As the holiday season approaches, the excitement builds not just for festive gatherings and twinkling lights, but also for the return of beloved holiday music. This year, the iconic Mariah Carey will usher in the festivities with a special performance during the inaugural NFL Christmas Gameday, set to air live on Netflix on Dec. 25.
A star-studded Christmas celebration
Carey, known for her chart-topping hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” will deliver a pre-recorded performance of this classic song, setting the tone for a day filled with football and holiday cheer. This event marks a significant move for Netflix as it ventures into the realm of live sports entertainment.
Game day lineup
The NFL Christmas Gameday will feature two thrilling matchups. The current Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET, followed by a game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET. Adding to the excitement, Beyoncé is also scheduled to perform a live halftime show during the Ravens-Texans game. With Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, playing for the Chiefs, fans are speculating whether she will make an appearance as well.
Carey’s holiday legacy
Carey is no stranger to the holiday spotlight. This year, she is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her legendary holiday album, Merry Christmas. The album features her iconic single “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has achieved a remarkable milestone, being certified 16-times platinum by the RIAA. This makes it the highest-certified single ever from a female artist, solidifying Carey’s status as the Queen of Christmas.
Streaming details
In addition to being available on Netflix, the Christmas Day games will also be broadcast on local CBS affiliates in the competing team cities, including Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston. Fans can also catch the action on NFL+ through mobile devices in the U.S., ensuring that no one misses out on this unique blend of sports and holiday entertainment.
A new era for Netflix and the NFL
The NFL Christmas Gameday is part of a groundbreaking three-year agreement between Netflix and the NFL. This partnership will not only feature the Christmas Day games but will also include at least one holiday game in 2025 and 2026. Reports indicate that this deal cost Netflix approximately $150 million, highlighting the streaming giant’s commitment to expanding its sports programming.
As we gear up for the holiday season, the NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix promises to be a memorable event filled with music, sports and festive cheer. With Mariah Carey and Beyoncé headlining the entertainment, fans are in for a treat that combines the best of both worlds. Mark your calendars for Dec. 25, and get ready to celebrate the holidays with some of the biggest names in music and sports.
