Tesla Christmas Update: All the New Features Coming Onboard

The new Tesla Christmas Update is already underway And it comes loaded with changes designed for both everyday use and leisure time in the car. It's not just about aesthetic details: There are new features in navigation, cargo management, safety and entertainment which affect a large part of the range.

Good part of These features are also available in EuropeHowever, as is often the case with Tesla, Some features may arrive earlier or later depending on the region and vehicle hardware.It's advisable to check the car's menu and version notes to see which specific options have been activated in each model.

A more useful voice assistant and a car that doubles as a photo booth

One of the most striking aspects of this holiday update is the improvement to the AI-based voice assistant, GrokFrom now on, in addition to responding to basic commands, the system allows Add and edit navigation destinations using your voiceThis is possible as long as the "Assistant" personality is selected in the menu. This makes it easy to program routes without touching the screen, which is especially useful when driving on highways.

On the more lighthearted side appears Photobootha feature that transforms the cabin into a kind of integrated photo booth. From the Toybox section, users can Take selfies with the built-in camera, apply filters, stickers and effects and share the images through the Tesla app. It's a feature clearly geared towards leisure, but it fits with the brand's commitment to turning the car into a small entertainment space when it's parked.

Safety and convenience: notification when you leave your phone behind and improvements to Dog Mode

Among the most practical new features, the following stand out: I'm notified when the driver leaves their phone inside the carBy activating this function, the vehicle can detect if the UWB-compatible key fob or the mobile phone itself has been left on the wireless charger, and emits a sound when the doors are closed without occupants. This alert helps to Avoid distractions, reduce the risk of leaving the car unlocked and minimize situations where the terminal could overheat if exposed to sunlight indoors.

According to the company, the setting is activated from the configuration menu, following the path Controls > Locks > Forgotten Phone ReminderHowever, Tesla has stated that Not all models or regions will receive this feature immediately., since it depends in part on the hardware installed in each vehicle and the progressive deployment of the software.

Another function that is gaining ground is the well-known Dog ModeThis feature is very popular with those who leave their pet in the car for a few minutes with the climate control on. It now appears on iPhones. Live Activity with regular updates from within: cabin images, temperature, weather conditions, and battery percentage. This allows you to check the vehicle's status at a glance, without having to constantly open and close the app.

In parallel, the Dashcam It expands the information available in the recordings. The video viewer now displays data such as the car's speed, steering wheel angle, and the assisted driving mode that was active at any given time. This extra information can be useful when reviewing incidents, analyzing maneuvers, or clarifying liability in the event of an accident.

More flexible navigation, 3D view of Superchargers and use of HOV lanes

The navigation section also receives a significant number of changes. Starting with this holiday update, it's possible reorder favorites directly on the map, something many users have been requesting for some time. Furthermore, you can Set up Home and Work by placing a simple pin in the desired location, without having to go through additional menus.

When the car is stopped, the system starts to display Suggested destinations based on recent driving habitsThis speeds up the selection of frequently used routes. They are small adjustments, but they contribute to making the navigation system a little smarter and more in line with the actual use of the vehicle.

At certain test locations, drivers have access to a Three-dimensional view of some SuperchargersThis 3D representation allows you to see the layout of the loading area and check, upon arrival, whether the bays are available, occupied, or out of service. The idea is to reduce unnecessary detours and facilitate access in complex or busy locations, something especially relevant on long-haul routes in Europe.

Another interesting new feature, especially in countries like Spain where there are high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, is that the navigation system can automatically route through these lanes when local conditions are met. The system takes into account the number of occupants, time restrictions, and road regulations to decide whether to use these options and, if so, incorporate them into the route. The adjustment is managed from Controls > Navigation > Use HOV Lanes, when it is available in the region.

Smarter load management and location-specific adjustments

Within the energy section, Tesla introduces an option that could be very useful for those who frequently charge their car in multiple locations. It is the possibility of defining a different load limit for each locationThus, the owner can set, for example, 80% in their garage and 90% at the work charging point, and The car will automatically remember the correct stop in each place..

These limits are configured from the menu of Controls > Charging, where the option of activate or deactivate the wireless charging pads Depending on the model, the setting is located within the Charging section of the S3XY range, while in the Cybertruck it appears under Outlets & Mods. These changes are designed to refine the daily experience for those who rely on electric charging both at home and from public utilities.

Enhanced Santa Mode, new Light Show and lights synchronized to the music

As expected, Tesla's Christmas update places special emphasis on festive elements. The classic Santa Mode is renewed with 3D snow effects, new snowmen, Christmas trees and a special locking sound. This entire experience is managed from the Toybox > Santa route, and is designed to give the car a lighthearted touch during this time of year.

The known Light show It also has new features. A new show is coming called “Jingle Rush”which the car can execute instantly or schedule up to ten minutes in advance. Furthermore, it is possible synchronize the sequence with other nearby TeslasThis opens the door to collaborative choreography at gatherings or events. In addition, the options for interior lighting, on-screen color effects, and the duration of customized shows are expanded.

For those who use the car as a small "club" on wheels, the brand incorporates a Rainbow lighting mode Synchronized with the music inside Rave Cave, the effects change to the rhythm of the songs, transforming the interior into a more eye-catching space, always within a purely playful context when the vehicle is parked.

Along the same lines, one is also added Light Cycle lock sound option Inspired by Tron mode, accessible from Toybox > Boombox > Lock Sound. These are details designed especially for those who enjoy experimenting with the car's sound and light settings.

More visual customization: vinyls, license plates and virtual tinting

The update introduces a “Paint Shop"digital that allows modify the appearance of the car avatar on the screen. From Toybox > Paint Shop it is possible to apply virtual vinyls, personalized license plates and different levels of window tinting, both using pre-installed designs or by uploading your own files via USB.

Although these changes do not alter the physical exterior of the vehicle, they do add a point of aesthetic customization within the interfaceThis is something many users appreciate, allowing them to adapt the car's appearance on screen to their preferences or even to simulate future real-world modifications.

Leisure and games on board: Photobooth and ISS docking simulator

In addition to the aforementioned Photobooth, the entertainment section receives a new title in the Arcade. It is the SpaceX ISS Docking Simulator, a game that It recreates the docking of a spacecraft to the International Space Station. Using an interface inspired by NASA's actual controls, the goal is to practice approach and docking maneuvers in a 3D environment, reconnecting the Tesla universe with that of SpaceX.

In the musical section, the integration with Spotify It becomes somewhat more complete, allowing Add songs to the playback queue directly from the search and navigate more easily through long lists, podcasts, or audiobooks. These are seemingly minor adjustments, but they make the service easier to use without relying so heavily on your mobile device.

With this entire Christmas package, Tesla reinforces its strategy of evolving the car through regular software updatesMixing safety improvements, navigation changes, and purely playful features, some new additions are clearly practical—like the phone reminder or location-based charging limits—while others are geared more towards those who enjoy getting the most out of the Toybox with festive modes, light shows, and minigames during downtime behind the wheel.