Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 releases globally on December 25, 2025. The final episode and series finale arrives December 31, 2025.
Netflix has officially confirmed that Stranger Things Season 5 Part 2, featuring Episodes 5, 6, and 7, will release worldwide on December 25, 2025. All three episodes will drop at the same time globally, with Episode 5 becoming available at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET. This Volume 2 release follows the debut of Volume 1 earlier in November and sets the stage for the series’ climactic finale.
International viewers can stream the episodes at the following local times on December 26: 1 a.m. GMT in the UK, 12 p.m. AEDT in Australia, 6:30 a.m. IST in India, 10 a.m. JST in Japan, 2 a.m. CET in France, and 3 a.m. SAST in South Africa. The episodes will be available exclusively on Netflix.
The plot of Volume 2 deepens the central conflict with Vecna and expands several storylines raised in Volume 1. Holly Wheeler becomes a pivotal character after her mysterious disappearance, with new scenes showing her trapped inside a mental realm connected to the Upside Down. The “flesh wall” briefly shown in earlier promotional material reportedly plays a major role, serving as a link between Vecna’s physical expansion and his psychological manipulation of victims.
Will Byers’ emerging abilities grow more pronounced in these episodes, strengthening the thematic contrast between him and Eleven. Unlike Eleven’s telekinetic force, Will’s connection appears rooted in emotional resonance and psychic sensitivity, giving him insight into the Upside Down’s structure. Max remains central as well; still alive within Vecna’s mindscape, she interacts with other consciousnesses trapped there, and her arc is expected to converge with the main rescue operation.
The Duffer Brothers have hinted that Volume 2 deliberately mirrors key elements from Season 1, especially regarding Holly and the early mysteries surrounding the Wheeler household. Long-awaited answers about the Upside Down’s origins, Henry Creel’s transformation, and the world’s shifting geography are expected throughout Episodes 5–7.
Episode 5 is reported to be titled “Chapter Five: Shock Jock”, with the remaining titles to be revealed upon release. Volume 2 is described as action-heavy, prioritizing fast pacing and momentum toward the final battle. The series will conclude with a final standalone episode on December 31, 2025.
Cast Returning for Season 5 Volume 2
Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Sadie Sink (Max), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), Natalia Dyer (Nancy), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan), Joe Keery (Steve), Maya Hawke (Robin), Priah Ferguson (Erica), Brett Gelman (Murray), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), and Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna / Henry Creel).
New actors joining the final season
Linda Hamilton joins in a key new role, alongside Alex Breaux, Nell Fisher, and other supporting additions who expand the scientific and military dimensions of the final conflict.
Netflix is reportedly positioning the final episodes as a major year-end event, including special theatrical-style screenings of the finale. With Volume 2 acting as the narrative bridge to the epic conclusion, viewers can expect high-stakes confrontations, major character resolutions, and definitive revelations about the origin and nature of the Upside Down.