by For football fans, the holiday season is officially the “most wonderful time of the year,” and this year is no exception. As we enjoy the festivities of December 25, 2025, the league is delivering a massive gift to viewers: a triple-header of high-stakes divisional rivalries. If you are planning your holiday around the pigskin, you need to know that the way we watch the NFL Christmas Games 2025 has changed significantly, with streaming services taking center stage.
In a historic shift for the league, the 2025 holiday schedule relies almost entirely on digital platforms rather than traditional broadcast networks. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some holiday entertainment while the turkey rests, this year requires a quick check of your apps. To help you navigate the day, here is the full breakdown of the schedule, matchups, and how to watch the NFL Christmas Games 2025.
The Official NFL Christmas Games 2025 Schedule
This year, Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, allowing the league to seamlessly integrate its “Thursday Night Football” slot into a full day of action. The NFL Christmas Games 2025 schedule features three back-to-back divisional matchups, ensuring that every game carries the weight of long-standing rivalries and potential draft-order implications.
| Game | Time (ET) | Venue | Streaming Platform |
| Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders | 1:00 PM | Northwest Stadium | Netflix |
| Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings | 4:30 PM | U.S. Bank Stadium | Netflix |
| Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 8:20 PM | Arrowhead Stadium | Prime Video |
NFC East Showdown: Cowboys vs. Commanders
The first of the NFL Christmas Games 2025 kicks off in Landover, Maryland, where the Dallas Cowboys take on the Washington Commanders. While both teams have faced challenges this season, the rivalry remains as heated as ever. This game marks the start of Netflix’s exclusive holiday coverage, featuring a pre-game performance by Texas native and pop superstar Kelly Clarkson. Fans should tune in early to catch the holiday spirit before Dak Prescott leads the Cowboys’ offense onto the field for this 1:00 PM ET start.
NFC North Battle: Lions vs. Vikings
As the afternoon continues, the NFL Christmas Games 2025 move to Minneapolis for a pivotal NFC North clash between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are hosting a “Winter Whiteout,” encouraging fans at U.S. Bank Stadium to wear white as the team debuts its “Winter Warrior” uniforms. This matchup also features a high-energy halftime show by West Coast legend Snoop Dogg, making it a marquee entertainment event. With the Lions fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, this 4:30 PM ET window is set to be one of the most exciting moments of the day.
AFC West Nightcap: Broncos vs. Chiefs
To wrap up the NFL Christmas Games 2025, fans will head over to Amazon Prime Video for a primetime “Thursday Night Football” edition of the Denver Broncos vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos have been the breakout story of the AFC this year, entering the game with a dominant 12-3 record and a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed. They face a Chiefs team playing for pride at Arrowhead Stadium, looking to maintain their decade-long home winning streak against Denver. Despite injuries to key starters, this 8:20 PM ET game remains a must-watch for any football enthusiast.
How to Watch: The Streaming Revolution
The most important thing to remember about the NFL Christmas Games 2025 is that you won’t find them on your standard cable channels like CBS or FOX. For the first two games of the day, you will need a Netflix subscription, as the streaming giant has secured exclusive global rights for the afternoon doubleheader. The late-night AFC West battle will be hosted on Amazon Prime Video, continuing its usual Thursday night residency.
If you are worried about missing out because you don’t have these services, there is a small workaround for local viewers. Per NFL policy, the NFL Christmas Games 2025 will still be broadcast on over-the-air local TV stations in the immediate home markets of the six competing teams. For everyone else, including those using mobile devices, NFL+ remains a viable option to catch the live action on the go.
Final Verdict on the 2025 Holiday Slate
While some critics have labeled this year’s matchups as a “lump of coal” due to various quarterback injuries, the NFL Christmas Games 2025 still offer plenty of drama. Between the Broncos chasing the top seed and the Lions battling for a post-season miracle, the stakes are real. Plus, with superstars like Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson providing the soundtrack, the NFL has ensured that Christmas Day remains a premier event for sports and entertainment alike.
Which of today’s matchups are you most excited to watch? Share your score predictions in the comments below, and let us know if you need help finding the best holiday snacks for your game-day party!
