Christmas Day 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for both sports and entertainment fans, as Netflix and the NFL team up to deliver a star-studded spectacle during the league’s annual holiday games. The streaming giant has announced that Snoop Dogg, the legendary rapper and self-proclaimed football aficionado, will headline the halftime show for the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. His “Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party” promises to blend hip-hop swagger, festive spirit, and a surprise-packed lineup, all broadcast live to a global audience.
Netflix’s foray into live sports and entertainment continues to gather momentum, and this year’s Christmas Day broadcast is being billed as a can’t-miss event. According to USA Today, the festivities kick off bright and early, with pregame coverage starting at 11 a.m. ET. The day’s double-header begins with the Dallas Cowboys facing off against the Washington Commanders at 1 p.m. ET from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, followed by the Lions-Vikings clash at 4:30 p.m. ET in Minneapolis. Both games, as well as all the halftime action, will stream live on Netflix and NFL+—a clear sign of how streaming platforms are becoming central to the sports viewing experience.
For the main event, Snoop Dogg isn’t coming alone. The halftime show will also feature Grammy-winning singer Kelly Clarkson, who is set to open the broadcast with her holiday hit “Underneath the Tree.” As Hindustan Times reports, Clarkson’s performance will set the stage for a musical extravaganza that brings together artists from across genres. Lainey Wilson, the reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, will join the festivities, alongside EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the breakout voices behind Netflix’s animated hit KPOP Demon Hunters. And if that’s not enough, Netflix has teased additional surprise guests, to be revealed live during the show.
Snoop Dogg himself is brimming with anticipation. In a statement shared by Netflix and reported by Hindustan Times, he declared, “NFL, Netflix, and your Uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love, and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.” The rapper’s trademark laid-back charm and infectious energy have become his calling card, and fans can expect plenty of both on December 25.
This isn’t Snoop Dogg’s first time commanding a major sports stage. He previously performed at Super Bowl 56, joining a powerhouse lineup that included Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. That show was widely praised for its cultural significance and electrifying performances, setting a high bar for future halftime acts. Now, with the NFL and Netflix collaborating once again, expectations are sky-high for “Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party.”
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer has described the partnership as “the ultimate gift” for subscribers, emphasizing the unique blend of live sports and entertainment the platform is offering this season. As the company continues to expand its live event programming, Christmas Day 2025 stands out as a milestone. Last year’s NFL Christmas Gameday drew headlines for its “Beyoncé Bowl” halftime show, which saw the global superstar deliver a memorable performance. This year, Snoop Dogg’s involvement adds a fresh twist, appealing to fans of football, hip-hop, and holiday festivities alike.
The production behind the scenes is equally impressive. EverWonder Studio is serving as executive producer for the NFL Christmas Gameday coverage, while Jesse Collins Entertainment—renowned for its work on major awards shows and live events—will handle the halftime show. According to Netflix, the goal is to create a seamless blend of sports and spectacle, giving viewers a reason to tune in beyond the on-field action.
For those planning their holiday viewing, the schedule is straightforward. Pregame coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET, with the Cowboys-Commanders game at 1 p.m. ET and the Lions-Vikings showdown at 4:30 p.m. ET. Both games, along with all the halftime entertainment, will be available to anyone with a Netflix subscription, as well as through NFL+. It’s a setup designed to reach as wide an audience as possible, reflecting the changing landscape of how people consume sports and entertainment.
The anticipation around the halftime show is palpable. Snoop Dogg has hinted at surprises, telling fans, “You’ll have to wait until Christmas to see who else joins Uncle Snoop. But trust – it’s gonna be a holiday to remember.” The inclusion of artists like Lainey Wilson and the KPOP Demon Hunters vocalists underscores the event’s commitment to diversity and cross-genre appeal. Whether you’re a country fan, a K-pop devotee, or a hip-hop head, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup.
Netflix’s strategy is clear: by merging live sports with high-profile musical performances, the platform is positioning itself as a destination for more than just scripted shows and movies. As USA Today notes, streaming services are increasingly becoming hubs for live events and cultural touchstones, offering viewers experiences that go beyond traditional television. The NFL’s willingness to embrace this shift speaks to the league’s desire to reach new audiences and stay relevant in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Looking back, the success of last year’s “Beyoncé Bowl” set the stage for even bigger ambitions in 2025. With Snoop Dogg at the helm, the NFL and Netflix are betting that this year’s Christmas Day celebration will be talked about long after the final whistle blows. The combination of sports, music, and holiday cheer is a potent one, and fans around the world are eagerly counting down the days.
So, as families gather around their screens on December 25, they’ll be treated to more than just football. Thanks to Netflix, the NFL, and a lineup of superstar performers, Christmas Day 2025 promises to deliver a holiday extravaganza that’s truly one for the ages.
