How to Watch Christmas Day NFL Games in 2025

If you're wondering how to watch Christmas Day NFL games this year, the answer is straightforward: all scheduled games will be broadcast nationally on major networks like CBS, NBC, and NFL Network, and streamed live via services such as NFL+ (mobile), Paramount+, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. In 2024, the NFL has once again placed multiple games on December 25, continuing its recent tradition of holiday matchups during Week 16. These games typically begin at 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and sometimes an evening slot at 8:15 PM Eastern Time, depending on the schedule. Fans can access live coverage through traditional cable, over-the-air antennas with HD capability, or digital streaming platforms—ensuring flexibility whether you’re at home or on the go.

Christmas Day NFL Game Schedule for 2024

The NFL has confirmed that three games are set for Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This marks the third consecutive year the league has scheduled multiple games on December 25, reflecting growing viewership interest and strategic programming. The full lineup includes:

Game	Kickoff Time (ET)	Broadcast Channel	Streaming Option
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans	1:00 PM	CBS	Paramount+
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons	4:30 PM	NFL Network	NFL+ (mobile), ESPN App*
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	8:15 PM	Amazon Prime Video	Prime Video

*Note: While NFL Network holds the linear rights, select international regions may carry the game via ESPN platforms under licensing agreements.

This staggered schedule allows fans across time zones to enjoy football throughout the day without overlap. Kickoff times are subject to change due to flex scheduling, so viewers should verify final details one week prior via the official NFL website or team social media accounts.

Why Does the NFL Play on Christmas Day?

Historically, the NFL avoided scheduling games on December 25 out of respect for religious observances and family traditions. However, starting in the late 2010s, the league began experimenting with occasional Christmas matchups, particularly when the holiday fell on a weekend. The turning point came in 2022, when two high-profile games aired on Christmas Day—one on ESPN/ABC and another on NFL Network—and drew strong ratings despite competition from holiday gatherings.

The success prompted the NFL to expand its holiday strategy. By 2024, Christmas Day games have become a fixture, especially when December 25 lands midweek, minimizing conflict with regular Sunday and Monday night programming. The league sees these games as prime opportunities to capture undivided audience attention, as many people are off work and gathered with family. Additionally, advertisers pay premium rates for slots during this unique broadcast window.

Where to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options

Viewers today have more ways than ever to watch Christmas Day NFL games live, ranging from traditional television to mobile apps. Below is a breakdown of each option by broadcast partner:

CBS (1:00 PM Game)

TV: Available on local CBS affiliates. Use antennaweb.org to find your channel based on ZIP code.
Streaming: Paramount+ offers live streaming of all CBS games. A subscription is required ($5.99/month with ads, $11.99/month ad-free).
Mobile: NFL+ Premium subscribers can stream local and primetime games on phones and tablets (but not larger screens).

NFL Network (4:30 PM Game)

TV: Carried by most cable and satellite providers (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, DirecTV). Check your package for inclusion.
Streaming: NFL+ app allows mobile streaming only. For smart TVs and computers, use a live TV streaming service that includes NFL Network.
Recommended Services: fuboTV, Sling TV (Orange + Sports Extra), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV.

Amazon Prime Video (8:15 PM Game)

Exclusive Stream: This game is only available via Amazon Prime Video, part of the 'NFL Thursday Night Football' deal extended to special event games.
Requirement: An active Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year) is necessary.
Devices Supported: Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, iOS, Android, web browsers.
No Free Trial? Occasionally, Amazon offers limited-time free access. Check promotions before game day.

Tips for Watching Without Cable

You don’t need a traditional cable subscription to stream NFL games on Christmas Day. Here are practical solutions:

Use a Digital Antenna: If you're watching the CBS game, a $20–$40 HD antenna can pull in local channels over the air for free.
Sign Up for a Free Trial: Many live TV streaming services offer 5–7 day free trials. Start one just before Christmas to catch the games.
Leverage NFL+: At $6.99/month (Premium plan), NFL+ gives you mobile access to all games, including those on NFL Network. Great for listening to audio or watching on your phone.
Share Access: Ask friends or family who have Prime or Paramount+ if you can log in temporarily on your device.
Check Local Bars: Some sports bars open on Christmas and show NFL games. Call ahead to confirm.

Regional Blackouts and Viewing Restrictions

Unlike regular season home market protections, Christmas Day NFL games rarely face blackout restrictions because they are nationally televised. However, there are exceptions:

Local market games not selected for national broadcast may still be subject to blackout if not sold out—but this is extremely rare in modern NFL.
NFL Network games may not be carried in certain rural areas or smaller cable systems.
Amazon Prime exclusives are geo-restricted outside the U.S. International fans should check DAZN availability in their country.

To avoid surprises, always confirm your ability to view a specific game at least 48 hours in advance using tools like NFL.com/schedules or your provider’s channel guide.

Game-Day Preparation: What Fans Should Do Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until Christmas morning to figure out how to watch. Follow this checklist:

Week Before: Test your streaming devices and internet speed (minimum 10 Mbps recommended for HD).
48 Hours Prior: Download the NFL app, Paramount+, or Prime Video app and log in.
24 Hours Before: Confirm kickoff times haven’t changed due to weather or flex adjustments.
On Christmas Morning: Restart your router, update firmware on streaming boxes, and ensure battery-powered devices are charged.

Common Misconceptions About Holiday NFL Games

Several myths persist about watching NFL games on Christmas:

Myth: All games are on network TV.
Truth: Some are exclusive to cable (NFL Network) or streaming (Prime Video), limiting accessibility.
Myth: You can watch every game for free with an antenna.
Truth: Only the CBS game is available over-the-air; others require subscriptions.
Myth: Christmas games are always playoff-caliber matchups.
Truth: While marquee teams often feature, scheduling prioritizes logistics and broadcast deals over team strength.

International Viewers: How to Watch Abroad

Fans outside the U.S. can watch Christmas Day NFL games through several authorized platforms:

DAZN: Available in Canada, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and Japan. Offers full-game replays and live streams of all NFL games.
BBC Sport / Sky Sports (UK): Typically airs one featured game, though not always on Christmas Day itself.
NFL Game Pass International: Provides live out-of-market games and on-demand replays (via NFL.com or app).

Note: Due to broadcasting rights, live games may not be available in all countries on December 25. Always check local listings.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of NFL Christmas Day

The NFL's decision to play on Christmas reflects evolving cultural habits and the increasing integration of sports into holiday entertainment. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for background action during gift exchanges, knowing how to watch Christmas Day NFL games in 2024 ensures you won’t miss a snap. With multiple broadcast windows, flexible streaming options, and growing accessibility, the league continues to make football a viable part of the holiday experience—for better or worse.

As schedules evolve and media partnerships shift, staying informed through official sources remains key. Bookmark NFL.com, follow your favorite teams on social media, and prepare your tech setup early to enjoy stress-free viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch all Christmas Day NFL games for free?

No. Only the CBS game (1:00 PM ET) can be watched free with an HD antenna. Other games require subscriptions to NFL Network (via cable or streaming) or Amazon Prime Video.

Will the NFL schedule games on Christmas every year?

Not necessarily every year, but increasingly likely when December 25 falls midweek. The NFL evaluates scheduling annually based on calendar alignment and broadcast agreements.

Is the Prime Video game available on demand after Christmas?

Yes. Full replays of all NFL games, including Prime exclusives, are available on NFL+ and NFL Game Pass shortly after broadcast ends.

Do Christmas games count toward playoff seeding?

Absolutely. All games played during the regular season—including those on holidays—count fully in standings and tiebreakers.

What happens if a game goes into overtime on Christmas?

The broadcast continues uninterrupted. Networks plan extra buffer time, and streaming services do not cut off live feeds.