Beyoncé has a Christmas treat for us all, giving us the gift of an epic festive performance. While the rest of us will be rummaging around the Quality Street, the NFL will play two games—it may be Christmas Day, but they’re not ones to pass up on the viewership. Joining them, Grammy-winning superstar Beyoncé will perform as the halftime act during the second game, marking only the fourth time a game has been played on Christmas since 1948.
Having already teased fans with a 30-second trailer titled "A Cowboy Carter Christmas," Beyoncé, 43, is expected to perform songs from her latest hit album. She may also throw in some classic festive tunes—and the best part is, we’ll all be able to watch… but only for a limited time.
How to watch Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show
Luckily for Beyoncé fans everywhere, Netflix has acquired the global rights to the seasonal NFL matches. Those with an active Netflix subscription will be able to tune in for both games and performances. For fans in the US, CBS will simultaneously broadcast both games on affiliate networks in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Houston. Those who subscribe to NFL+ will also have the option to watch on mobile devices.
So what time will Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show air? Things will kick off with the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 PM ET (6 PM GMT), followed by the Baltimore Ravens playing the Houston Texans at 4:30 PM ET (9:30 PM GMT). Beyoncé will take the stage during the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans halftime, which takes place in her hometown of Houston at the NRG Stadium.
Fans should note the performance will only be available for viewing on Netflix for three hours after the matches end due to the streaming giant’s agreement with the football organization. Therefore, viewers will only have until 11 PM ET to catch the show. UK fans are lucky, as this gives them time until 4 AM to relive the action.
Despite the anticipation, the length of Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show won’t be as long as fans might hope. While she’s no stranger to longer performances, her set during this halftime will be around 10 to 12 minutes. Reports had suggested she might have 20 minutes, but her publicist, Yvette Noel-Schure, clarified this was not accurate, saying, "The artist's set will not be 20 minutes." So fans can expect something short yet spectacular.
For those wondering about the kickoff of this event, halftime for the Ravens vs. Texans game will fall between 5:30 PM and 6 PM ET, so plan to tune in early to catch every moment. The NFL aims to give viewers ample opportunity to transition from the first game to the exciting performance.
Interestingly, Christmas Day's NFL doubleheader tradition sees the league capitalizing on the holiday viewership, combining both football and music. Ahead of Beyoncé’s performance, music icon Mariah Carey will also grace the stage, kicking off NFL Christmas activity with her own holiday show before the early game between the Steelers and Chiefs. Carey is expected to perform several classic hits, including her signature song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Her performance is set to add to the excitement surrounding the NFL's unique Christmas offering.
This event will allow fans from around the world to witness two highly anticipated games alongside star-studded performances, marking it as one of the most significant celebrations of the season. With such top-tier talent on display, the NFL intends to create lasting holiday memories for fans both young and old.
To catch Beyoncé’s holiday halftime performance, viewers will need to settle down with their Netflix subscriptions or tune in to the local CBS channels if they're fortunate enough to reside within specific markets. Details about viewing options will highlight the exclusivity of this Christmas treat.
By merging sports with entertainment, Beyoncé's performance at the NFL Christmas games this year signifies not just another halftime show but the celebration of music and community during the festive season. Therefore, if you’re not already excited, now is the time to mark your calendars and prepare for what promises to be both visually stunning and musically enchanting! Keep those snacks handy and get ready for some holiday cheer!
With all these festive plans on the horizon, fans can look forward to not just the game but the entire day filled with football, music, and cheer, creating another unforgettable Christmas within the NFL's growing tradition of holiday games.
