Heroes of the Storm's winter event begins this week, and it both brings new Christmas-themed content and offers everyone a free ride for a limited time.

　　Similar to the Diablo III-inspired Treasure Goblin mount that was previously for sale, a special "festive" version of that mount will be available to all players during the Winter Veil event. Anyone can choose to use this mount during matches, and it will only be available for the length of the event--you can't permanently unlock or buy it.

　　Also during the event, you'll have the chance to earn free Stimpacks (which boost the amount of in-game experience and gold you earn from playing). By playing 15 games during the event, you'll get a 4-day Stimpack. Make it to 50 games, and you'll get an additional 10-day Stimpack. Thankfully, each match you play will count toward both of these quests; you won't need to play through 15 and then an additional 50 following that.

　　A pair of new skins, Sugarplum Sylvanas and Greatfather Winter Stitches, also come as part of this update. They'll be available for sale on their own--at half price until the end of the year, thanks to an ongoing sale--and in a bundle with their respective characters. Additionally, two older holiday skins, Greatfather Winter Rehgar and Winter Veil Jaina, and a mount, the Reign-Deer, are returning to the store. All three of these, their respective characters, and the two new skins will also be available in the Winter Veil 2015 Ultimate Bundle.

　　Finally, in less holiday-centric news, this week will see Zagara's price reduced to 4,000 gold or $6.49. She's current priced at 7,000 gold or $8.49.

　　The Winter Veil event is expected to begin tomorrow, December 15. Maintenance is scheduled to take place from 7 AM PST until about 9 AM, which is when we should see all of this content (and perhaps the new character, Lunara).