NFL 2025 Christmas Day: 4 Games Across CBS, FOX & NBC

How to Catch the NFL’s 2025 Christmas Day Games – A Practical Guide
If you’re a football fan looking forward to a holiday weekend filled with grid‑iron action, the NFL’s 2025 Christmas Day schedule is a perfect reason to get in the holiday spirit. People.com’s “How to Watch NFL Christmas Day Games 2025” offers a one‑stop roadmap to help you follow every tackle, touchdown, and late‑night scramble from your couch, the car, or even in person. Below, we break down the key details from the article—plus a few extra nuggets pulled from the linked resources—to make sure you don’t miss a single snap.
1. The 2025 Christmas Day Schedule
The 2025 season’s Christmas Day slate will feature four games, spread across the major broadcast partners (CBS, FOX, and NBC). While the final schedule is always subject to change, the People.com article lists the following matchups as confirmed by the NFL’s official release:
| Time (ET) | Game | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. | Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys | CBS |
| 4:25 p.m. | Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers | FOX |
| 7:25 p.m. | New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins | NBC |
| 10:25 p.m. | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Chicago Bears | CBS (National Anthem, pre‑game, and kickoff) |
The article also notes that the late‑night game will be the season‑finishing showdown—the Chiefs vs. Bears will likely have playoff implications, making it a must‑watch even for casual fans.
2. How to Watch on TV
Cable & Satellite
- CBS: The Lions‑Cowboys game will air on CBS, so a cable subscription that includes CBS is the simplest way to tune in.
- FOX: For the Packers‑49ers game, you’ll need a cable package that carries FOX.
- NBC: The Patriots‑Dolphins matchup is on NBC, which is part of most satellite bundles.
The People article emphasizes the importance of checking local channel listings. In markets where a team’s home channel is a different network (e.g., the Packers often have their home games on Fox in Wisconsin), you’ll want to confirm which channel carries the game.
Over‑The‑Air
If you’re an OTA fan, the broadcasts are available on the CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast stations in most U.S. markets. Just plug in your antenna and grab the right channel.
3. Streaming Options
People.com also lists the most convenient streaming options for each network:
| Network | Streaming Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBS | CBS All‑Access (now Paramount+) | Free 30‑day trial, then subscription. |
| FOX | Fox Sports Go (via Fox & Friends, FoxSports.com) | Requires a cable login or subscription. |
| NBC | Peacock Premium | Free tier streams the game with ads; Premium removes ads. |
If you don’t have a cable login, the article recommends signing up for the free trial periods on these platforms to catch at least one of the games. It also reminds readers that time zone differences can affect kickoff times—most games start at 1:00 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. Eastern, which might mean an earlier or later start in your local zone.
NFL Sunday Ticket & Game Pass
For fans in out‑of‑market areas (i.e., those who want to watch games featuring teams not in their local broadcast area), the article notes two key options:
- NFL Sunday Ticket (via DirecTV) – Offers live coverage of all out‑of‑market games in the U.S. It’s a paid subscription, but it’s an all‑in‑one solution for fans who want to watch all the action.
- NFL Game Pass – A global streaming service that gives access to live games, highlights, and the entire season’s content. In the U.S., Game Pass is still a subscription‑only service, but it’s great for fans who can’t rely on local broadcasts.
The article’s links lead you to the official NFL sites where you can read more about pricing and availability, and even test out free trials where available.
4. Buying Tickets
While many fans will enjoy the games from home, those interested in watching the live stadium experience can purchase tickets directly through the official team websites or Ticketmaster links found in the People article. Each game’s page provides:
- Ticket availability: Early tickets for the kickoff game (Lions‑Cowboys) may be sold out quickly, so plan ahead.
- Travel info: The article links to travel pages for each city (Detroit, Green Bay, New England, Kansas City) that list hotel deals, transportation options, and fan experiences.
- Season‑ticket specials: If you’re a long‑term fan, check for “Christmas Day Special” packages that bundle tickets with exclusive merchandise.
5. Why Christmas Day NFL Games Matter
People.com contextualizes the 2025 lineup within the NFL’s broader holiday tradition. While the league historically hasn’t scheduled many Christmas Day games—especially after the 1978–79 seasons when the NFL moved its playoff schedule—it has kept the tradition alive by placing high‑profile games on the day.
The article cites the “Christmas Day classic” as an annual showcase for fan engagement, and it highlights that the 2025 games are expected to feature some of the league’s most popular teams. The early season games (Lions‑Cowboys and Packers‑49ers) set the tone for the rest of the season, while the late‑night Chiefs‑Bears game may determine playoff seeding.
6. Quick‑Start Checklist
- Mark the calendar – Dec 25, 2025.
- Confirm your local broadcast – Check local listings or the NFL’s schedule page.
- Set up streaming accounts – Grab free trials for CBS All‑Access, Fox Sports Go, or Peacock.
- Buy tickets – If you want the stadium vibe, secure seats early.
- Invite friends – Create a game‑watch party for the Patriots‑Dolphins or the late‑night Chiefs‑Bears clash.
Final Thought
The People.com article makes it clear that watching the NFL’s Christmas Day 2025 games is easier than ever. With a combination of local broadcasts, premium streaming options, and flexible ticketing, there’s a way for every fan—whether you’re living the holiday tradition from your living room or cheering in the stadium—to join in the season’s most festive football celebration. So mark your calendar, set your reminders, and get ready for a December 25th filled with touchdowns, tackles, and holiday cheer.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/how-to-watch-nfl-christmas-day-games-2025-11871539 ]