“Seinfeld” Highest Rated Christmas Episode Saw Jerry Break the Fourth Wall for the First and Last Time in Show’s History
- 'Seinfeld’s' Christmas episodes are filled with holiday chaos and absurd moments.
- 'The Race' features Jerry’s rare fourth-wall break and playful Superman references.
- Other episodes like 'The Red Dot' and 'The Pick' showcase holiday mayhem.
If you’re a Seinfeld fan, you know the show’s brilliance lies in its quirky humor, offbeat characters, and delightfully absurd scenarios. But did you know there’s one particular Christmas episode where Jerry Seinfeld does something he never does?
He actually breaks the fourth wall. That’s right—our neurotic, stand-up comic directly winks at the audience. It’s a moment so rare in the series that it feels a bit out of place, yet perfectly in tune with the show’s absurdity.
Trust us, it’s pure Seinfeld gold. Let’s take a closer look at why this episode stands out—and explore other holiday episodes that might steal the spotlight too.
The Seinfeld Christmas episode in which Jerry Seinfeld breaks the fourth wall
The Christmas episode where Jerry Seinfeld breaks the fourth wall is a standout moment in Seinfeld history. In Season 6, Episode 10—The Race—Jerry faces off against his high school nemesis, Duncan Meyer, in a race that goes a little… sideways.
What’s special about this episode is that Jerry, after winning the race, shares a moment with his girlfriend Lois and then (out of nowhere) looks directly at the camera and gives us a sly wink. It’s the only time in the entire series that Jerry does something like this. And the reason? It’s a playful nod to Jerry’s love of Superman.
Specifically, it’s a reference to the 1950s TV show Adventures of Superman. Jerry does something very similar with his line (per YouTube): “Maybe I will, Lois. Maybe I will.” The moment feels like a homage to the superhero, and it’s just so Jerry.
What makes this even better is how it ties into the rest of the episode. Sure, it’s a holiday setting, but the main plot focuses on Jerry’s race against Duncan. Lois, Jerry’s girlfriend, works with Duncan, and he challenges Jerry to a rematch of a childhood race.
Jerry reluctantly agrees because Duncan might take out his frustrations on Lois if Jerry doesn’t. Meanwhile, Kramer, ever the eccentric character, is getting into communist literature, which just adds another layer of absurdity to the story.
And then there’s George, who has his own chaotic storyline. So while Christmas isn’t the main focus of the episode, the wacky plots are all woven together in a way that’s totally Seinfeld—and Jerry’s wink at the camera is the perfect cherry on top.
Other Instances of Jerry Seinfeld Breaking the Fourth Wall in Seinfeld
Okay, okay, so Jerry’s wink in The Race might be the big one. But don’t think Seinfeld is above a little self-awareness here and there. After all, this show was never shy about poking fun at itself—and sometimes, breaking that fourth wall is part of the fun.
One of the earliest instances comes in the Season 6 episode Highlights of 100. It’s a clip show, sure, but Jerry’s intro is nothing short of comedic gold. He addresses the audience like a real TV star, saying (via Cracked):
George, Elaine, Kramer and I have had many experiences, both positive and negative. Well, mostly negative. But we persevered because we’re people… real TV people. And for 30 minutes a week, that’s pretty important to us.
It’s self-deprecating, hilarious, and totally fitting with Seinfeld’s meta-humor. Of course, he’s still the same neurotic guy, but now, he’s aware of his place in TV history. We, the audience, are just along for the ride.
Later, in the episode The Clip Show (airing just before the finale), Jerry does it again, this time with a bit of nostalgia and humor. He quips:
Every week a whole new set of problems would just crop up out of nowhere, except for summer where nothing seemed to happen for months at a time.
His matter-of-fact tone about the show’s never-ending chaos is pure Seinfeld genius. It’s as if he’s letting us know: we’re all in on this together. But these fourth-wall breaks aren’t typical of the show.
They’re not in-your-face, gimmicky moments, but small, thoughtful bits that highlight how aware the characters are of their existence in the world of Seinfeld. It’s a clever touch that keeps the audience both engaged and amused.
Are There Any Other Christmas Episodes in Seinfeld?
Yes, there are a few other Seinfeld Christmas episodes—although not all of them focus heavily on Christmas cheer. In fact, many of the holiday episodes are more about absurd situations than about celebrating the holidays. But still, the Christmas spirit (in a Seinfeld way) is alive and well.
Let’s start with The Red Dot, Season 3, Episode 12. Christmas isn’t the main event here, but the holiday season sets the stage for George’s cashmere sweater disaster. He buys Elaine a beautiful gift, only to realize it’s deeply flawed—thanks to a small red dot.
Elaine’s irritation with the gift, the awkwardness that ensues when George tries to get it back, and the hilarious chain of events make this one of the most ridiculous (and relatable) episodes of the season. Also, let’s not forget the awkward subplot with Elaine’s alcoholic boyfriend, making this episode one of those Seinfeld specials.
Another fan-favorite is The Pick, Season 4, Episode 13. It’s Christmas card chaos, people. Kramer takes holiday photos for Elaine, only for her to have a major wardrobe malfunction that leads to an unfortunate Christmas card sent to everyone she knows.
And yes, her co-workers start calling her “Nip.” But it’s Newman who steals the show with a perfect 13-second cameo. It’s Seinfeld’s hilarious take on holiday disaster, from wardrobe malfunctions to a cringe-worthy photo session.
Let’s also not forget The Mom and Pop Store, Season 6, Episode 8. Though it’s technically more about Jerry sabotaging his boss’s dream of participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, it has enough holiday flair to fit the bill.
Plus, George buying a car that might have belonged to Jon Voight? Genius. Kramer’s antics as usual add another level of absurdity to the whole thing, making it a beloved, if slightly unconventional, holiday treat.
If you’re looking for a Seinfeld Christmas episode that’s quirky and unexpected, The Gum (Season 7, Episode 10) delivers. Kramer reopens a historic theater with Lloyd Braun, who’s recovering from a breakdown, while Elaine has a wardrobe mishap.
George’s car catches fire during a Christmas wish, and Kramer lends him his car, cheerfully saying, “Merry Christmas.” The episode combines quirky holiday moments with chaotic storylines, making it a classic Seinfeld holiday favorite.
The Andrea Doria (Season 8, Episode 10) is also one of those holiday episodes that doesn’t feel like a traditional Christmas episode. Set during Christmas but without much holiday cheer, this episode has George competing with a shipwreck survivor for a tenant association presidency.
Jerry takes over Newman’s mail job and does surprisingly well, causing chaos in the process. Elaine dates a “bad breaker-upper,” and Kramer’s attempt to cure his cough leads to even more absurdity. While not a typical holiday episode, the Christmas decorations give it just enough holiday flair.
Seinfeld is available on Netflix.
