Language 
NBA Christmas Games 2026: Schedule, lineup, and tickets
Discover the full 2026 NBA Christmas Day schedule, matchups, TV channels, and ticket information for the five marquee holiday games on December 25, 2026.
Christmas Day is one of the NBA’s top annual events, featuring a full schedule of five nationally televised games that showcase the league’s best teams and players. The games are held across five locations exclusively within the United States.
This guide covers the 2026 NBA Christmas Day lineup, including the complete schedule, game times, matchups, broadcasting details, and practical information for travelers attending live.
We will also help you stay connected during the NBA Christmas Games with Holafly eSIM, offering unlimited data, 5G speeds where available, and 24/7 customer support.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
When does the 2026-27 NBA season start?
The 2026–27 NBA regular season begins on October 20, 2026. Teams play a full slate of games throughout December, leading up to the holiday schedule, featuring the official NBA Christmas Day games on Friday, December 25, 2026.
NBA Christmas Day games are official regular-season games, not exhibitions. They count toward each team’s 82-game standings and feature high-profile matchups selected by the league for national broadcast.
How many NBA games are on Christmas Day 2026?
The 2026 NBA Christmas Day games feature five matchups. It combines with NFL holiday games to deliver hours of continuous sports action. They are:
- San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks: The Christmas Day games will open with a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. The defending champion Knicks will host Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.
- Miami Heat at Boston Celtics: A classic Eastern Conference clash as a new-look Miami squad, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, faces Jayson Tatum and the Celtics at TD Garden.
- Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers: A major offseason player move made this a highly anticipated game, sending LeBron James back to Los Angeles to face his former team.
- Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves: A premier Western Conference matchup between two dynamic young powerhouses, serving as the Timberwolves’ historic first-ever Christmas Day home game.
- Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors: A late-night holiday game featuring elite offensive systems and legendary star power as Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets visit Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
NBA Christmas Games 2026 schedule
The complete schedule for the NBA Christmas Day games on Friday, December 25, 2026:
| Matchup | US Eastern time | UK time (GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs at Knicks | 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Madison Square Garden (New York) |
| Heat at Celtics | 2:30 PM | 7:30 PM | TD Garden (Boston) |
| 76ers at Lakers | 5:00 PM | 10:00 PM | Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles) |
| Thunder at Timberwolves | 8:00 PM | 1:00 AM (Dec. 26) | Target Center (Minneapolis) |
| Nuggets at Warriors | 10:30 PM | 3:30 AM (Dec. 26) | Chase Center (San Francisco) |
Note: If you’re wondering where to watch the NBA Christmas Games, all games will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. Schedule details are subject to change by the league.
NBA Christmas Games 2026 lineup and matchups
The five confirmed matchups for the NBA Christmas Day 2026 slate feature the following breakdowns:
San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
The holiday slate tips off at Madison Square Garden with a high-stakes rematch of the previous season’s NBA Finals.
- Players: Victor Wembanyama; Jalen Brunson
- Storyline and importance: An NBA Finals rematch opening the day at Madison Square Garden, featuring the defending champion Knicks against the ascending Spurs.
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics
The afternoon’s excitement continues with a classic, hard-nosed matchup between two storied Eastern Conference rivals.
- Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo; Jayson Tatum
- Storyline and importance: A physical Eastern Conference rivalry game capturing the traditional, hard-nosed feel of holiday basketball in the afternoon slot.
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers
This afternoon’s blockbuster game features immense star power from across conferences and compelling offseason storylines, all unfolding in Los Angeles.
- Players: LeBron James; Luka Dončić
- Storyline and importance: A blockbuster cross-conference showdown highlighted by major offseason star movement and massive media-market appeal.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
This prime-time game highlights a significant matchup featuring two of the league’s top young, developing teams.
- Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; Anthony Edwards
- Storyline and importance: A battle between two elite young Western Conference powerhouses that marks a historic milestone as Minnesota’s first-ever Christmas home game.
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors
This late-night game features the enduring star power and tactical brilliance of two modern legends.
- Players: Nikola Jokić; Stephen Curry
- Storyline and importance: A late-night holiday capstone showcasing the tactical brilliance and enduring star power of two modern Western Conference icons.
NBA Christmas Games 2026 tickets
NBA arena seating is generally divided into tiers, with prices varying based on proximity to the court and amenities included. Here is a quick breakdown of NBA arena ticket categories:
- Courtside and floor seats: Include seating directly on the hardwood perimeter, VIP arena entry, access to exclusive VIP lounges, and all-inclusive food and beverages.
- Lower Bowl (100-Level): Includes close-proximity seating surrounding the court (sideline, corner, or baseline views) with a high-energy atmosphere.
- Club Level/Loge Level: Includes mid-tier cushioned seating with extra legroom, access to private climate-controlled concourse lounges, upscale dining, and private restrooms.
- Upper Bowl (300-Level/Nosebleeds): Includes high-tier, budget-friendly seating offering a panoramic, bird’s-eye view of the entire court.
- Private suites and boxes: Includes enclosed luxury rooms, group seating, dedicated service staff, private bathrooms, and custom catering options.
Ticket prices vary based on the game, arena, opponent, seat location, and whether you buy from the primary box office or a resale platform.
| Ticket category | Typical price range (Face value/standard) | Typical price range (resale / high-demand matchups) |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Bowl / Nosebleeds | $75 – $250 | $150 – $500+ |
| Lower Bowl / Sideline | $300 – $900 | $700 – $2,500+ |
| Premium Club / VIP Seats | $1,000 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $6,000+ |
| Courtside / Floor Seats | $5,000 – $15,000+ | $12,000 – $30,000+ |
Where to buy NBA Christmas tickets?
Single-game tickets for the NBA regular season typically go on sale in late August or early September. Purchasing as soon as they drop is the best way to secure seats at standard face value. Purchase tickets from official platforms:
- NBATickets.com and Ticketmaster: The NBA’s central hub (NBATickets.com) redirects fans directly to official team ticketing partners (such as Ticketmaster), which serve as the primary source for face-value tickets.
- Team box offices: Fans can also purchase tickets directly through the official website of the hosting team (e.g., Knicks, Celtics, Lakers, Timberwolves, or Warriors).
If primary tickets sell out, fans can turn to authorized secondary marketplaces, such as the NBATickets.com Resale Marketplace powered by Ticketmaster.
- Safety: Always use verified platforms for authentic barcodes and instant reissuance to avoid fraud.
- Pricing fluctuations: Resale prices are dictated independently by individual sellers, season-ticket holders, and brokers. This means they can fluctuate wildly based on team performance and star player availability closer to December 25.
Tips for attending NBA Christmas Games while traveling
Traveling to a city to experience an NBA Christmas Day game is an incredible holiday trip. But it requires extra planning due to peak holiday travel and high ticket demand.
- Book travel and lodging early: Secure hotels within walking distance of the arena well in advance to avoid holiday traffic, rideshare surges, and parking hassles.
- Buffer your flight schedule: Arrive at least a day before the game to guard against holiday flight restrictions and winter weather delays.
- Lock down tickets and mobile access: Buy verified tickets early and download digital barcodes directly to your phone’s wallet before leaving the hotel to bypass congested arena cell networks.
- Arrive early: Get to the venue 1.5 to 2 hours before tip-off to comfortably clear security lines, watch pre-game warm-ups, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
- Review arena bag policies: Pack light and check stadium regulations beforehand, as most NBA venues strictly limit bag sizes or require clear bags.
- Dress for winter weather: Wear layers for your commute to and from the venue, keeping in mind that holiday games often conclude late at night when temperatures drop significantly.
- Opt for at least a 3-Day Trip: Plan a 3- to 4-day itinerary (arriving Christmas Eve and staying through the day after) to balance holiday city exploration with the game itself. Keep in mind that standard local businesses and shops are often closed or have limited hours on Christmas Day.
- Stay connected: The NBA Christmas Games are a one-day event. To stay connected, consider using an eSIM. It’s a more affordable choice than buying a local SIM card.
Stay connected during the NBA Christmas Games 2026
Having a stable mobile data connection is essential when attending the NBA Christmas Games. Modern arenas rely entirely on digital, mobile-only ticketing with rotating barcodes that cannot be accessed via static screenshots.
Additionally, if you want to stay longer and visit different attractions in each city, you will need unlimited data to use different apps, such as rideshare apps, maps, and social media. Holafly eSIM allows you to stay connected and avoid high roaming charges.
Holafly eSIM for USA offers unlimited data, 5G speeds where available, hotspot sharing, and 24/7 customer support. Every eSIM comes with 1GB of backup data, an Always On feature that ensures you stay connected even after your plan ends. This backup data is valid for up to one month, as long as the eSIM stays installed.
Connect to the fastest networks
International eSIMs, local networks. Enjoy the best of both worlds with Holafly.
Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
