The 2026 NFL Christmas Day schedule is officially a “triple-header,” but for the first time in league history, the broadcast landscape has shifted significantly. With the holiday falling on a Wednesday, the NFL has leaned into a streaming-first strategy that may leave some fans wondering how to find the games.
If you are planning your holiday around the 2026 Christmas slate, here is the guide on where to stream the games, who is playing, and how to watch if you don’t have a Netflix subscription.
The Holiday Kickoff: Christmas Eve on Amazon Prime
Before the Netflix triple-header on Wednesday, the holiday action begins on Thursday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve).
While most of the league will be home for the holidays, the Houston Texans are slated to travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles in a high-stakes AFC/NFC crossover. This game is part of the standard Thursday Night Football package, meaning it is a streaming exclusive on Amazon Prime.
- Matchup: Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles
- Time: 8:15 PM ET
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
The 2026 NFL Christmas Day Schedule Matchup Slate & Streaming Guide
The NFL is delivering three games on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2026. While the league typically reserves Wednesday games for rare occasions, the “Christmas Triple-Header” is designed as a national viewing event.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Primary Broadcast | Streaming Platform |
| 1:00 PM | Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears | Netflix | Netflix App |
| 4:30 PM | Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos | Netflix | Netflix App |
| 8:15 PM | Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks | FOX | FOX Sports / Local OTA |
The Netflix “Disruption”: What You Need to Know
The biggest change for the 2026 season is the partnership between the NFL and Netflix. For the first time, two of the three Christmas Day games will be exclusive to the streaming giant.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch?
For the vast majority of fans in the United States, yes. To watch the Packers @ Bears and the Bills @ Broncos, you will need an active Netflix subscription. These games will not be broadcast on traditional cable networks like ESPN or NFL Network.
Can I watch the Netflix games on local TV?
There is one exception: Local Markets. Per NFL policy, games that are broadcast on streaming platforms are also made available on over-the-air (OTA) television stations in the immediate home markets of the participating teams.
- If you live in Green Bay or Chicago: You should be able to watch the 1:00 PM game on a local broadcast affiliate.
- If you live in Buffalo or Denver: You should be able to watch the 4:30 PM game on a local broadcast affiliate.
If you are outside of these specific local markets, Netflix is your only legal viewing option.
The Prime-Time Finale: Rams @ Seahawks on FOX
The final game of the holiday—a critical NFC West showdown between the Rams and Seahawks—remains on traditional television. This game will be broadcast on FOX at 8:15 PM ET. You can watch this game via a digital antenna, cable/satellite subscription, or the FOX Sports app.
Printable 2026 Christmas Day TV Guide
To help you manage the holiday schedule between dinner and gifts, we have created a “Low-Ink” Christmas Day TV Tracker. This one-page PDF is optimized for home printing, using minimal toner while providing all the kickoff times, channel listings, and streaming requirements for the day.
FAQ for Christmas Day NFL 2026
- What day is NFL Christmas 2026? The games take place on Wednesday, December 25, 2026.
- Is there a game on Christmas Eve? Yes, currently the Texans @ Eagles are rumored for a Thursday Night Football “Christmas Eve Special” on Amazon Prime.
- Will the Netflix games be on NFL+? Typically, NFL+ provides live local and primetime games on mobile devices only. Check the NFL+ app on game day for mobile streaming availability.
NFL Planning Resources
- 2026 NFL Weekly Schedule Hub: Download Team Schedules and more.
- 2026 NFL Bye Week Schedule: Plan your fantasy roster around the designated off-weeks for all 32 teams.
- 2026 NFL International Series Tracker: Complete kickoff times and broadcast info for games in Melbourne, Rio, London, and Paris.
- Printable NFL Schedules 2026: Printable schedules for all 32 teams and more.
