How the NFL schedules Christmas Day games
The NFL does play on Christmas when the calendar allows it, most often with marquee afternoon matchups that are part of the league’s pre‑week package. Since the 2022 season, Christmas that falls on a Sunday (December 25) moves the normal slate of games into Saturday, December 24, while Sunday games shift to Monday night. When Christmas is on another weekday, the NFL typically schedules a mix of afternoon and night games on December 25 as part of flexible scheduling adjustments. These games are televised nationally and are treated as priority contests in the regular season schedule.
Christmas Day scheduling rules
NFL scheduling operates on a week by week basis with strict rules to preserve competitive balance and television planning. Christmas games follow the same principles used for other late‑season flex scheduling, with the following elements commonly in play:
- 17‑game regular season, one bye per team
- Afternoon windows (1:00 p.m. local) and evening windows (8:20 p.m. ET)
- Late‑season flex scheduling to protect competitive balance and maximize audience reach
- National television commitments, including NBC, Fox, CBS, and ESPN/ABC where applicable
When Christmas falls on a Sunday, the normal Sunday window moves to Saturday, and the Monday night window remains open for a marquee flex game, preserving high‑profile contests around the holiday.
Impact of Christmas falling on different weekdays
The weekday on which December 25 occurs dictates when games are played and broadcast. Below is a summary of how the schedule adjusts around the holiday.
| Christmas weekday | Game day shift | Typical broadcast windows | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Games moved to Saturday, Dec 24 | Flexed afternoon and night windows on Sat | Monday night remains available for a top matchup |
| Monday | Games on Christmas Day (Dec 25) | Afternoon windows plus potential night flex | Monday night window shifts to Tuesday |
| Other weekday | Games on Christmas Day (Dec 25) | Afternoon and evening windows as scheduled | Flex scheduling can move or add games |
Historical context and broadcasting patterns
The NFL has played on Christmas since the early years of the television era, though the frequency and prominence of games have varied by collective bargaining agreements and network strategy. Historically, afternoon windows on Christmas have favored marquee divisional and nationally compelling matchups. The rise of flexible scheduling in the 2020s has increased the predictability of Christmas games being moved within the week to optimize for audience and competitive stakes.
How to check Christmas Day games each year
Because the exact dates and matchups can shift, especially when December 25 falls on a Sunday, fans should use reliable sources and league calendars. Follow these steps each season to confirm your games:
- Check the NFL’s official schedule in late summer and fall
- Watch for flex scheduling announcements in the weeks before Christmas
- Review local television blackouts and national outlet lineups (NBC, Fox, CBS, ESPN/ABC)
- Use the league’s mobile app for push notifications on changes or updates
Notable trends and exceptions
While Christmas games have become a regular feature, certain years feature no games when the calendar or labor disruptions alter the schedule. Postseason games have never occurred on Christmas Day in the Super Bowl era, and any potential Sunday work stoppages would affect scheduling decisions. Additionally, international series games and special doubleheader weeks are planned separately and can coincide with the holiday window.
Planning your viewing and travel around Christmas games
For fans attending games or hosting holiday gatherings, it is important to plan for early kickoff times and potential adjustments when the holiday falls on a Sunday. Ticket windows, local broadcasts, and travel advisories are typically announced months in advance. Coordinating your holiday plans with the published schedule ensures you can enjoy both the games and the festivities.
Key takeaways on Christmas Day NFL scheduling
Scheduling adjustments around Christmas are governed by consistent rules that prioritize competitive balance and television value. Whether the holiday falls on a Sunday or another weekday, the league works to present high quality games across national and regional broadcasts. Fans who understand how the calendar, flex scheduling, and broadcast windows interact can reliably plan for Christmas matchups each season.