After more than a decade of gritty crime investigations and intense precinct drama, NBC’s Chicago P.D. is officially doing something it has never done before. For the first time in its 14-season run, the hit police procedural is producing a dedicated Christmas episode, set to air this fall ahead of the show’s annual hiatus.
While sister series Chicago Fire and Chicago Med have previously embraced holiday-themed storylines over the years, Intelligence unit fans have waited over 12 seasons to see 21st District officers navigate a proper festive backdrop.
Behind the Scenes: Heavy Winter Coats in 82-Degree Heat
Confirmation of the historic episode came directly from series star Marina Squerciati, who plays Officer Kim Burgess. Taking to her Instagram stories, Squerciati gave fans a lighthearted behind-the-scenes look at the filming process, which proved to be an endurance test against unseasonable warmth.
In one photo posted from the set, Squerciati posed alongside co-star John Patrick Flueger (Adam Ruzek), with both actors bundled up in heavy winter jackets despite a sweltering 82-degree day in Chicago. A follow-up image showed Squerciati lying playfully on the floor near a decorated Christmas tree surrounded by wrapped presents.
“When you’re filming a Christmas episode and it’s 82 degrees,” Squerciati shared in her caption, later joking, “I am fine. I’m just melting in this coat. Thanks for checking in.”
A New Frontier for the Darkest One Chicago Series
While NBC has not yet released official plot details or episode synopses, the confirmation of a Christmas installment opens up intriguing possibilities for the drama’s core characters. Known as the darkest entry in the One Chicago universe, Chicago P.D. rarely pauses for festive cheer, making this creative turn a landmark moment for long-time viewers.
Fans are already speculating about how the holiday season will intersect with the squad’s personal dynamics and ongoing plotlines:
- Burgess and Ruzek: Viewers are eager to see how Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek celebrate the holidays together alongside Mack, hoping for warm family moments amidst the usual precinct chaos.
- Imani: The holiday season could carry a poignant weight for Officer Imani, whose sister remains behind bars and has recently refused to see her.
- District Dynamics: Fans are wondering if the episode might feature a precinct party—perhaps bringing out dynamic exchanges between Hank Voight as the resident office Grinch and Trudy Platt keeping the holiday spirit alive.
- Festive Case Possibilities: The episode could feature a holiday-centric crime, ranging from a case involving a targeted Santa Claus to a festive cover-up that forces the team into action during what should be a peaceful time of year.
What Lies Ahead for Intelligence
While no one expects the intense procedural to abandon its grounded, high-stakes identity for Hallmark-level sweetness, integrating the holiday season offers a fresh layer of emotional context for the unit.
As filming continues and fall approaches, viewers will be watching closely to see how the writers balance festive cheer with Chicago P.D.‘s signature grit—and how this long-awaited first will leave its mark on Season 14.
