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Holiday sports fans have a packed two-day slate to plan around, with college football, NFL divisional games and a full lineup of NBA matchups filling Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Below you’ll find when the biggest games start and where to stream or watch them on TV.
Where to watch: channels and streaming services for Christmas sports
- Linear TV: ABC, ESPN, FS1, FS2 will carry many of the marquee games.
- Streaming apps: ESPN app, Fubo, Netflix, Prime Video offer live access to select events.
- Special notes: Netflix streams two NFL games on Christmas Day. Prime Video carries the late NFL tilt. Fubo streams ABC, ESPN and other major channels and often has a free trial for new users.
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Top games to watch: the must-see matchups and kickoff times (ET)
Christmas Eve (Dec. 24)
- 8:00 p.m. — Hawaii Bowl: California vs. Hawaii on ESPN, the ESPN app and Fubo.
- 7:00 p.m. — Westminster Dog Show (replay) on FS1 and Fubo — Day 1 coverage.
- 10:00 p.m. — UFL playoff replay: D.C. Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks on FS2 and Fubo.
- 10:30 p.m. — Westminster Dog Show (replay) on FS1 and Fubo — Day 2 coverage.
Christmas Day (Dec. 25)
Three NFL divisional matchups and a stacked NBA schedule headline the holiday lineup.
- 1:00 p.m. — NFL: Cowboys vs. Commanders on Netflix.
- 4:30 p.m. — NFL: Lions vs. Vikings on Netflix.
- 8:15 p.m. — NFL: Broncos vs. Chiefs on Prime Video.
NBA slate on Dec. 25
- Noon — Cavaliers vs. Knicks (ABC, ESPN app, Fubo). An alternate “Dunk the Halls” cast airs on ESPN2 at the same time.
- 2:30 p.m. — Spurs vs. Thunder (ABC, ESPN app, Fubo).
- 5:00 p.m. — Mavericks vs. Warriors (ABC, ESPN app, Fubo).
- 8:00 p.m. — Rockets vs. Lakers (ABC, ESPN app, Fubo).
- 10:30 p.m. — Timberwolves vs. Nuggets (ABC, ESPN app, Fubo).
Practical streaming advice for the holidays
- If you’re cutting the cord, check Fubo first for ABC and ESPN channels and for a free trial offer for new customers.
- Netflix streams select NFL games; a subscription and compatible device are required.
- Prime Video carries the late Christmas NFL game; make sure your account is set up before kickoff.
- The ESPN app lets subscribers stream ABC/ESPN games on many devices. Sign-in with your TV provider may be required.
- Alternate broadcasts (like the Cavs-Knicks alt-cast) may be available on secondary feeds. Look for ESPN2 or network app options.
- Check local blackouts and rights restrictions. Game availability can vary by market and platform.
How to build a viewing plan and not miss a play
- Decide which games are most important and set reminders on your streaming apps.
- Use cloud DVR features where available to pause or catch up later.
- Test your streaming setup before game day to avoid last-minute buffering or login hassles.
- If multiple games overlap, consider switching between services or using a second device for simultaneous viewing.
Related topics you may want to explore
- Latest NBA news, trades and injury updates
- Full NBA season schedule and scores for 2025-26
- How to place legal bets on NBA games
- The ongoing GOAT conversation: Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James
