The holiday season brings joy, family, and festive traditions. Yet for sports fans, one of the most exciting questions each December is: what football games are on christmas day? In recent years, the NFL has scheduled regular-season matchups on December 25th. This shift adds live action to a day usually filled with quiet moments and classic movies.

Fans now look forward to high-stakes games featuring top teams and star players. These contests often impact playoff races. As a result, households across the country plan their celebrations around kickoff times. Whether you’re hosting a party or watching solo, knowing what football games are on christmas day helps you prepare. From team lineups to broadcast details, this guide covers everything you need.

Why the NFL Schedules Games on Christmas Day

Rising Demand for Holiday Sports Entertainment

One major reason the NFL answers what football games are on christmas day with real matchups is growing fan interest. People want more than reruns during the holidays.

Live sports bring energy and excitement. Families bond over shared cheering. Friends debate strategies and make predictions. The mood stays lively from start to finish.

Holiday games fill a gap in entertainment. Most leagues take breaks. The NBA plays on Christmas, but the NFL draws even larger TV ratings.

Streaming services support this trend. Fans watch on phones, tablets, or smart TVs. No need to leave home. They enjoy the game while staying cozy.

Social media amplifies the moment. Reaction videos, memes, and live polls trend instantly. A player spiking the ball into a snowbank becomes a viral clip in minutes.

Because of this demand, the NFL sees value in scheduling games on December 25th. It keeps fans engaged during a quiet week.

The answer to what football games are on christmas day now sparks national conversation.

Strategic Benefits for Teams and Broadcasters

Another reason the league schedules games on this day is exposure. With fewer competing events, what football games are on christmas day becomes a prime-time spotlight.

Networks like CBS, Fox, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video bid heavily for broadcast rights. These games draw millions of viewers. Advertisers pay top dollar for slots.

Teams benefit too. A win on Christmas can boost morale and momentum. It strengthens playoff chances. A standout performance gains national attention.

Players use the moment to shine. Young stars prove themselves. Veterans show leadership under pressure. Scouts and analysts take close notes.

Merchandise sales often spike after big games. Jerseys, hats, and collectibles sell fast. Retailers track trends closely.

Sponsors gain visibility. Brands tie ads to holiday themes. Their messages reach emotional, engaged audiences.

By choosing the right matchups, the NFL ensures what football games are on christmas day delivers maximum impact.

How to Find Out What Football Games Are on Christmas Day

Official NFL Schedule Release and Updates

The best way to know what football games are on christmas day is the official NFL website. The league releases the full schedule each spring.

By April, fans can see all matchups. Christmas games are usually confirmed early. They appear in bold or with holiday icons.

The NFL app sends push notifications. Subscribers get alerts when schedules drop. Weekly reminders keep fans updated.

Team websites and social media also share details. Coaches and players comment during press conferences.

Local news stations cover the announcement. Radio shows debate the fairness and excitement of each matchup.

Printed media like newspapers and magazines publish previews. Some include player stats and prediction charts.

By checking multiple sources, fans stay informed. The answer to what football games are on christmas day becomes clear months in advance.

Sports News Outlets and Fan Communities

In addition to official channels, fans turn to sports media. Websites like ESPN, Bleacher Report, and NFL Network provide early leaks and analysis.

Reporters often predict what football games are on christmas day based on trends. Teams with strong records or big followings are likely picks.

Podcasts discuss potential matchups. Analysts break down playoff implications. Listeners gain deeper insight.

Fan forums like Reddit’s r/NFL buzz with speculation. Users post mock schedules. Others share insider tips from beat writers.

YouTube channels create countdown videos. They rank past Christmas games and preview upcoming ones.

Social media polls let fans vote for their dream matchups. The NFL sometimes responds to feedback.

These platforms help fans feel involved. The search for what football games are on christmas day becomes part of the fun.

Recent Examples of Football Games on Christmas Day

2022 Matchup: Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Rams

One example of what football games are on christmas day was the 2022 game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams.

It took place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Rams hosted the game in their home dome.

Weather played a role. While Denver faced snow, Los Angeles offered mild conditions. This helped ensure a smooth game.

The Rams wore special red and gold accents on their uniforms. Holiday-themed sideline gear added festive flair.

Fans filled the stadium despite the holiday. Many brought gifts to donate. The team partnered with local charities.

The game ended with a Broncos victory. A late interception sealed the win. Social media lit up with reactions.

Players shared emotional post-game interviews. Some missed Christmas dinner with family. Others appreciated the honor of playing.

This matchup showed how what football games are on christmas day can deliver both excitement and meaning.

2023 Doubleheader: Dolphins vs. Packers and Chiefs vs. Broncos

In 2023, the NFL expanded holiday action. Two games answered the question: what football games are on christmas day?

The first featured the Miami Dolphins visiting the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Cold weather added drama. Snow covered the field. Players slipped, but the game went on.

The Dolphins pulled off an upset. Their young quarterback shined under pressure. Fans called it one of the season’s best games.

The second contest matched the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos. It aired in prime time.

Patrick Mahomes led a last-minute drive. A field goal as time expired gave the Chiefs the win. The moment went viral.

Both games drew massive ratings. Streaming platforms reported record viewership.

These matchups proved what football games are on christmas day can deliver high-stakes drama. They impacted playoff races and created lasting memories.

Where to Watch Football Games on Christmas Day

National Broadcast Channels and Local Access

Watching what football games are on christmas day starts with knowing where to tune in. Traditional TV remains a top choice.

Major networks like CBS, Fox, and NBC rotate coverage. Check local listings for channel numbers. Pre-game shows begin early.

Local affiliates ensure hometown fans don’t miss a moment. Radio broadcasts provide play-by-play for drivers or workers.

Closed captioning helps hearing-impaired viewers. Spanish-language options grow each year. Inclusivity expands access.

Cable packages often include sports tiers. Subscribers unlock extra features like multi-angle views or coach’s film.

Antennas work for over-the-air signals. HD quality is free after initial setup. Great for budget-conscious fans.

Recordings allow replay of key moments. Pause during dinner. Rewind to see that amazing catch again.

With so many options, no one misses what football games are on christmas day.

Digital Platforms and Mobile Viewing

Streaming has transformed how fans enjoy what football games are on christmas day. Apps and websites offer flexibility.

NFL+ allows live local and primetime games on phones and tablets. Follow your team anywhere.

Amazon Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football. Christmas editions may appear here too.

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry multiple channels. Set recordings. Watch on any device.

Mobile data keeps fans connected. Use headphones in crowded houses. Share clips instantly.

International viewers rely on DAZN or NFL Game Pass. They bypass regional blocks.

Data usage matters. HD streams consume bandwidth. Connect to Wi-Fi when possible.

With digital tools, what football games are on christmas day fits modern life. It travels with you—from home to holiday visits.

How Fans Celebrate Football on Christmas Day

Hosting Game-Day Parties at Home

Once fans learn what football games are on christmas day, they start planning. Many host game-day parties at home.

They decorate with team colors and holiday lights. Tables overflow with snacks. Wings, dips, and themed cupcakes keep guests full.

Big screens dominate living rooms. Multiple TVs show pre-game analysis, live action, and social media feeds.

Kids play backyard flag football. They mimic their heroes’ moves. Parents cheer from porches.

Drinks include hot cocoa and eggnog—with adult versions for older fans. Team-colored cocktails add fun.

Some homes run betting pools. Guests guess final scores or top performers. Winners get small prizes like mini footballs or gift cards.

Games pause for dinner, then resume with renewed energy. Dessert comes with post-game reactions.

By blending traditions, families create new memories. The answer to what football games are on christmas day becomes part of their holiday ritual.

Engaging Online and Through Social Media

Digital interaction enhances the what football games are on christmas day experience. Fans don’t watch alone—they connect globally.

Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok explode with content. Reaction videos, memes, and live polls trend instantly.

Fantasy football players check updates constantly. A last-minute touchdown changes standings. Leagues announce winners by midnight.

Discord servers and Reddit threads buzz with real-time chat. Supporters argue calls, celebrate plays, and share inside jokes.

Influencers host virtual watch parties. They stream gameplay with commentary. Followers join via link.

Clips spread fast. A player spiking the ball into a snowbank gets remixed into songs. Animations appear within hours.

Brands jump in too. Snack companies post playful tweets. Apparel stores launch limited drops.

This online energy makes what football games are on christmas day feel bigger than any single game. It turns viewers into participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there always football games on what football games are on christmas day?
No. The NFL only schedules games when matchups matter. Not every December 25th has a game.

How many games are usually played?
Sometimes one. Other years feature a doubleheader. The league decides based on team needs.

Do college football games air on Christmas?
Yes. Bowl season starts in mid-December. Several college games air on or near Christmas.

Can I watch without cable?
Yes. Streaming services like NFL+, YouTube TV, and Hulu offer live access. No traditional TV needed.

What time do games start?
Times vary. Afternoon games begin at 4:30 PM ET. Prime time starts at 8:15 PM ET.

Are tickets available for sale?
Yes. Fans can buy them months in advance. Prices depend on location and team popularity.

Do teams wear special uniforms?
Sometimes. Festive colors or holiday-themed designs appear occasionally. Limited-edition gear follows.

Is fantasy football active on Christmas?
Yes. Many leagues include these games. Last-minute points change rankings.

Final Thoughts

The question what football games are on christmas day has become a central part of the holiday season. It blends sports, family, and tradition in a unique way.

From dramatic finishes to heartfelt moments, these games create lasting memories. Fans gather, players perform, and history unfolds. Year after year, its popularity grows.

Whether you’re cheering from the couch or posting reactions online, what football games are on christmas day connects people through sport and celebration. Consider making it part of your holiday routine. You might just start a new family custom.