Does the NFL Play on Christmas Day
The NFL has a long history of scheduling games on December 25 when the date falls on a day the league normally plays, typically a Sunday or Monday. In seasons where Christmas lands on a non-game day, the league usually does not add a special Christmas slate, but in recent years it has scheduled a tripleheader on Christmas Day when the date coincides with a Sunday, with games airing across broadcast and cable networks and streaming platforms. The exact Christmas slate depends on the final schedule release, which is influenced by flexible scheduling rules, stadium availability, and broadcast partner agreements, as outlined in the league's broadcast and scheduling overview NFL Official Schedule Page.
When Christmas falls on a Sunday, the NFL typically schedules three games: a late afternoon doubleheader on broadcast television and a primetime game on cable or streaming. The league uses a structured rotation of divisions and conferences to determine which matchups are eligible, and the final Christmas Day lineup is confirmed only after the regular-season schedule is locked in. Flexible scheduling allows the league to move games between windows or platforms based on playoff implications and viewer interest, while Christmas Day games are treated as part of the standard 17-week regular season rather than special holiday exhibitions.
How the NFL Christmas Schedule Is Determined
The NFL's scheduling process begins months before the season starts, with a framework that assigns games to specific dates based on divisional rotations, primetime slots, and stadium availability. Christmas Day games are slotted into the regular-season calendar when December 25 falls on a Sunday, Monday, or Saturday, with the league coordinating with broadcast partners such as CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video to distribute coverage across linear television and streaming services. The final Christmas schedule is shaped by competitive balance, travel logistics, and the league's goal to showcase marquee matchups during a period when many fans are off work or school.
Once the framework is set, the NFL uses a series of announcements, including preseason schedule releases and regular-season updates, to communicate Christmas Day games to fans and partners. The league's communications team works with networks to confirm kickoff times, broadcast teams, and streaming availability, while teams prepare for the unusual timing, including potential adjustments to practice schedules and travel plans. Because Christmas Day games count in the regular-season standings, they carry the same weight as any other game, with implications for playoff seeding, home-field advantage, and draft position.
Where to Watch NFL Christmas Day Games
NFL Christmas Day games are distributed across major broadcast and cable networks, as well as streaming services, depending on the specific matchups and time slots. In recent seasons, the late afternoon doubleheader has aired on one of the major broadcast networks, while the primetime game has been carried by a cable or streaming partner, with Amazon Prime Video often taking the late-night slot when it is part of the NFL's broadcast rotation. Viewers can check the official NFL schedule and their local listings to confirm which networks and platforms will carry the Christmas Day games in the current season.
Streaming options have expanded in recent years, with NFL Game Pass, team services, and over-the-top platforms offering additional ways to watch Christmas Day games, subject to blackout rules and regional restrictions. The league's digital properties and partnered streaming services provide live coverage, replays, and multi-game feeds, allowing fans to follow multiple contests simultaneously. For the most accurate and up-to-date viewing information, fans should consult the official NFL website and their cable or streaming provider's schedule, as well as trusted sports news outlets that track broadcast assignments and streaming availability Forbes Sports Business Coverage.