Ah, the festive period! For many, it’s a time for family gatherings, mince pies, and perhaps a well-deserved break from work. But for us, the devoted football faithful, it means one thing above all else: an absolute feast of Premier League action. From the crisp December air leading up to Christmas to the fresh hopes of the New Year, the fixture list typically becomes a relentless gauntlet of games that can make or break a team’s season. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like settling down with a cuppa – or something stronger – to watch your team battle it out while the rest of the world is still nursing a turkey coma.
Planning your viewing schedule around the holiday chaos can be a tactical challenge worthy of Pep Guardiola himself. Whether you’re trying to avoid family squabbles over the TV remote, or you’re an international fan navigating time zones and streaming rights, knowing exactly where and when to catch the Premier League fixtures is paramount. So, buckle up. We’re diving deep into the full TV schedule for December 2025 and early January 2026, dissecting the key games, the channels to tune into, and how you can catch every glorious moment, live and online.
The Festive Football Frenzy: A Unique Challenge and Tradition
The Premier League’s decision to continue playing through Christmas and New Year is a cherished tradition, a unique selling point that sets English football apart. While other major European leagues down tools for a winter break, the Premier League ramps up, delivering a thrilling spectacle that often defines title races, European qualification battles, and relegation dogfights. It’s a period of immense pressure for players and managers, with squad depth truly tested by the rapid succession of games.
From a fan’s perspective, this concentration of matches creates an almost continuous narrative. Victories feel sweeter, defeats sting harder, and the drama unfolds at an exhilarating pace. Imagine seeing your team play three times in a week over Christmas – it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that makes the festive season truly unforgettable. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the atmosphere, the shared experience, and the sense of tradition that permeates every kick-off.
Historically, Boxing Day has been synonymous with football, a day when stadiums are packed, and communities come together. And as we transition into the New Year, the fresh start often brings renewed vigour to teams fighting for their ambitions. It’s a time when legends are made and unforgettable moments are etched into the annals of football history. Understanding the broadcast schedule is your first step to being part of that history.
Decoding the December 2025 & January 2026 Fixtures: Your Full TV Guide
While the precise kick-off times and channel assignments for December 2025 and early January 2026 are subject to change and official announcements closer to the date, we can anticipate the general structure and the primary broadcasters involved. In the UK, Sky Sports, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), and Amazon Prime Video typically share the lion’s share of live Premier League rights. For international viewers, specific platforms will vary by region, but the principle of needing a subscription to an official broadcaster remains.
Let’s outline what you can expect, keeping in mind that flexibility is key during this period!
Early December: Setting the Stage
The first weekend of December usually offers a full slate of games, with the traditional Saturday 12:30 pm (TNT Sports), 5:30 pm (Sky Sports), and Sunday afternoon (Sky Sports) slots firmly in place. Midweek games are also common in early December, often spread across Sky Sports and TNT Sports. These early fixtures are crucial for teams to build momentum before the festive crunch truly hits.
- Example Weekend: December 6-7, 2025
- Saturday, Dec 6:
- 12:30 GMT: Wolves vs. Fulham (TNT Sports)
- 17:30 GMT: Arsenal vs. Brighton (Sky Sports Main Event)
- Sunday, Dec 7:
- 14:00 GMT: Liverpool vs. West Ham (Sky Sports Main Event)
- 16:30 GMT: Chelsea vs. Man Utd (Sky Sports Main Event)
- Saturday, Dec 6:
The Christmas & Boxing Day Specials
This is where things get really interesting. Christmas Eve traditionally sees a debate about whether games should be played, but Boxing Day is a firm fixture. Amazon Prime Video has, in recent seasons, secured the rights to a full round of fixtures around Christmas, offering a unique viewing experience with multiple games kicking off concurrently, often across multiple streams. Sky Sports and TNT Sports will also have their picks.
- Example Schedule: Christmas Week, 2025
- Boxing Day, Dec 26: (Likely Amazon Prime Video focus)
- 12:30 GMT: Newcastle vs. Aston Villa (Amazon Prime Video)
- 15:00 GMT: (Multiple games, e.g., Everton vs. Leeds, Brentford vs. Palace) (Amazon Prime Video)
- 17:30 GMT: Tottenham vs. Man City (Amazon Prime Video)
- 20:00 GMT: Leicester vs. Southampton (Sky Sports Main Event)
- December 28/29: (Likely Sky Sports/TNT Sports)
- 14:00 GMT: Man Utd vs. Wolves (Sky Sports Main Event)
- 16:30 GMT: Brighton vs. Chelsea (Sky Sports Main Event)
- 20:00 GMT: Fulham vs. Arsenal (TNT Sports)
- Boxing Day, Dec 26: (Likely Amazon Prime Video focus)
New Year’s Action: Kicking Off 2026
The New Year period often brings another packed schedule, sometimes including a full round of fixtures on New Year’s Day itself. These games are pivotal, as teams look to start the calendar year strong and banish any lingering festive hangovers (on and off the pitch). Again, expect a mix of Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and potentially more Amazon Prime Video action.
- Example Schedule: New Year, 2026
- New Year’s Day, Jan 1:
- 12:30 GMT: West Ham vs. Newcastle (TNT Sports)
- 15:00 GMT: (Multiple games) (Sky Sports/Red Button)
- 17:30 GMT: Man City vs. Liverpool (Sky Sports Main Event)
- Early January Weekend (Jan 3-4):
- A full weekend schedule, mirroring early December, setting the tone for the second half of the season.
- New Year’s Day, Jan 1:
(Please note: The above schedules are illustrative based on typical Premier League fixture patterns and broadcast allocations. Always check official Premier League and broadcaster websites closer to the date for confirmed fixtures, kick-off times, and channel information.)
Beyond the Box: Live Online Streams & Global Access
For those who prefer the flexibility of streaming, or for international viewers, the options are plentiful, though they vary considerably by region.
In the UK:
- Sky Sports: Subscribers can stream all Sky Sports fixtures via the Sky Go app on various devices. Non-Sky subscribers can access Sky Sports content through NOW, which offers day, week, or month passes.
- TNT Sports: Live streams are available through the Discovery+ app (where TNT Sports is housed) for subscribers, accessible on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
- Amazon Prime Video: All games broadcast by Amazon Prime Video are available through the Amazon Prime Video app and website. You’ll need an active Amazon Prime subscription.
International Viewers:
This is where things get a bit more complex, as broadcast rights are sold country by country. Major global broadcasters typically include:
- USA: Peacock (NBC Sports) often holds exclusive streaming rights for many matches, with some also shown on USA Network.
- Canada: FuboTV or DAZN frequently broadcast Premier League action.
- Australia: Optus Sport is usually the go-to for live Premier League coverage.
- Other Regions: Services like beIN Sports (MENA, France, etc.), Star Sports (India), and various local broadcasters will be your primary sources.
If you’re traveling during the festive period, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a useful tool to access your home country’s streaming services, though always ensure you are complying with the terms of service of both your VPN provider and your streaming subscription. A stable, fast internet connection is, of course, absolutely essential for uninterrupted viewing of those crucial last-minute winners!
Conclusion: Embrace the Festive Football Spirit
The Premier League’s festive period is more than just a series of football matches; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a shared experience that brings joy, despair, and unforgettable memories. As we look ahead to December 2025 and early January 2026, the anticipation for this unique sporting spectacle is already building. Whether you’re planning your day around Boxing Day triple-headers or making sure your streaming service is ready for a New Year’s Day blockbuster, the key is to be prepared.
So, get those calendars marked, ensure your subscriptions are active, and clear your schedule. The Premier League will deliver thrills, upsets, and pure footballing magic when we need it most. It’s a time to gather, celebrate, and immerse ourselves in the beautiful game. Enjoy every minute – because before you know it, the January transfer window will be upon us, and the cycle of excitement will begin anew!
