Christmas Day is one of the most anticipated dates on the American sports calendar. While millions of families celebrate the holiday, sports fans look forward to another tradition: watching some of the biggest names in professional basketball and football compete on December 25.
The NBA and NFL Christmas Day 2026 schedule is expected to attract enormous attention, bringing together basketball rivalries, exciting NFL matchups, and nationally televised sporting events. The NBA will continue its long-standing Christmas Day tradition with a series of regular-season games, while Netflix’s involvement in NFL holiday broadcasting adds another dimension to the viewing experience.
For sports enthusiasts, Christmas Day offers more than entertainment. It provides an opportunity to follow star athletes, watch important team matchups, and enjoy two major American sports leagues during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
From the NBA Christmas Day games to the NFL’s Christmas football schedule, December 25, 2026, promises another major sporting occasion.
Why Christmas Day Is Special for NBA and NFL Fans
The NBA has made December 25 a major part of its regular-season calendar for decades. Christmas basketball gives fans an opportunity to watch some of the league’s biggest teams and players compete during the holiday. Unlike an ordinary regular-season night, these games receive special attention because of their national television coverage, historic rivalries, and star power.
The 2026 edition will feature five NBA matchups across the day. The schedule includes the defending champion New York Knicks, the San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics, the Miami Heat, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets, and the Golden State Warriors.
The NFL will add another major attraction with three Christmas Day games. Two matchups will stream on Netflix, while the evening contest will air on FOX. This combination gives American football fans another reason to follow the holiday sports schedule.
With basketball and football sharing the spotlight, Christmas Day 2026 will offer a full program of professional sports entertainment.
NBA Christmas Day 2026 Schedule: Five Major Matchups
The NBA has confirmed five games for Friday, December 25, 2026. All five matchups will be available through ABC and ESPN, creating a full day of basketball coverage.
Here is the confirmed schedule:
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks | ABC / ESPN |
| 2:30 PM | Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics | ABC / ESPN |
| 5:00 PM | Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers | ABC / ESPN |
| 8:00 PM | Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves | ABC / ESPN |
| 10:30 PM | Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors | ABC / ESPN |
The schedule features several interesting storylines, including a rematch between the 2026 NBA Finals teams and a high-profile return to Los Angeles for LeBron James.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
The Christmas basketball program begins with one of its most attractive matchups. The San Antonio Spurs will visit the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden at noon Eastern Time.
This game carries additional importance because the teams previously met in the 2026 NBA Finals. The Knicks enter the new season as defending champions, while the Spurs will have an opportunity to measure their progress against the team that stood between them and the championship.
Victor Wembanyama will be one of the major attractions for San Antonio. His size, defensive ability, and developing offensive game make him an important player to follow.
For New York, Jalen Brunson remains central to the team’s ambitions. Playing in front of the home crowd on Christmas Day adds another interesting element to this championship rematch.
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
The second game brings together two Eastern Conference teams with a strong history of competitive meetings.
The Miami Heat will travel to Boston to face the Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET. Both franchises have regularly competed for important positions in the Eastern Conference and have met several times in the NBA playoffs in recent seasons.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is another major name attached to this matchup following his move to Miami. His presence gives the Heat an additional star attraction.
Boston will look to make the most of its home-court advantage. The Celtics have built a reputation around competitive basketball, strong team play, and postseason ambitions.
The matchup could provide an early indication of how both teams are developing during the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
One of the biggest individual storylines of Christmas Day will come when the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Los Angeles Lakers at 5 p.m. ET.
LeBron James will return to Los Angeles after leaving the Lakers to join Philadelphia. His appearance at his former home arena is likely to attract considerable attention from basketball fans.
James spent several seasons with the Lakers and became an important part of the franchise’s modern history. His return creates an emotional element beyond the usual regular-season competition.
The Lakers will feature Luka Dončić, providing another major attraction for viewers. The meeting between Philadelphia and Los Angeles will also bring together two historic NBA franchises with large international fan bases.
Fans will be interested in the performances of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and the supporting players on both sides.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
The fourth Christmas Day contest will feature the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET.
Oklahoma City enters the matchup with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as one of its leading players. The Thunder have developed into a major Western Conference contender, and their meeting with Minnesota offers another opportunity to test their strength.
Anthony Edwards will be a central figure for the Timberwolves. His scoring ability and competitive approach make him one of the players who can influence the outcome of an important game.
LaMelo Ball is also scheduled to make his Christmas Day debut with Minnesota, adding another storyline to the contest.
The two teams have developed a competitive relationship through recent regular-season and playoff meetings. Their Christmas matchup should attract fans interested in the Western Conference race.
Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors
The NBA Christmas Day program will finish with the Denver Nuggets against the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Nikola Jokić will lead the Denver side, while Stephen Curry remains the biggest attraction for Golden State. Both players have established themselves among the most influential stars of their generation.
Jokić is known for his all-around contribution, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Curry brings exceptional long-range shooting and the ability to change a game through his offensive performances.
The Nuggets and Warriors have experienced several competitive meetings over recent seasons. Their late-night Christmas matchup provides a fitting finish to the five-game NBA schedule.
NFL Christmas Day 2026: Netflix Doubleheader and FOX Game
The NFL will bring three games to Christmas Day 2026, creating a holiday football program alongside the NBA schedule.
An important development is Netflix’s continued involvement in live NFL broadcasting. The streaming platform will show two Christmas Day games, while FOX will broadcast the final contest.
The confirmed NFL Christmas schedule is:
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears | Netflix |
| 4:30 PM | Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos | Netflix |
| 8:15 PM | Los Angeles Rams vs Seattle Seahawks | FOX |
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
The NFL Christmas schedule will begin with one of the league’s most historic rivalries.
The Green Bay Packers will visit the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field at 1 p.m. ET. Both teams belong to the NFC North and have a long history of competitive meetings.
Their rivalry is one of the most recognized in American football. Every meeting brings additional interest because of the teams’ shared division history and passionate supporters.
A late-season game can also have important consequences for playoff qualification and divisional positions. Depending on their records, both teams could enter Christmas with significant goals still to achieve.
The game will stream live on Netflix, making it part of the platform’s expanding NFL coverage.
Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
The second Netflix Christmas Day game will feature the Buffalo Bills against the Denver Broncos.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Both teams have ambitions of competing at the highest level in the AFC. Their meeting will provide an opportunity to assess their performances during the final stages of the regular season.
The Bills will look to make an impact against a Denver team playing in front of its home supporters. The Broncos, meanwhile, will aim to use their home advantage to produce an important result.
This matchup also brings an interesting connection to the previous season’s AFC playoff competition.
Netflix will provide live coverage of the game as part of its Christmas Day football doubleheader.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
The final NFL game on December 25 will bring the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks together at 8:15 p.m. ET.
The NFC West matchup will take place in Seattle and air on FOX. Unlike the first two NFL games, this contest will not be part of Netflix’s Christmas doubleheader.
The Rams and Seahawks have developed a competitive divisional rivalry over the years. Their meetings can influence the NFC West standings and wider playoff picture.
Because the game comes late in the regular season, its importance will depend on the teams’ positions and results entering Week 17.
For fans who enjoy evening football, this contest will complete the NFL’s Christmas Day tripleheader.
How to Watch NBA and NFL Christmas Day Games in 2026
Sports broadcasting will be an important part of the Christmas Day experience. However, NBA and NFL games will be available through different television and streaming services.
NBA Christmas Day coverage: All five NBA games will air on ABC and ESPN. Viewers can also use the ESPN App where access is available through an eligible subscription or television provider.
NFL Christmas Day coverage: Netflix will stream Packers vs Bears and Bills vs Broncos. The Rams vs Seahawks game will air on FOX, with streaming access through FOX One and other eligible FOX viewing options.
International viewers should check local broadcasting arrangements before the games begin. Streaming availability, subscription requirements and regional restrictions may differ between countries.
For fans outside the United States, including viewers in Europe and Asia, checking the local sports television schedule is particularly important.
Why Christmas Day Sports Attract Global Attention
Christmas Day sports have become an important part of the American entertainment calendar. The combination of the NBA and NFL gives fans two different types of competition on the same date.
Basketball offers continuous action, fast transitions, three-point shooting and individual performances. American football provides a different experience through strategic play calling, defensive formations and important scoring opportunities.
The international popularity of both leagues also contributes to the holiday’s wider appeal. NBA stars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama have followers around the world.
The NFL is also expanding its international audience through streaming partnerships and games available across different markets. Netflix’s involvement makes the Christmas football schedule accessible to subscribers in many countries.
Another important factor is the timing of the games. December 25 falls during the NFL regular season and the NBA’s early-to-middle regular-season period. Teams are still competing for important league positions, making these matchups more than exhibition entertainment.
For sports websites, broadcasters and fans, this combination creates a valuable opportunity to follow major sporting stories throughout the holiday.
What Makes the 2026 Christmas Sports Schedule Special?
The 2026 schedule stands out because of its combination of established rivalries, championship storylines and major broadcasting platforms.
The NBA will feature a Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles adds another major storyline, while the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors will bring two of basketball’s biggest stars together in the final game.
The NFL schedule has its own attractions. Packers vs Bears brings historic rivalry action, Bills vs Broncos offers an important AFC meeting, and Rams vs Seahawks adds a divisional contest to the evening programme.
The involvement of Netflix is another notable development. Its two-game Christmas doubleheader demonstrates how streaming platforms are becoming increasingly important in live sports broadcasting.
Together, these games create a full day of professional sports entertainment for basketball and football supporters.
Final Thoughts
NBA and NFL Christmas Day 2026 will bring together ten basketball teams and six football teams across eight scheduled games. The NBA’s five-game programme will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, while the NFL will offer two Netflix games and one FOX matchup.
From the Knicks and Spurs’ championship rematch to the Packers and Bears’ historic rivalry, the schedule includes several reasons for fans to follow the action.
For sports enthusiasts, December 25 will once again be an opportunity to enjoy professional basketball and American football during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which NBA teams are playing on Christmas Day 2026?
The five confirmed matchups are San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks, Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder vs Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors.
2. How many NFL games are scheduled for Christmas Day 2026?
Three NFL games are scheduled for December 25, 2026. They feature Packers vs Bears, Bills vs Broncos, and Rams vs Seahawks.
3. Will Netflix broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day 2026?
Yes. Netflix will stream two games: Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears at 1 p.m. ET and Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET.
4. Where can fans watch NBA Christmas Day games in 2026?
All five NBA Christmas Day matchups will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. Availability through the ESPN App depends on the viewer’s subscription and location.
5. What time does the final NFL Christmas Day game start?
The Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game is scheduled to begin at 8:15 p.m. Eastern Time on December 25, 2026. FOX will broadcast the contest.
