Christmas Day just got a little more exciting for NFL fans, especially in the nation’s capital. As the league continues to drip-feed matchups ahead of its full schedule release, one marquee game has already been confirmed: the Washington Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys on December 25, 2025, at Northwest Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.
The Cowboys-Commanders rivalry is one of the most historic and heated in the NFL, and this holiday showdown adds a new chapter to their decades-long feud. With family gatherings, festive meals, and now a fierce NFC East clash on the calendar, Christmas Day is shaping up to be a can’t-miss sports day for fans of both franchises — and football enthusiasts in general.
While the Commanders are still building their identity under new leadership and a revamped roster, the matchup with Dallas is expected to draw heavy attention regardless of each team’s record. It’s a high-profile rivalry game with major playoff implications more often than not, and the NFL’s decision to slot it on Christmas Day speaks to its drawing power.
This season, Washington’s home schedule features matchups against the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks. Of course, they’ll also face their usual NFC East foes: the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cowboys.
The away slate includes tough road tests against the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons. One of the biggest travel headlines this season for Washington fans is the confirmed international game: the Commanders will head overseas to Madrid, Spain, to face the Miami Dolphins. That game marks another step in the NFL’s growing global ambitions and gives the Commanders a rare opportunity to represent the league on an international stage.
For fans eagerly waiting to plan their fall and winter weekends around football, the full 2025 NFL schedule will be released at 8 p.m. ET on May 14. Until then, glimpses like this Christmas Day game are fueling speculation and excitement.
This season will be critical for Washington as they aim to climb out of a rebuilding phase and return to playoff contention. Hosting a game on one of the league’s biggest stages, in front of a national audience, presents a chance to show how far the franchise has come — and to perhaps spoil the Cowboys’ holiday.
Meanwhile, Dallas enters 2025 with championship expectations yet again, and every divisional game could prove vital in the tight NFC East race. Add in the pressure and spotlight of a Christmas Day game, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this game promises hard hits, drama, and plenty of storyline fuel for post-holiday conversations.
