When Are the 2025 Christmas Day NFL Games? Mark Your Calendar Now

Watching football on Christmas Day has become a festive fun-filled holiday tradition in its own right—and 2025 looks to be another season to remember. For those who are wondering when the couch needs to be cleared and the family must gather ’round the television to watch the action on the gridiron, allow us to fill you in. The NFL has officially announced that there will be three championship-style games on December 25th, 2025.

The NFL tripleheader schedule for Christmas Day 2025 includes start times of 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, and 8:15 PM ET.

 “With three games, everyone has an NFL team playing, making this a holiday that is all about football fans enjoying the season-long celebration with friends, family, and neighbors,” explains a spokesperson for the NFL.

 As such, you can expect the NFL action that accompanies your Christmas celebration to be the

However, the games are less about the dates, as they involve legacy-defining games, playoff hopes, and holiday intrigue. Now, let’s cover all that you need to know about the NFL games on Christmas Day for the 2025 season.

The Official 2025 Christmas Day NFL Schedule and Broadcast Details

The NFL has embraced Christmas Day scheduling since 2020, and 2025 continues this new tradition. With Christmas falling on a Thursday next year, it perfectly aligns with the NFL’s typical Thursday night football slot, making for seamless scheduling.

Here is the official expected broadcast schedule (exact matchups to be announced in Spring 2025):

Game 1: Early Afternoon Showdown
- Kickoff: 1:00 PM Eastern Time (10:00 AM Pacific)
- Broadcast Network: CBS or FOX (Alternates annually)
- Expected Matchup Profile: A historic rivalry or a game with major playoff implications for both conferences.
Game 2: Late Afternoon Spectacular
- Kickoff: 4:30 PM Eastern Time (1:30 PM Pacific)
- Broadcast Network: FOX or CBS (Whichever didn’t air Game 1)
- Expected Matchup Profile: Often features a marquee NFC vs. AFC clash, showcasing superstar quarterbacks.
Game 3: Christmas Night Prime-Time Event
- Kickoff: 8:15 PM Eastern Time (5:15 PM Pacific)
- Broadcast Network: NFL Network/Amazon Prime Video (Depending on current rights deals)
- Expected Matchup Profile: The crown jewel of the day. This slot is reserved for the most compelling storyline—think defending champions, MVP candidates, or legendary QB duels.

Why This Tripleheader Works: The spacing allows families to enjoy Christmas morning traditions, tune in for the first game during afternoon lounging, catch the second game as dinner is prepared, and witness the premier matchup as the day winds down. It’s engineered for maximum viewership and holiday integration.

Potential Blockbuster Matchups to Watch For in 2025

While the official schedule won’t be released until May 2025, we can make educated predictions based on the NFL’s recent Christmas Day selection criteria: star power, playoff stakes, and compelling narratives.

Based on current team trajectories, emerging rivalries, and market size, here are the most anticipated potential matchups for Christmas 2025:

1. The Legacy Game: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills

This rivalry has defined the early 2020s AFC. A Christmas Day showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen would be an instant classic. Imagine the snow-globe aesthetics of a potential Buffalo home game or the electric atmosphere in Arrowhead. The playoff implications will almost certainly be massive, potentially deciding the #1 seed in the AFC. This matchup is prime for the 4:30 PM or 8:15 PM slot.

2. The NFC Showdown: Detroit Lions vs. San Francisco 49ers

The NFL loves a good revenge narrative. The Lions’ emergence as an NFC powerhouse under Dan Campbell sets up a potential rematch of the 2023 NFC Championship Game. A Christmas game in Detroit (a city with iconic holiday sports history) against the 49ers’ star-studded roster would be must-watch TV. This has the emotional weight and competitive fire for the prime-time slot.

3. The Star-Studded Attraction: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins

If Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are healthy, this could be the most explosive offensive game of the year. Two young, charismatic quarterbacks with elite receivers (Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle) in a warm-weather or dome setting promises a highlight reel of touchdowns. This is a perfect fit for the national audience seeking entertainment.

4. The Historic Rivalry: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

The NFL’s oldest rivalry on the NFL’s most traditional holiday? That’s magic. If Jordan Love continues his ascent and the Bears’ new quarterback (likely Caleb Williams) is thriving, this could be a flex into the Christmas schedule. The nostalgia factor is huge, appealing to multiple generations of fans.

5. The Cinderella Story: Houston Texans vs. Detroit Lions

A battle of the two most remarkable rebuilds in recent memory. C.J. Stroud versus Jared Goff, with coaches DeMeco Ryans and Dan Campbell leading two of the league’s most passionate teams. This matchup symbolizes the new NFL and would be a feel-good story for the holiday.

How the NFL Selects Christmas Day Matchups: The Strategy Behind the Schedule

Understanding why certain games land on Christmas helps predict the 2025 slate. The NFL’s scheduling committee prioritizes:

Flexibility and Late-Season Importance: The schedule is officially released in May, but the NFL now builds in flexibility. Since 2023, they have held the right to “flex” games into the Christmas Day lineup as late as Week 15 to ensure the games have maximum playoff relevance. This means the most compelling matchups in December 2025 could still be added to the holiday roster.
Star Quarterbacks Above All: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and emerging stars like C.J. Stroud are the biggest draws. The NFL will ensure at least two of these elite QBs are featured.
Narrative and Revenge Angles: Rematches of prior playoff games or championship bouts get priority. The story writes itself in promos and commentary.
Market Size & National Appeal: Teams with large, national fanbases (Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, 49ers) always have an edge, but compelling smaller-market teams with exciting styles (Lions, Texans) can break through.

Maximizing Your 2025 Christmas Day Football Experience

Planning makes the day more enjoyable for both football fanatics and family members.

For the Host:

Create a Football-Friendly Feast: Shift the big meal to a Christmas Eve dinner or a late lunch (around 12 PM ET) before the first game. Prepare slow-cooker or easy-to-grab snacks (wings, nachos, sliders) for during the games.
Themed Decor: Incorporate team colors into your holiday decor. It’s a fun way to merge two passions.
Screen Setup: If you have multiple TV screens, consider setting up a “command center” to watch all games simultaneously, especially during critical fourth quarters.

For the Fan:

Fantasy Football Championships: Many league championships will be decided on Christmas Day 2025. Check your league schedule now and petition your commissioner if the championship extends to Week 17.
Betting Insights: Christmas Day games often have unique betting lines and prop bets (e.g., “First touchdown scorer wearing red”). Bookmarks your favorite sportsbooks early.
Gift Ideas: Drop hints now for Christmas 2025 gear for your team. Jerseys, themed ornaments, or tickets to a game are perfect gifts.

Historical Context: Why Christmas Day NFL is a New Tradition Worth Watching

While the NBA has owned Christmas for decades, the NFL’s recent foray has been a resounding success. The 2024 Christmas games saw record ratings, proving the audience appetite is massive. The NFL has learned to schedule games that feel like event television—games that would be important even if played on a Sunday in October, but are magnified by the holiday spotlight.

This tradition represents a shift in American holiday culture, offering a shared national experience for families who may not celebrate Christmas in a religious context, or simply want another reason to gather.

Final Answer and Key Takeaways

So, when are the 2025 Christmas Day NFL games?
Thursday, December 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, and 8:15 PM ET.

To summarize:

Set Your Reminders Now: The tripleheader will dominate your Christmas Thursday.
Expect Major Playoff Implications: These games will likely determine postseason fates.
Predict the Matchups: Look for Chiefs, Bills, Lions, 49ers, Bengals, or Dolphins to be featured.
Plan Your Day: Strategize meals and family time around the broadcast windows.
Watch for the Official Schedule: The full 2025 NFL schedule, including confirmed Christmas matchups, will drop in May 2025.

Christmas Day 2025 is set to be another landmark day for the NFL. It’s more than just football; it’s a holiday event, a family gathering point, and the climax of the NFL regular season. Mark your calendar, start the speculation with your friends and family, and get ready for a Christmas filled with the thrilling drama only the NFL can provide. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these games are crafted to be the unforgettable centerpiece of your holiday celebration.