On Christmas Day, the National Football League schedules a curated slate of games that blends marquee matchups with holiday tradition. Understanding the exact number of games and how the slate has evolved helps fans plan their viewing and appreciate the league’s approach to the holiday.
This article breaks down how many NFL games occur on Christmas Day, historical patterns, scheduling rules, and what to expect in future seasons. The following sections use specific keyword headings to guide you through the key details.
| Season | Date | Number of Games | Typical Start Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 25 | 4 | 4:30 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2022 | December 25 | 3 | 8:20 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2021 | December 25 | 2 | 1:00 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2020 | December 25 | 2 | 1:00 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2019 | December 25 | 3 | 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2018 | December 25 | 3 | 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
| 2017 | December 25 | 3 | 1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET, 8:20 PM ET |
Christmas Day Game Count Trends
Typical Range and Scheduling Factors
Historically, Christmas Day features between two and four games, depending on the alignment of the calendar and late-season scheduling decisions. The league avoids games when December 25 falls on a Sunday to respect religious observances, shifting the slate to other days in those years. The consistent use of late-evening windows helps national audiences tune in across time zones.
Prime-Time Christmas Day Matchups
Star Power and Viewer Engagement
The 8:20 PM ET start has become the signature window for high-profile Christmas games, giving marquee teams prime national exposure. Networks and the league prioritize compelling storylines for the late slot, such as divisional rivals or playoff implications. Fans can generally expect at least one marquee 8:20 PM ET game when Christmas falls on a Thursday or Friday.
Afternoon and Early Windows
Regional Interest and Broadcast Strategy
Earlier windows, including 1:00 PM ET and 4:30 PM ET, allow more games to fit the holiday schedule and serve local and regional audiences. These slots can feature teams with strong local followings or compelling seasonal narratives. Rotational rules and cross-flex policies give networks flexibility to adjust matchups closer to the holiday.
Schedule Flexibility and Cross-Flex Policies
How Broadcast Decisions Shape the Slate
As the season progresses, the league and networks use cross-flex rules to move certain games between channels to maximize viewership. This flexibility can slightly alter which matchups appear on Christmas Day without changing the overall number of games. Teams often see their local broadcast change in response to competitive balance and audience interest.
Key Takeaways for Christmas Day Viewing
- Expect between two and four games, most commonly three.
- The 8:20 PM ET slot is reserved for marquee national matchups.
- Early windows (1:00 PM ET, 4:30 PM ET) serve regional and local audiences.
- Calendar quirks and cross-flex decisions can change the slate each year.
- Fans should check their local listings for exact times and channels in their market.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Christmas Day always have four games?
No, the number varies based on the calendar. Common counts are two, three, or four games, with four being less frequent due to competitive balance and competitive scheduling constraints.
Why is there usually an 8:20 PM ET game on Christmas Day?
The 8:20 PM ET window provides prime national exposure and aligns with strong viewership, so the league schedules at least one high-profile matchup in that slot whenever possible.
What happens if Christmas falls on a Sunday?
The league avoids scheduling games on Sunday out of respect for religious observances, moving all Christmas contests to Saturday or another weekday in those years.
Can local markets see different games depending on the broadcast window?
Yes, cross-flex policies and regional blackouts mean fans may see different matchups on local broadcast or cable depending on the network and time zone.