Christmas Day Sporting Events

Here at Engage, we know how much you love your sport, just like we do. And if you’re looking for something to enjoy while your Christmas dinner settles, here’s your rundown of all the sporting action happening around the world on Christmas Day 2025. 

In the UK, traditional Christmas Day fixtures have long faded into history. The last English football match on December 25 was played back in 1965, with Scotland following suit in the 1970s. Nowadays, Boxing Day has become the main stage for festive sport, leaving Christmas Day free for family time, unless you’re watching from abroad. 

But across the Atlantic and Down Under, there’s still plenty of Christmas action to keep you entertained. 

NBA

The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule once again features some of the league’s biggest names and fiercest rivalries. The 2025 slate includes New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers, alongside headline fixtures like Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks. 

Tip-off for the first game begins around 5 pm GMT, making for the perfect festive afternoon viewing in the UK. You can find the full list of fixtures via the official NBA key dates page. 

NFL

The NFL also joins the Christmas Day lineup with two huge regular-season games. According to the official 2025 NFL schedule, the day will feature Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys followed by Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions, with kick-offs set for 6 pm GMT and 9.30 pm GMT respectively. 

Cricket

For the night owls, the Fourth Test of The Ashes begins late on Christmas Day UK time. As reported by Sky Sports, England face Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting at 11.30 pm GMT. With the series poised at a crucial stage, this match could prove decisive in England’s bid to reclaim the urn for the first time Down Under since 2010/11, led by Ben Stokes and a new-look squad hungry for redemption. 

If you’re looking to experience the Ashes in 2027, enquire now and we’ll be in touch with further details in due course.

Football over the Festive Period 

This Christmas brings a slight change to one of the game’s oldest traditions, with just one Premier League fixture scheduled for Boxing Day 2025. The honour falls to Manchester United vs Newcastle United at Old Trafford, kicking off at 20:00 GMT. While this is a departure from the usual full day of action, it promises to be a blockbuster clash between two sides with European ambitions. 

The Premier League’s decision to scale back Boxing Day fixtures is due to the “expansion” of European competitions, meaning the rest of the week’s matches will instead take place over the weekend (27–28 December). For those wanting to experience the festive atmosphere first-hand, Engage Hospitality offers premium packages across top Premier League venues.  

Everton v Arsenal – 20^th December 

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool – 20^th December 

Aston Villa v Manchester United – 21^st December 

Fulham v Nottingham Forest – 22^nd December 

Arsenal v Brighton – 27th December  

Liverpool v Wolves – 27^th December 

Arsenal v Aston Villa – 30th December   

Darts 

No British Christmas sporting calendar would be complete without the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, a staple of festive entertainment. The tournament runs from 11^th December 2025 to 3^rd January 2026, with plenty of drama, walk-ons, and world-class arrows to enjoy over the holidays. 

While there are no matches on Christmas Day itself, the action resumes on Boxing Day, making it a perfect way to unwind after a festive feast. Fans can expect electric crowds, colourful fancy dress, and the best players in the world, including reigning champion Luke Littler, as he looks to defend his title on home soil. 

Howden Christmas Racing Weekend – Ascot  

For the horse racing fans, the Howden Christmas Racing Weekend at Ascot provides one of the most atmospheric race days of the season. Taking place on the 19^th and 20^th December 2025, the event combines high-quality National Hunt racing with festive cheer, live entertainment, and seasonal food and drink. It’s a highlight for both racing enthusiasts and those seeking a stylish pre-Christmas day out. 

Click here for more information. 

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