In a technical sense, though, this isn't a single title, but a series of one-shots (most of which actually carry a "#1" issue number) which occurred - inconsistently - from year to year. There are, as of 2012, three recognizable "periods" of Holiday Specials. The first was published non-consecutively during 1991-1996 (no issue was produced for the '95 holiday season). The second ran 2004-2007, with the third in 2011.

Inasmuch as the initial 1990s run is concerned, cover dates accurately reflect the year on the cover of the issue, and therefore often do not strictly match up with the invented issue number. Since 2004, however, no Marvel Holiday Special has had any kind of cover date whatsoever. Thus, the date used as an issue number reflects the holiday season that is nearest the date of publication.

Also see Marvel Digital Holiday Special (2008), Marvel Holiday Spectacular (2009), Marvel Digital Holiday Special (2010), Marvel Holiday Magazine (2010), Marvel Holiday Magazine 2011 (2011).

Number of issues cataloged: 12