If you’re sitting there with a plate of leftovers wondering are there any football games on Christmas day, the answer isn’t as simple as it used to be. For decades, December 25th was strictly NBA territory. The NFL generally stayed away unless the holiday fell on a Sunday. But things changed. Big time.
Now? The NFL has basically decided to take over the holiday calendar.
It's a power move. Honestly, it’s kind of wild how quickly the league shifted from "respecting the holiday break" to "dominating the ratings." If you're looking for a game to watch while the kids play with their new gadgets, you're almost certainly going to find one, but the schedule depends heavily on which day of the week the 25th actually lands on.
Why the NFL Changed Its Mind About Christmas
For a long time, the league was hesitant. They didn't want to step on the toes of family traditions, or maybe they just didn't think the viewership would be there. They were wrong. In 2023, the NFL triple-header on Christmas Day absolutely crushed the competition. We’re talking about nearly 30 million people tuning into the Raiders and Chiefs game alone. When you see numbers like that, you realize the league isn't going back.
Ever.
The NBA used to own this space. Since 1947, pro basketball has been the Christmas staple. But the NFL is a different beast. Even a "bad" NFL game pulls in more viewers than a high-stakes NBA matchup. Because of this, the league office in New York has become much more aggressive about scheduling. Even when Christmas falls on a Wednesday—which is traditionally a "dead" day for football—the league has found ways to make it work by shifting the previous week’s games to ensure players have enough rest.
Checking the 2025-2026 Schedule
Since we are looking at the current cycle, you have to look at the calendar. In 2025, Christmas fell on a Thursday. The NFL leaned into this heavily. Because Thursday Night Football is already a massive part of the broadcasting deal with Amazon Prime, it was a seamless transition to put games on the slate.
But wait.
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If you're asking about are there any football games on Christmas day specifically for the 2026 season, the calendar shifts again. Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. Usually, the NFL avoids Fridays because of the "Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961," which protects high school and college football games. However, that law generally only applies to the period between mid-September and mid-December. By late December, those high school seasons are over, and the bowl games haven't quite reached their peak fever pitch. This gives the NFL a green light to broadcast on a Friday.
Expect at least two games. Maybe three. The league loves the "triple-header" format because it creates a 10-hour window of advertising revenue.
The College Football Factor
Don't forget about the bowl games. While the NFL is the big dog, college football often sprinkles in some holiday magic. Historically, the Camellia Bowl or the Hawaii Bowl would sometimes find a home on the 25th. However, as the NFL has expanded its Christmas footprint, college bowls have started to migrate to the 23rd or 24th to avoid getting slaughtered in the TV ratings.
If you’re a die-hard Saturday afternoon fan, Christmas Day might actually disappoint you on the college front. Most programs want their athletes home for the holidays if they aren't playing in a New Year’s Six bowl. You’re much more likely to see a "smaller" bowl game on the 26th (Boxing Day) than on the 25th itself.
The Logistics of Holiday Games
Playing on Christmas isn't exactly a favorite for the players. Imagine being a pro athlete and having to spend your morning in a hotel meeting instead of watching your kids open presents. It sucks. Players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have been vocal about the weirdness of the holiday schedule.
Teams try to compensate. They’ll often fly out later than usual or hold "family brunches" at the facility. But at the end of the day, it’s a business.
Broadcasters love it, though. Networks like CBS, FOX, and NBC (and now Netflix) fight tooth and nail for these slots. In 2024, Netflix famously paid a massive premium to host Christmas games, signaling a shift in how we consume holiday sports. It’s no longer just about turning on the "rabbit ears" or basic cable. You might need a subscription to a streaming service just to see if are there any football games on Christmas day.
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The NBA vs. NFL Rivalry
It's a legitimate turf war. For years, you knew the 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:30 PM slots were all NBA. Lakers, Celtics, Warriors—the stars were always out.
Now, the NBA is looking for ways to pivot. They can't compete head-to-head with a Cowboys or Eagles game. If you're a multi-sport fan, you're going to have to make some tough choices. Usually, the NBA will try to schedule their "prime" game (like a Finals rematch) during the window where the NFL game looks the weakest. But even then, football is king in America.
What the Fans Actually Think
Some people hate it. They think Christmas should be for family and that sports are a distraction. Others—and let’s be honest, probably the majority—think it’s the best thing ever. There is a certain comfort in having a game on in the background while the house is chaotic. It provides a focal point. It’s a conversation starter for that one uncle you only see once a year.
"Did you see that hit?" is a lot easier than talking about politics over turkey.
How to Check the Official Times
The best way to stay updated on are there any football games on Christmas day is to keep an eye on the official NFL schedule release, which typically happens in May. While we know if games will happen based on the day of the week, we don't know who is playing until then.
The league usually picks "High Draw" teams for these slots. Think:
- Dallas Cowboys (The perennial holiday favorite)
- Kansas City Chiefs (Because of the Mahomes/Swift factor)
- Green Bay Packers (Traditional fanbase)
- San Francisco 49ers (West Coast market)
If you’re planning a holiday party, wait until the schedule drops in late spring before setting your "kickoff" time for dinner.
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Practical Steps for Your Holiday Football Viewing
To make sure you don't miss a single snap, you need to prepare your setup before the holiday madness begins.
1. Confirm Your Streaming Subs
As the NFL moves toward streaming-exclusive holiday games, check your Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Peacock accounts. Don't be the person trying to reset a password while the opening kickoff is happening.
2. Sync Your Calendar
Once the schedule is released in May, plug the games into your phone. The NFL often uses "flex scheduling," but they rarely move Christmas games because the travel logistics for fans and teams are too complex to change last minute.
3. Check Local Blackouts
While Christmas games are usually national, if you are relying on an antenna, make sure your local affiliate is carrying the game. Occasionally, weird broadcast rules apply if you're in a specific "home market."
4. Plan Your Menu Around the Halftime
If the game starts at 4:30 PM ET, that’s right in the middle of dinner for most people. Plan your main course for the halftime break of the second game. It sounds nerdy, but it saves a lot of "can you turn that down?" arguments.
The reality is that football on Christmas is the new normal. It’s no longer a rare treat or a fluke of the calendar. It’s a deliberate strategy by the most powerful sports league in the world to ensure that even on the quietest day of the year, the pigskin is still moving. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone looking for an excuse to sit on the couch for three hours, the holiday schedule has you covered. Keep an eye on the official league announcements as the season approaches to get the exact kickoff times and network pairings for the upcoming December 25th slate.