On Christmas Day, NFL games delivered by major national networks have become a cherished tradition for many fans, blending holiday gatherings with high-stakes regular season matchups. This guide walks you through how, when, and where to watch these games on TV and streaming services.
Below is a quick reference table summarizing recent Christmas Day broadcasts, including networks, time windows, and expected availability across cable and streaming platforms.
| Date | Matchup | Network | Typical Kickoff | Streaming Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-25 | Commanders vs. Cowboys | Fox | 8:20 PM ET | Fox Sports App, YouTube TV, Fubo |
| 2023-12-25 | Ravens vs. Bengals | NBC | 1:00 PM ET | Peacock, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue |
| 2023-12-25 | Lions vs. Vikings | Fox | 4:30 PM ET | Fox Sports App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV |
| 2022-12-25 | Bills vs. Raiders | CBS | 1:00 PM ET | Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, Fubo |
Christmas Day Afternoon Games Primacy
Early afternoon contests often feature marquee matchups designed to capture family viewing during holiday meals. These games typically air on NBC and are part of the league’s strategy to maximize audience across generations.
Time Zone Considerations
Networks schedule early windows to accommodate both coasts, with most games following a 1:00 PM Eastern live window so West Coast fans can watch before evening festivities.
Christmas Day Evening Showcase
Later in the day, networks roll out primetime slots that highlight rivalry games and playoff contenders looking to capitalize on a stacked slate.
Fox Prime Slot
Fox owns the late Christmas evening window, usually anchoring marquee pairings like NFC powers at 8:15 or 8:20 PM ET with robust production and commentary teams.
National Broadcast Vs. Regional Access
While national audiences see a single featured game in each window, regional sports networks and local affiliates may carry alternate games not shown on national channels.
Blackout Rules and Local Signals
If a game does not sell out, local broadcast rules may shift coverage to radio or make it unavailable on TV in the teams’ home markets, so checking your market status is essential.
Streaming And Cord Cutting Trends
More fans now rely on streaming services that carry the same national networks, and apps from Fox, NBC, and CBS have made it easier to watch Christmas games without traditional cable.
Authentication and Add-Ons
Most services require login through your TV provider, and add-ons like NFL+ can provide access to out-of-market games if national feeds do not include your preferred matchup.
Key Takeaways For Watching Christmas Day NFL
- Check your local affiliate schedule for exact kickoff times in your zone.
- Use authenticated streaming apps to access the same national feeds as cable.
- Confirm sell-out status if you rely on local broadcast in team markets.
- Explore free trials from streaming services if you do not already have cable.
- Set reminders for early windows and prime-time games to plan your viewing.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time will NFL Christmas games air in my local time zone?
Check your local listings for ET-based start times adjusted to your zone. Afternoon games are typically 1:00 PM ET, and evening games usually begin at 8:20 PM ET, with streaming services reflecting the same offset.
Can I watch Christmas Day NFL games if I do not have cable?
Yes, live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry the broadcast networks, and most offer free trials or individual network adds if you do not want a full bundle.
Are NFL+ or league streaming services required to watch Christmas games?
No, the national games air on Fox, NBC, and CBS and are available through your TV provider login on their apps, though NFL+ may provide access to secondary games in some markets.
What happens if a Christmas game is blacked out in my market?
If a game is not sold out, it may move to radio or digital streaming only in the home teams’ markets, but national windows usually proceed as scheduled on the main broadcast networks.