Microsoft has got into the Christmas spirit by offering two themed HTML5 "experiences" for users to run in their browser - Santa's Workshop and HTML5 Blizzard.

Microsoft has got into the Christmas spirit by offering two themed HTML5 "experiences" for users to run in their browser - Santa's Workshop and HTML5 Blizzard.

In Santa's Workshop the speed of your browser on your PC determines how many elves help pack Santa's bag for the big night, and how fast they work.

This experience uses HTML5 technologies like integrated SVG graphics and HTML5 audio and requires ECMAscript 5 properties API support as well as possibly a browser upgrade.

You will need either the latest Chrome, FireFox or IE9.

Microsoft is offering downloads of the IE9 Beta and IE9 Platform Preview as possible options for viewing the demonstration.

With HTML5 Blizzard, users watch snowflakes falling. "The more snowflakes you see, the faster your browser and PC. This experience combines HTML5 canvas, SVG, audio, CSS3, and Web Open Font Format fonts together to create a winter wonderland.