For sports fans across the UK and beyond, Christmas Day 2025 offers a welcome escape from the festive frenzy with a packed schedule of elite American sports. The tradition of major sporting events on 25 December has evolved into a marathon broadcast, providing entertainment for over twelve hours straight.
The Festive Sports Marathon: A 12-Hour Spectacle
This year's holiday lineup is a bumper offering for enthusiasts, featuring a total of five NBA basketball games and three NFL American football contests. The action kicks off at midday and runs late into the evening, ensuring there's something to watch whether you're enjoying a morning coffee or a late-night festive tipple.
Must-Watch Matches: The Day's Premier Events
Several fixtures stand out as essential viewing. The NBA schedule includes a compelling afternoon clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN/ABC. The Spurs, led by the phenomenal Victor Wembanyama, are rising fast, having recently reached the NBA Cup final. They face a Thunder side that are the reigning champions and boast a formidable 25-3 record this season, adding extra spice after the Spurs knocked them out of the NBA Cup semi-finals earlier in December.
Later, at 8 p.m., basketball fans should savour a potential classic as the Houston Rockets meet the Los Angeles Lakers. This matchup promises another chapter in the enduring rivalry between Kevin Durant (37) and LeBron James (40), two of the game's all-time greats whose Christmas Day appearances are becoming increasingly rare.
In the NFL, the standout game appears to be the Detroit Lions versus the Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m., streaming on Netflix. The Lions are fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Vikings, despite a frustrating season, have won their last three and would relish the role of spoiler against their division rivals.
Games That Might Test Your Festive Spirit
Not every holiday matchup carries high stakes or promises top-quality play. The Dallas Mavericks versus Golden State Warriors (5 p.m., ESPN/ABC) features two struggling teams. While Warriors star Stephen Curry can still deliver magical performances, the team's glory days seem distant, and the Mavericks continue to underperform despite the promising development of rookie Cooper Flagg.
The NFL's Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders (1 p.m., Netflix) also lacks competitive edge, with both teams already eliminated from playoff contention. The Commanders' woes are compounded by the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Similarly, the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m., Prime Video) has lost much of its lustre. The Chiefs are out of the playoffs and have lost their top two quarterbacks to knee injuries, though the Broncos remain strong in their push to win the AFC West.
Whether you're seeking a distraction from family debates or simply want to indulge in a day of elite sport, the 2025 Christmas Day schedule has a game for every mood. From the historic duel of James and Durant to the high-stakes NFL battle in Detroit, it's a festive fixture list designed for the dedicated fan.
