The NFL’s Christmas Day Tradition: A Complete Guide to Games, History & How to Watch (2025)
Are you wondering why the NFL is playing games on Christmas Day? It’s a relatively new tradition, but one that’s quickly becoming a holiday staple for football fans. This guide dives deep into the NFL’s Christmas day games, covering the history, the 2025 schedule, where to watch, and what this means for the future of the league.
A recent Tradition Rooted in History
The NFL and Christmas Day have a complex history.While the league did experiment with Christmas Day games in the early 1970s, it wasn’t a consistent feature of the schedule for decades. Actually, between 1989 and 2019, games where only occasionally scheduled on December 25th, typically when it fell on a Friday, saturday, or Sunday.
However,starting in 2020,the NFL committed to making Christmas Day a regular part of the season. This commitment has grown, with the league now scheduling three games annually. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed this expansion, solidifying Christmas as a key date on the NFL calendar.
Why the Shift? Appealing to a Wider Audience
So,why the change? Several factors are at play. The NFL recognizes the massive potential of capturing a broader audience during the holiday season. Many families are already together, looking for entertainment, and the NFL provides a compelling option. it’s a strategic move to increase viewership and revenue.
Furthermore, the league has found success pairing competitive, rivalry-fueled matchups on Christmas Day, creating must-watch events. This approach has proven popular with fans and media alike.
The 2025 NFL Christmas Day Schedule: Mark Your Calendars!
Get ready for a tripleheader of football on December 25th, 2025! Here’s the complete schedule:
* Game 1: Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders
* Game 2: Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
* Game 3: Kansas City chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Keep in mind that the Chiefs-Broncos game will kick off in the early hours of December 26th for viewers in greenwich Mean Time (GMT), starting at 01:15 GMT.
Where to Watch the 2025 Christmas Day Games
The NFL is partnering with streaming giants to bring you the action. Here’s how you can tune in:
* Games 1 & 2: Netflix will exclusively stream the first two games, continuing their partnership from 2024.
* Game 3: amazon Prime Video will broadcast the final matchup, offering another convenient viewing option.
This distribution strategy allows the NFL to reach a wider audience through popular streaming platforms.
A Look Back: The Early Christmas Day Experiments
The NFL’s first foray into christmas Day football occurred in 1971, following the merger between the American Football League and the National Football League. These were playoff games, but the decision proved unpopular with fans.
The backlash led to an 18-year hiatus before the league revisited the idea. This initial experience highlights the importance of careful planning and fan consideration when introducing new traditions.
The Future of NFL on Christmas: A Growing Trend?
The NFL’s commitment to three Christmas Day games annually suggests this is a trend that’s here to stay.Expect continued efforts to schedule compelling matchups and leverage streaming partnerships to maximize viewership.
It’s possible we could see even more games added to the Christmas Day schedule in the future, but for now, three games appear to be the sweet spot. The league is carefully balancing tradition with the desire to capitalize on a valuable television window.
Evergreen Insights: The Impact of NFL Scheduling on Fan Engagement
The NFL’s scheduling decisions aren’t made in a vacuum.They’re driven by data, fan feedback, and a desire to maximize engagement. christmas Day games are a prime example of this. By strategically placing games on a day when many people are already seeking entertainment, the NFL taps into a captive audience.
This approach extends beyond Christmas. The league also prioritizes prime-time slots for rivalry games and playoff matchups, understanding that these are the games fans are moast likely to watch. The NFL’s
