The festive football period is a cherished tradition for fans worldwide. It’s a time of high-stakes matches, potential upsets, and non-stop action. However, the 2025-26 Premier League season introduces a significant change to the classic schedule. This guide provides a full breakdown of who each team faces on Boxing Day and over the packed Christmas and New Year period.

This season, the Premier League has altered its approach due to a packed calendar and the expansion of European competitions. Consequently, the focus is on ensuring adequate player rest. A key rule is that no team will play two matches within a 60-hour window, which shapes the entire festive fixture list.

A Unique 2025 Boxing Day

Traditionally, Boxing Day is filled with a full slate of matches. In a major departure for 2025, only one single fixture will take place on the day itself. This provides a primetime spotlight for a classic rivalry.

• Friday, December 26th: Manchester United vs Newcastle United (20:00 GMT)

This solitary match means fans can focus all their attention on the clash at Old Trafford before the action ramps up over the weekend.

The Weekend Football Feast: Saturday & Sunday Action

The bulk of the traditional Boxing Day fixtures have been shifted to the subsequent weekend. This creates a thrilling two-day football marathon for supporters in the UK, the US, Africa, and beyond to enjoy.

Saturday, December 27th Fixtures

A massive seven games are scheduled for Saturday, ensuring a full day of Premier League drama.

• Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City (12:30 GMT)
• West Ham United vs Fulham (15:00 GMT)
• Brentford vs AFC Bournemouth (15:00 GMT)
• Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (15:00 GMT)
• Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion (15:00 GMT)
• Burnley vs Everton (15:00 GMT)
• Chelsea vs Aston Villa (17:30 GMT)

Sunday, December 28th Fixtures

The weekend concludes with two more exciting matchups to round out the matchweek.

• Sunderland vs Leeds United (14:00 GMT)
• Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur (16:30 GMT)

Keeping the Action Going: New Year’s Premier League Schedule

The excitement doesn’t stop after the Boxing Day weekend. Instead, the Premier League rolls straight into Matchweek 19 and Matchweek 20, serving up crucial games as teams head into 2026.

Matchweek 19: December 30th & January 1st

Teams are back in action just before and on New Year’s Day. Key clashes include Arsenal vs Aston Villa and a derby between Sunderland and Manchester City.

• Tuesday, December 30th:
  • Burnley vs Newcastle
  • Chelsea vs Bournemouth
  • Nottingham Forest vs Everton
  • West Ham vs Brighton
  • Manchester United vs Wolves
  • Arsenal vs Aston Villa (20:15 GMT)
• Thursday, January 1st (New Year’s Day):
  • Crystal Palace vs Fulham
  • Liverpool vs Leeds
  • Brentford vs Spurs
  • Sunderland vs Manchester City

Matchweek 20: January 3rd & 4th

The first weekend of the new year delivers a blockbuster fixture with Manchester City hosting Chelsea. In addition, the historic rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United adds further spice to the schedule.

• Saturday, January 3rd:
  • Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (12:30 GMT)
  • Brighton vs Burnley
  • Wolves vs West Ham
  • Bournemouth vs Arsenal (17:30 GMT)
• Sunday, January 4th:
  • Leeds vs Manchester United (12:30 GMT)
  • Everton vs Brentford
  • Fulham vs Liverpool
  • Newcastle vs Crystal Palace
  • Spurs vs Sunderland
  • Manchester City vs Chelsea (17:30 GMT)

Conclusion: A Festive Period to Remember

While the 2025-26 festive schedule looks different, it promises just as much excitement and drama as ever. With a unique, single-fixture Boxing Day followed by relentless action through to the New Year, fans have a wealth of football to look forward to. The condensed schedule will undoubtedly test squad depths and could play a pivotal role in shaping the Premier League table as we enter 2026.