When a bearded man in a red suit is found dead in the middle of Central Park, Castle and Beckett realize that they might just be investigating the murder of Santa Claus. As they dig deeper, they uncover a victim who was trying to make amends for a life of shady business deals that might have gotten him killed. Meanwhile, changes in everyone's personal lives spell the end for some Christmas traditions and the birth of new ones.
- The Atoner: Edmund decides to help the families his company ruined.
- Christmas Episode: This episode.
- Memento MacGuffin: The clock belonged to the Cabots.
- Obnoxious In-Laws: Gates doesn't like her mother in law. And orders Beckett to ignore an emergency call if she decides to harm her.
- Throw the Dog a Bone: After getting no luck on his plans for Christmas, Esposito gets invited to join dinner with the Cabot family.
