Salem is closing out the year with a bang as Days of Our Lives delivers five brand new episodes packed with romance, emotional fallout, shocking returns, and a wedding that may not go according to plan. From December 29 through January 2, loyalties are tested, old wounds reopen, and one dangerous decision could change the DiMera family forever. As 2025 fades into 2026, Salem proves once again that peace never lasts long.

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Monday, December 29

The week begins on a softer note, but trouble is already simmering beneath the surface.

Alex Kiriakis and Stephanie Johnson enjoy rare quiet time together, savoring the calm after the terrifying powdered sugar anthrax scare. The couple exchange gifts, cuddle up, and momentarily allow themselves to believe that life might finally be moving in the right direction. Their closeness hints that bigger commitments may be coming soon.

Kate Roberts is also soaking up family time, thrilled to have both Lucas and Philip close for the holidays. Lucas’ return brings comfort, but also unresolved tension. While Kate is focused on togetherness, unspoken issues about Sami’s engagement and lingering resentment threaten to resurface.

Elsewhere, Rafe Hernandez delivers devastating news to Gabi DiMera. According to Vivian Alamain, Stefan DiMera is dead. Gabi is shaken to her core, but viewers know better than to accept Vivian’s word as truth. Given Stefan’s past kidnappings and miraculous survivals, suspicion immediately surrounds this so called confirmation.

At the same time, Marlena Evans struggles through her first Christmas without John. Roman Brady steps in to comfort her, offering quiet support during a painful milestone. Their connection is tender and filled with shared history, reminding viewers that loss still echoes through Salem.

Steve and Kayla wrap up the holiday season with a sweet moment of their own at University Hospital. Under the ever present mistletoe, Patch and Sweetness share a kiss, grounding the episode in warmth before darker storylines begin to take over.

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Tuesday, December 30

Tensions escalate as old enemies sharpen their knives.

Gwen Rizczech reveals a shocking plan to EJ DiMera. Determined to ruin Leo Stark’s happiness, Gwen is not content to simply attend his wedding to Javi. She wants revenge. With Dimitri von Leuschner still missing, Gwen believes turnabout is fair play after Leo destroyed her marriage. Her goal is clear: expose secrets and sabotage the wedding before vows can be exchanged.

Johnny DiMera opens up to Chanel Dupree, revealing deep fears about her pregnancy. His anxiety goes beyond becoming a father. Johnny worries about passing on the DiMera legacy, haunted by the violence, corruption, and trauma tied to his family name. Chanel listens, but the conversation leaves cracks in their relationship.

Kate and Xander Cook find themselves forming an uneasy alliance. Despite lingering anger over Xander’s brutal attack on Philip, Kate sees potential benefit in joining forces, possibly tied to Titan business. Their partnership could either rebuild trust or ignite another power struggle.

Meanwhile, Javi questions Leo, possibly sensing that something is off as the wedding approaches. Leo’s habit of digging into secrets may finally come back to haunt him.

In a bright spot, Tony DiMera reunites with Anna DiMera at the hospital. Their emotional reunion reminds viewers that love still exists in Salem, even as danger looms.

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Wednesday, December 31

New Year’s Eve brings chaos, heartbreak, and life or death decisions.

Chad DiMera and Cat Greene have an awkward and literal collision at University Hospital, sending papers flying and unresolved feelings rushing back. Chad is clearly affected, but with Jennifer watching closely and custody issues still sensitive, he knows he must keep his distance, no matter how strong the pull may be.

Kristen DiMera faces an agonizing decision as she keeps vigil by Peter Blake’s bedside. Peter remains in a coma after Kristen assaulted him to protect herself and others. EJ, however, pushes for a more ruthless solution, insisting they should pull the plug before Peter wakes up and exposes everything. The DiMeras debate whether survival or silence matters more.

At Bay View, Sophia and Rachel receive New Year’s Eve visitors, sparking questions about whether secrets tied to false identities and trauma are about to unravel.

Belle Black strikes a deal with Melinda Trask, possibly connected to Sophia’s legal troubles. With lies, fraud, and emotional damage in play, the agreement could determine someone’s future.

By the end of the night, EJ, Tony, and Chad weigh their options. EJ is firm. Peter must not be allowed to wake up.

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Thursday, January 1

The new year dawns with wedding bells and rising tension.

Final preparations are underway for Leo and Javi’s wedding. The Hernandez family rallies together, hopeful that love will triumph. But looming secrets threaten to explode at any moment.

Chanel grows increasingly frustrated with Johnny, suspecting his fears about the baby may be deeper and more dangerous than he admits.

Leo turns to Marlena for help, likely asking her to officiate the ceremony. Her role places her at the emotional center of the event.

Gwen and Gabi share an unexpected bonding moment, possibly over the loss of Stefan and the pain of loving men tied to the DiMera legacy. Their shared grief could either heal wounds or fuel future chaos.

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Friday, January 2

The week culminates in romance, revelations, and rising resentment.

Steve receives a heartfelt surprise from Kayla, reinforcing their enduring bond. Alex presents Stephanie with one final Christmas gift, strongly hinting at an engagement and confirming that wedding plans are on the horizon for 2026.

As Leo and Javi finally say “I do,” Gwen watches from the front row, furious that her plan may have failed. Chad sits beside her as Leo’s chosen best man, while Marlena officiates the ceremony. For now, love wins but in Salem, happiness is never guaranteed.

With Dimitri’s return looming, Cat heartbroken, and the DiMeras standing on the edge of a deadly decision, Days of Our Lives heads into 2026 with unstoppable momentum.

One thing is certain. The new year will not bring peace to Salem. It will bring consequences.