The National Football League (NFL) has increasingly embraced Christmas Day as a marquee date for high-profile matchups, and the tradition continues in 2025. With fans eagerly anticipating which teams will grace their screens during the holiday season, the NFL recently unveiled the official Christmas Day schedule. The selection of games underscores the league’s commitment to maximizing viewership with competitive teams and marquee players.
Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Thursday, a day already familiar to NFL viewers because of the league’s regular Thursday Night Football broadcasts. This alignment allows the NFL to seamlessly merge its Thursday programming with the holiday spectacle, creating a one-of-a-kind event. Let’s take a close look at the games scheduled for this year’s Christmas Day lineup and examine why each matchup promises excitement for fans across the country.
Christmas Day 2025 NFL Games
The NFL has scheduled two back-to-back games on December 25, 2025. These games were carefully selected to feature teams with large fan bases and strong performances in recent seasons.
- Game 1: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens – 4:30 PM ET (CBS/Nickelodeon)
- Game 2: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers – 8:15 PM ET (Amazon Prime Video)
Game 1: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens
This early Christmas Day clash pits two perennial AFC powerhouses against each other. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, continue to be one of the NFL’s must-watch franchises. On the other side of the field, the Baltimore Ravens, headlined by Lamar Jackson’s electrifying play, bring a contrasting style of offense that promises a thrilling showdown.
Importance of the matchup:
- Potential AFC Championship preview
- Two MVP-caliber quarterbacks
- Explosive offenses and dynamic defenses
The game is also notable for being broadcast on both CBS and Nickelodeon. The latter aims to appeal to a younger audience by offering a light-hearted, kid-friendly version of the broadcast, complete with animations and fun commentary. This innovative approach continues the NFL’s effort to attract a new generation of fans.
Game 2: Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
The nightcap features one of the league’s oldest and most storied rivalries: the Dallas Cowboys taking on the San Francisco 49ers. With decades of postseason clashes and Hall of Fame players in their histories, these two franchises bring unmatched tradition and tension to the holiday spotlight.
What makes this game special:
- Historic NFC rivalry renewed
- High playoff implications
- Prime time coverage encourages maximum viewership
This matchup has significant implications for the NFC playoff race, as both teams are projected to be contenders in the 2025 season. Expect standout performances from players like Micah Parsons for the Cowboys and Christian McCaffrey for the 49ers. The game will be exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video, continuing the platform’s increasing influence in NFL broadcasting.
Why the NFL Plays on Christmas Day
The NFL’s decision to schedule games on Christmas Day is rooted in its desire to dominate the holiday sports landscape, an arena once monopolized by the NBA. With TV viewership traditionally high during the holiday, the NFL sees a golden opportunity to engage fans during a time when families gather and are eager for entertainment.
Over the past few years, Christmas Day NFL games have delivered strong ratings and intense matchups—further motivating the league to embed itself in this festive tradition. The league strategically selects teams with national followings and current playoff relevance to ensure the games resonate with both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to expand its footprint and explore new broadcasting innovations, the Christmas Day slate symbolizes more than just two games—it marks a celebration of football at the highest level. With contenders clashing and storylines unfolding in real-time, the 2025 Christmas Day matchups are set to be can’t-miss television for fans both young and old.
For many, Christmas means family, celebration, and now—top-tier NFL football.