The holiday season brings family, food, and festive traditions. One question that often comes up is, is there a football game on christmas day? For many fans across the United States, watching football has become a part of their Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s a casual viewing or a full family event, the answer is usually yes. The NFL has made Christmas games a regular part of its schedule in recent years.
Moreover, the tradition of playing football on December 25th has grown significantly. While it wasn’t always common, the league now schedules one or more games on Christmas when the date falls on a weekend or aligns with the final stretch of the regular season. As fans prepare for holiday festivities, they also check game times, teams, and channels. This guide will help you understand what to expect each year.
Why the NFL Schedules Games on Christmas Day
Meeting Fan Demand and Boosting Ratings
The NFL adds Christmas games to meet growing fan demand. Many people have the day off from work. This creates a large, available audience. As a result, television ratings for holiday games are consistently high.
Also, the late December schedule fits well. Teams are in the final weeks of the season. Playoff races become intense. Games on Christmas often have major implications. That makes them more exciting and meaningful.
Furthermore, the league aims to expand its reach. Holiday games attract casual viewers. Families gather and may turn on the TV for background entertainment. Football becomes part of the holiday atmosphere.
Streaming services also benefit. Platforms like NFL+ and Amazon Prime carry select games. They gain more subscribers during high-traffic events. Christmas games help boost digital engagement.
In addition, players and coaches generally support the schedule. They understand the tradition and exposure. Some even enjoy the chance to perform on a big stage.
Sponsors and advertisers pay more for ad space. Holiday games offer prime slots. This increases revenue for the league.
Overall, scheduling games on December 25th makes sense. It aligns with business goals and fan habits. That’s why the question “is there a football game on christmas day” gets asked every year.
When Did Christmas Day Football Games Start?
The Evolution of a Modern Tradition
For most of NFL history, Christmas was not a regular game day. However, exceptions occurred during special seasons. The first recorded NFL Christmas game took place in 1971. It featured the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.
Then, in the 1980s and 1990s, the league occasionally scheduled playoff games on December 25th. These matchups were rare. They only happened when the calendar required it.
A turning point came in 2009. The NFL introduced a new tradition. It scheduled a primetime game on Christmas night. The Arizona Cardinals played the Tennessee Titans. That game set a precedent.
Since then, the league has expanded the concept. More Christmas games appear when December 25th falls on a Sunday, Monday, or Saturday. The 2020 and 2021 seasons included multiple holiday matchups.
In 2022, three games were played on Christmas Day. That was the first time in league history. The games spread across afternoon and evening slots.
The trend continues into 2023 and beyond. The NFL treats Christmas as a potential game window. It’s no longer a surprise but a planned event.
This shift reflects changes in sports culture. Fans expect action every day of the week. The league responds with more scheduled games.
Now, when people ask, “is there a football game on christmas day,” the answer is often predictable. Yes, and sometimes more than one.
Which Teams Are Likely to Play on Christmas Day?
Factors That Influence Matchup Selection
The NFL doesn’t randomly pick teams for Christmas games. Several factors determine which matchups appear. First, the league considers playoff implications. Games with high stakes draw more viewers.
Also, popular teams often get selected. Franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers have large fan bases. Their games generate strong ratings.
Geographic reach matters too. The league wants national appeal. Matchups between East and West Coast teams allow fans in all time zones to watch live.
Television partners influence decisions. Networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN have contracts. They request attractive games for their time slots. Christmas games are premium content.
Matchups with star players get priority. If Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Justin Jefferson is playing, interest increases. Star power drives ticket sales and viewership.
The schedule also balances fairness. Teams don’t want to play on Christmas every year. The league rotates opportunities across franchises.
Weather can play a role. Outdoor games in cold cities may be less likely. Indoor or warm-weather stadiums are preferred. This ensures consistent gameplay.
Injuries and team performance are monitored. A struggling team might be replaced if their record changes. Flex scheduling allows adjustments.
Ultimately, the goal is to deliver exciting football. The NFL selects games that promise drama and high energy. This makes Christmas Day viewing worthwhile.
How to Watch Football on Christmas Day
Broadcast Options and Streaming Services
If you’re wondering, “is there a football game on christmas day,” the next step is knowing where to watch. The NFL uses multiple platforms to reach fans. Traditional TV remains a top choice.
National games air on major networks. CBS and FOX broadcast afternoon games. NBC carries Sunday Night Football. These channels are available for free with an antenna.
For primetime games, ESPN and ABC often carry the broadcast. They offer in-depth analysis and live commentary. These games usually start at 8:15 PM ET.
Cord-cutters can stream games online. NFL+. This mobile app offers live local and primetime games. It works on phones and tablets.
Other platforms include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV. These provide full channel access. Subscribers can watch games on smart TVs and streaming devices.
Amazon Prime Video now streams Thursday Night Football. While not a Christmas staple, it shows the league’s digital growth.
Mobile apps from networks like NBC and ESPN allow login access. Verify your cable subscription to unlock content. Then stream anywhere.
Some games are exclusive to certain services. For example, Peacock aired a 2022 playoff game. This trend may expand to Christmas matchups.
Check the official NFL website for the latest schedule. It lists TV networks and streaming options. This ensures you don’t miss kickoff.
No matter your setup, options exist. The NFL makes it easy to enjoy football on Christmas.
Impact on Families and Holiday Traditions
Balancing Celebration and Game Time
Many families now include football in their Christmas plans. They gather around the TV between meals and gift exchanges. This shift changes how holidays are celebrated.
Some households treat the game as a main event. They plan meals around kickoff. Snacks and drinks are ready by the first quarter.
Others use it as background entertainment. The game plays while people talk and relax. It adds energy without dominating the day.
However, not everyone enjoys football. Some family members may feel left out. It’s important to balance screen time with conversation.
Families with kids often adapt. They play games or open presents during commercials. This keeps children engaged and prevents boredom.
For military families or those far from home, watching football creates connection. They tune in with loved ones across the country. Shared viewing builds closeness.
Some host football-themed parties. Invite friends to watch together. Serve team jerseys, themed food, and holiday treats.
Still, others prefer tradition without sports. They attend church, cook, or play board games. That’s okay too. Every family finds its own rhythm.
The key is communication. Talk about plans in advance. Respect different interests. Include non-fans in other activities.
When done well, football enhances the holiday. It becomes one of many joyful moments.
Past Christmas Day Football Games and Highlights
Memorable Moments from Previous Seasons
Looking back, several Christmas Day games stand out. They delivered excitement, drama, and unforgettable plays.
In 2020, the New Orleans Saints beat the Denver Broncos. Alvin Kamara scored six rushing touchdowns. That tied an NFL single-game record. It became an instant holiday highlight.
Another game that year featured the Ravens and Cowboys. Lamar Jackson led Baltimore to a close win. The Cowboys’ loss affected their playoff chances.
In 2021, the Rams hosted the Seahawks. Los Angeles won in a crucial division matchup. The game helped them secure a playoff spot.
The 2022 three-game slate was historic. The Dolphins beat the Packers in Green Bay. That was a major upset. Miami’s victory boosted their playoff hopes.
Also in 2022, the Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals. Tom Brady led a comeback win. His final season added emotional weight to the game.
The final game that day had the Bills beating the Bears. Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns. The win kept Buffalo in the AFC race.
These games proved that Christmas football works. They were competitive and meaningful. Fans remember the big plays and final scores.
Each year adds to the legacy. The games become part of NFL history. They show that December 25th can host top-tier action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns About Christmas Day Games
Is there always a game on Christmas? No. It depends on the calendar and schedule. More games happen when Christmas falls on a weekend.
Are games only on Sundays? No. If Christmas is on a Monday or Saturday, games may be scheduled. The NFL adjusts based on the week.
Do teams get extra time off? Not always. Some players would prefer rest. However, the league compensates with scheduling flexibility.
Can I watch games for free? Yes, with an over-the-air antenna. Local broadcasts are free. Streaming options may require a subscription.
Are playoff games ever on Christmas? Yes, in the past. The NFL may schedule them if the calendar aligns.
How many games are played? Usually one or two. In 2022, there were three. The number varies by year.
Does every network broadcast games? No. Only select networks have rights. They rotate based on contracts.
These answers help fans plan ahead. Clarity improves the viewing experience.
Summary
Final Thoughts on Whether There Is a Football Game on Christmas Day
The question “is there a football game on christmas day” has become easier to answer. In recent years, the NFL has embraced the holiday as a prime game day. Whether one or multiple games are scheduled, fans can expect action when December 25th aligns with the season.
The tradition continues to grow. It meets fan demand, boosts ratings, and adds excitement to the final stretch of the year. Families now include these games in their celebrations.
With multiple ways to watch, access is simple. TV, streaming, and mobile apps make it easy. Everyone can find a way to enjoy the action.
Ultimately, Christmas football is here to stay. It blends sports and holiday spirit. For millions, tuning in is now part of the season’s joy.