The NFL has firmly established a presence on Christmas Day, having consistently scheduled at least one game annually since 2020. In a move to embrace the holiday spirit further, the league has announced that three games will take place on December 25, 2025.
Historically, the NFL has hosted games on Christmas, but from 1989 to 2019, these matches were infrequent, typically limited to years when Christmas coincided with a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed earlier this season that the league will continue to feature three Christmas Day games each year moving forward.
Since 2021, the NFL has seen either two or three games held on Christmas, with this year boasting a lineup of three competitive matchups, similar to the previous two years. The games on tap feature traditional rivalries, enhancing the excitement for fans.
The day will kick off with the Washington Commanders hosting the Dallas Cowboys, followed by the Minnesota Vikings facing off against the Detroit Lions. The final game will showcase the Kansas City Chiefs going against the Denver Broncos. While all three matchups are scheduled for Christmas Day in the United States, due to time zone differences, the Chiefs-Broncos game will commence in the early hours of December 26 at 01:15 GMT.
For viewers looking to catch the action, streaming giant Netflix will broadcast the first two games, continuing its partnership from 2024, while the third game will be available on Prime Video.
This Christmas tradition in the NFL began in 1971, when the league held its inaugural Christmas Day games following the merger between the American Football League and the National Football League the previous year. However, the backlash over those games, which were playoff matches, led to a long hiatus until games returned on December 25 in subsequent years.
The NFL’s commitment to hosting games on Christmas Day celebrates the festive spirit of the holiday, promising fans thrilling matchups and continued enjoyment of America’s favorite sport during this special time of year.