Not sure whether there are many exciting and new Mario games this holiday season. The newest release (I think) is Mario vs. Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem, which I have not played so I cannot comment on whether I would recommend it or not. The somewhat older Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story and Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time are both awesome (and hysterical) games. Definitely recommend those two.
Other than Mario, I have been enjoying the Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney (text-based) and Professor Layton (puzzle-solving). Trust me: better than it sounds.