Yes — the National Football League has played games on Christmas Eve, and it has happened multiple times throughout league history. While it’s not an annual tradition, Christmas Eve games are scheduled when the calendar and broadcast windows align.
When Has the NFL Played on Christmas Eve?
The NFL most commonly schedules Christmas Eve games when December 24 falls on a Saturday. Saturday games are already permitted late in the regular season, making Christmas Eve a natural fit.
Notable Christmas Eve NFL Seasons
- 2016 – Several Week 16 games were played on Saturday, December 24
- 2022 – A full slate of Christmas Eve games aired across NFL Network, CBS, FOX, and local affiliates
- Earlier decades (1970s–2000s) – Christmas Eve games appeared intermittently, depending on the day of the week
These games were part of the standard regular-season schedule and often carried playoff implications.
Why the NFL Schedules Games on Christmas Eve
Several factors influence the NFL’s decision to play on Christmas Eve:
- Calendar alignment – When Dec. 24 falls on a Saturday, the NFL can legally schedule games without special exemptions
- High television ratings – Holiday weekends typically draw strong viewership
- Fan availability – Many fans are home and able to watch games together
- Playoff races – Late-season matchups often carry postseason significance
The league generally avoids Christmas Eve games when it falls on a weekday, especially midweek.
Does the NFL Prefer Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Historically, the NFL has been more cautious with Christmas Day than Christmas Eve.
- The league avoids Christmas morning out of respect for players and families
- Games on Christmas Day usually occur only when December 25 falls on a Sunday or Monday
- In recent years, the NFL has expanded into Christmas Day tripleheaders, but these are separate from Christmas Eve scheduling decisions
Christmas Eve games are viewed as a safer compromise between tradition and competition.
Are Christmas Eve Games Common?
Christmas Eve games are occasional, not guaranteed. They depend entirely on:
- The day of the week
- Broadcast contracts
- Overall league scheduling priorities
When conditions are right, the NFL has shown it is willing to use Christmas Eve as a marquee late-season football date.
Final Answer: Has the NFL Ever Played on Christmas Eve?
Yes.
The NFL has played games on Christmas Eve multiple times, most often when December 24 falls on a Saturday. While not an annual tradition, Christmas Eve football has become a recurring part of the NFL calendar when scheduling conditions allow.