwn.college presents the Advent of Pwn, concentrating on binary exploitation, from December 1 to December 12. The SANS Holiday Hack Challenge spans a longer period, starting on November 5 and concluding on January 5, 2026, also focusing on general cybersecurity topics. Other events like Root-Me's Root-XMAS and Cyberstudents' Advent of CTF, both running from December 1 to December 24 and December 1 to December 25, respectively, cover general areas of cybersecurity. For those interested in specific fields, OSINT4Fun's Advent of OSINT offers insights into open-source intelligence from December 1 to December 24. STAR Labs' Hex Advent provides additional challenges until December 31, while Flagvent runs from December 1 to December 24, providing another general cybersecurity opportunity. This diverse lineup allows participants to learn and engage in various aspects of cybersecurity during the holiday season.