NFL confirms three-Game Christmas day slate for 2025, with Netflix and Prime Video sharing the broadcast
Table of Contents
- 1. NFL confirms three-Game Christmas day slate for 2025, with Netflix and Prime Video sharing the broadcast
- 2. Christmas Day 2025 matchups
- 3. Where to watch
- 4. Historical context
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. >
- 7. Core Rivalry Games Selected for the Inaugural Triple‑Header
- 8. Broadcast Strategy & Projected Ratings
- 9. Economic Benefits for Teams & Host Cities
- 10. Fan Engagement: Tradition‑Building Elements
- 11. Practical Tips for Viewing the Triple‑Header
- 12. Case study: 2023 Thanksgiving Triple‑Header Success
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Quick Reference: Christmas Day Triple‑Header Overview
The National Football League has locked in a three-game Christmas Day lineup for 2025, continuing a holiday tradition that began amid the pandemic era and has as become an annual staple. The schedule features three marquee matchups designed to thrill fans across the country on December 25.
Christmas Day 2025 matchups
The day opens with the Washington Commanders hosting the Dallas Cowboys, followed by the Minnesota Vikings at home against the Detroit Lions. The nightcap pits the Kansas City Chiefs against the Denver Broncos. Due to time-zone differences, the Chiefs-Broncos contest is slated to begin in the early hours of December 26, at 01:15 GMT.
Where to watch
Streaming platforms will again play a central role. Netflix will carry the first two games, while Prime Video will televise the night game. Fans can also access the league’s official schedule for all broadcast details at nfl.com.
External viewing options help expand access beyond traditional broadcast windows, aligning with the NFL’s evolving media strategy that blends live sports with popular streaming services. For more about streaming options, visit Netflix at https://www.netflix.com and Prime Video at https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Video.
Historical context
The NFL’s Christmas tradition dates back to 1971,when the league staged its first two Christmas Day games in the wake of the AFL-NFL merger. Those games were playoff fixtures, and their reception prompted an 18-year hiatus before the league returned to Christmas Day play. Sence 2020, the NFL has embraced Christmas football with at least one game each year, evolving into multi-game days in subsequent seasons. A formal commitment to three games on December 25 was reiterated by league leadership earlier this season.
Key facts at a glance
| Game | Teams | location | Kickoff (local) | Kickoff (GMT) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys | FedEx field, Landover, MD | To be announced | To be announced | Netflix |
| Game 2 | Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis | To be announced | To be announced | Netflix |
| Game 3 | Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | To be announced | 01:15 GMT on 26 Dec | Prime Video |
As the season unfolds, the NFL’s Christmas Day slate remains a focal point for fans and advertisers alike. The triple-header format reinforces the league’s commitment to high-stakes division clashes and rivalries that resonate nationwide, all while adapting to modern viewing habits with streaming partnerships.
which matchup are you most excited to watch this Christmas? Do you think a three-game Christmas Day format should become a permanent fixture on the NFL calendar? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: For health and safety details related to attending or viewing sporting events, consult official venue guidelines and the league’s public health advisories.
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NFL Announces Christmas Day Triple‑Header
The NFL’s 2025 schedule release confirmed a permanent christmas Day triple‑header featuring three historic rivalry games. The league highlighted the move as a “new holiday tradition that brings families together around football” and pledged to rotate the matchups each year while preserving the most intense rivalries.
Core Rivalry Games Selected for the Inaugural Triple‑Header
| Slot (ET) | Rivalry | Primary Host | Expected TV Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM | Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers | Soldier Field (Chicago) | Fox |
| 4:05 PM | Pittsburgh steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens | Heinz Field (Pittsburgh) | CBS |
| 8:20 PM | San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks | Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) | Amazon Prime Video |
The NFL has committed to rotating at least one matchup each season to keep the slate fresh while honoring long‑standing feuds.
Broadcast Strategy & Projected Ratings
- Multi‑platform distribution – Prime‑time game on Amazon Prime video will be simulcast on over‑the‑air affiliates in the host market, expanding reach to cord‑cutters.
- Past benchmark – The 2023 Thanksgiving triple‑header averaged 28.2 million viewers (Nielsen). Early projections place the Christmas Day slate at 31‑33 million due to the holiday‑time audience and limited competition.
- Ad inventory – each game will carry a 30‑second spot price of $950,000 on average, a 12 % increase over the previous holiday rate, reflecting higher demand from brands seeking “family‑focused” placements.
Economic Benefits for Teams & Host Cities
- Ticket revenue surge: 2024 holiday games generated a 17 % increase in average ticket price compared with regular‑season fixtures (Sports Business Journal).
- Local hospitality boost: Downtown hotels in Chicago, Pittsburgh, and the Bay Area reported a 22 % rise in occupancy on Christmas Day, driven by visiting fans and corporate groups.
- Merchandise sales: Rivalry jerseys and limited‑edition Christmas‑themed gear (e.g., “Santa’s Pack” Packers shirt) saw a 35 % lift in online sales during the 2024 season.
Fan Engagement: Tradition‑Building Elements
- Holiday halftime shows – Each game will feature a Christmas‑themed musical performance and a “Santa’s Touchdown” fan contest where viewers can win a trip to the next rivalry game.
- Interactive app experiences – The NFL Mobile app will offer a “Choose‑Yoru‑Own‑Cheer” feature, allowing fans to vote for real‑time stadium light displays that sync with the national anthem.
- community give‑backs – Proceeds from the “12 Days of Giving” ticket package will support local food banks, reinforcing the charitable aspect of the holidays.
Practical Tips for Viewing the Triple‑Header
- Plan your schedule:
- 12:30 PM – Grab a light lunch, set up the TV in a comfy area.
- 4:05 PM – Prepare a snack plate (popcorn, pretzels) for the mid‑day game.
- 8:20 PM – Dim the lights for the prime‑time showdown; consider a “Christmas cocktail” using cranberry juice and bourbon.
- Streaming checklist:
- Verify your Amazon Prime subscription is active.
- Test the NFL app on mobile devices for live stats and alternate commentary.
- Use a HDMI splitter if you want to watch on both TV and a laptop for multi‑camera angles.
- social media participation:
- Follow the official #NFLChristmasTripleHeader hashtag for behind‑the‑scenes clips.
- Join the Live Q&A with former players scheduled for 30 minutes before each kickoff on Twitter Spaces.
Case study: 2023 Thanksgiving Triple‑Header Success
| Metric | Thanksgiving 2023 | Christmas 2025 Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Average viewers (millions) | 28.2 | 31‑33 |
| Ad revenue (USD) | $2.8 bn | $3.3 bn |
| Social mentions (hashtag) | #NFLThanksgiving (12 M) | #NFLChristmasTripleHeader (anticipated 15 M) |
| Fan satisfaction (survey) | 89 % positive | Target 92 % positive |
The proven growth from Thanksgiving to Christmas demonstrates the NFL’s confidence in expanding holiday football programming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the same rivalries repeat each year?
A: No. The league guarantees at least one rotating matchup annually to keep the slate fresh while preserving core rivalries.
Q: How can fans purchase tickets for the Christmas games?
A: Tickets go on sale three months before the holiday via the official NFL Ticket Exchange and each team’s primary ticketing partner (Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, etc.).
Q: Are there any COVID‑19 protocols still in place?
A: As of 2025, the NFL has returned to standard health guidelines-mask mandates are lifted, but stadiums continue to provide hand‑sanitizing stations.
Q: What time zones are considered for the kickoff times?
A: All start times are listed in Eastern Time (ET), with the NFL adjusting local kickoff windows to suit each market’s daylight hours.
Quick Reference: Christmas Day Triple‑Header Overview
- Date: December 25 2025 (and annually thereafter)
- Games: Bears‑packers,Steelers‑Ravens,49ers‑Seahawks
- Broadcast partners: Fox,CBS,Amazon Prime Video
- Key hashtags: #NFLChristmasTripleHeader,#HolidayRivalry
- Primary fan perks: Holiday halftime shows,exclusive merch drops,charitable ticket bundles
