On Christmas Day, many fans want to know which channels will carry NFL games so they can plan their viewing and avoid missing the action. Understanding the broadcast landscape helps you follow marquee matchups without last‑minute confusion.
Because Christmas Day falls during the regular season, the league schedules a mix of afternoon games, and national networks coordinate with regional providers to maximize reach. The following sections break down where you can watch these holiday matchups and what to expect.
| Network | Game Time (Local) | Region or Coverage | Typical Matchup Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBC | 1:00 PM ET | National | Featured AFC vs NFC |
| Fox | 1:00 PM ET | National with regional blackouts | Conference-specific focus |
| CBS | 4:25 PM ET | National | Late-afternoon marquee game |
| NFL+ | Varies by game | Out-of-market and streaming | All Christmas games |
NBC Christmas Day NFL Coverage
NBC serves as one of the primary carriers for Christmas Day games, airing a national contest in the early window. Viewers can watch through cable or streaming services that include the network in their package.
Fox NFL Afternoon Games
Fox often presents a conference‑focused matchup in the same early window, with availability subject to regional blackouts. Over the air viewers with an antenna can access the broadcast where local rights allow.
CBS Late Afternoon Option
CBS typically features a marquee game in the late afternoon, giving fans a second window to watch high‑stakes football on Christmas Day. Streaming platforms that carry local CBS affiliates provide an alternative for cord‑cutters.
Streaming and Out‑of‑Market Access
NFL+ delivers out‑of‑market streams for every Christmas Day game, requiring a subscription and authentication through the league’s app or supported services. This option is especially useful when local affiliates are not available in your area.
Key Takeaways for Christmas Day Viewing
- Check local affiliate listings, as network windows can shift by region.
- Use NFL+ for reliable out‑of‑market access to every game.
- Confirm streaming service packages include the networks airing the contest.
- Antenna viewers should verify over‑the‑air availability and blackout rules.
- Plan around early and late windows to catch all marquee matchups.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will I need a cable subscription to watch Christmas Day games on NBC or Fox?
You can watch through a cable subscription or via streaming services that carry the network, and many providers offer apps that let you authenticate your account online.
What if my market is blacked out on Fox during the Christmas Day game?
Blackouts are usually limited to the local affiliate, and you may be able to switch to the national carrier or stream the game on NFL+ if you are out of market.
Can I watch the late CBS game on a streaming service without cable?
Many services that include live CBS streams as part of their package will carry the game, and you can also use an antenna where over‑the‑air coverage is available.
How do I access NFL+ for Christmas Day matchups on my devices?
Log in or subscribe through the NFL app or an approved streaming platform, authenticate your subscription, and select the game you want to watch.