NFL Holiday Schedule 2025: Kickoff Times for Christmas, Sunday Night Football, and More
As the NFL continues to expand its reach and entertain millions of fans around the world, the holiday season in 2025 promises to be no different. With Christmas falling on a Thursday, and New Year’s Day on a Thursday as well, football fans can look forward to exciting matchups, prime-time games, and plenty of holiday cheer. The NFL has already begun shaping up its 2025 holiday schedule, ensuring a robust mix of traditional rivalries, key playoff implications, and holiday-themed action. Here’s a detailed look at the NFL holiday schedule for Christmas, Sunday Night Football, and other key dates around the festive period.
Christmas Day 2025: Thursday, December 25
Christmas Day 2025 will see the NFL embrace its growing presence during the holiday season, with key games scheduled throughout the day and evening. As in previous years, the NFL has leaned into expanding its holiday game offerings, taking advantage of a largely empty sports calendar on Christmas.
Christmas Day Schedule
The NFL will host two games on Christmas Day:
Game 1: 1:00 PM ET – New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
The New York Giants will visit the Philadelphia Eagles in a NFC East showdown. This game has huge implications for the playoff picture as both teams traditionally compete for division titles and playoff spots. A rivalry game on Christmas Day is sure to attract plenty of attention, with passionate fanbases looking to close out the year with a win. Expect a hard-fought, competitive game between these two teams, which is likely to have a direct impact on the NFC East standings.
Game 2: 4:30 PM ET – Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
The Dallas Cowboys will travel west to take on the San Francisco 49ers in one of the more high-profile games of the season. This matchup pits two of the most popular and storied franchises against each other, each boasting a loaded roster. The Cowboys and 49ers are expected to be contenders in 2025, with both teams focused on securing top playoff spots. The game promises to be an exciting affair, filled with fireworks on both sides of the ball. With playmakers like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons for the Cowboys, and Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Nick Bosa for the 49ers, fans can expect plenty of scoring, explosive plays, and high drama.
NFL Week 16: Saturday, December 20 – Sunday, December 21
In the lead-up to Christmas Day, the NFL will feature several important games on Week 16 of the season. Saturday and Sunday matchups are crucial as teams jockey for playoff positions.
Key Week 16 Matchups
- Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills – Saturday, December 20, 4:30 PM ET
This pivotal matchup in the AFC will see Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs face off against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Both teams are perennial Super Bowl contenders and will likely be fighting for playoff seeding. This game promises to be a back-and-forth affair with two of the league’s top quarterbacks leading their respective offenses. Expect a thrilling contest with high-scoring action and plenty of dramatic moments.
- Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens – Sunday, December 21, 1:00 PM ET
In another important AFC battle, the Miami Dolphins will face the Baltimore Ravens in a game that could have major playoff ramifications. Both teams are expected to be in the mix for wild card spots, so this game could be make-or-break for either team’s postseason aspirations. The high-powered offense of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill will face off against the dynamic dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson and the tough Ravens defense.
- Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers – Sunday, December 21, 4:30 PM ET
This NFC matchup will feature a clash between two teams with their eyes on the playoff picture. The Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, will look to outlast the Green Bay Packers, who will rely on their young star quarterback Jordan Love to secure a victory at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ home-field advantage could play a significant role in this matchup, especially in December weather.
Sunday Night Football: December 28, 2025
Sunday Night Football is always a major event, especially during the holiday season, when prime-time matchups can make or break playoff hopes. For Week 17, which is set to take place the Sunday after Christmas, we can expect another exciting game to end the week.
Sunday Night Football Matchup:
Seattle Seahawks at Minnesota Vikings – 8:20 PM ET
In this NFC clash, the Seattle Seahawks will travel to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial late-season contest. Both teams are likely to be in the hunt for playoff spots, and this game could be critical in determining wild-card berths. With quarterbacks like Geno Smith for Seattle and Kirk Cousins for Minnesota, fans can expect plenty of offensive fireworks and plenty of highlight-reel plays. Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium is known for creating a raucous atmosphere, which should provide an exciting backdrop for this Sunday Night Football matchup.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2025
New Year’s Eve falls on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2025. The NFL will not hold games on New Year’s Eve, but games will take place on New Year’s Day, especially in the afternoon and evening time slots.
New Year’s Day Schedule
On New Year’s Day 2025, fans can expect several games to kick off on January 1, including:
Game 1: 1:00 PM ET – New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders
The New England Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, will square off against the Las Vegas Raiders in a critical AFC matchup. Both teams are expected to be in the mix for playoff spots, with the Patriots needing a strong finish to secure a postseason berth. The Raiders will look to build on the leadership of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and their talented skill players. This matchup will feature two of the NFL’s most well-known franchises in an intense and high-stakes game.
Game 2: 4:30 PM ET – Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
In another important AFC contest, the Tennessee Titans will face the Indianapolis Colts in a game that could be pivotal for playoff seeding. Both teams are familiar with each other, and their rivalry has produced plenty of memorable moments in recent years. The Titans will rely on their powerful running back Derrick Henry to try and wear down the Colts’ defense, while Indianapolis will counter with the leadership of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and his playmaking abilities.
Game 3: 8:20 PM ET – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals
The late-night New Year’s Day game will feature the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking on the Arizona Cardinals. The Bucs will look to continue their playoff push behind the strong arm of quarterback Baker Mayfield, while the Cardinals will try to play spoiler. The game could feature a mix of exciting offensive plays and dramatic moments, as both teams seek to finish the year on a high note.
