NBA Christmas Day Games 2026 — Live Stream Free Online
How to watch NBA Christmas Day games 2026 live stream free. Full broadcast schedule for all 5 Christmas NBA games on ABC, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.
The 2026 NBA Christmas Day games are one of the NBA's biggest annual showcases — five marquee matchups broadcast across ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video on December 25, 2026. All games are accessible free with a TV antenna (ABC/NBC) or via affordable streaming services.
NBA Christmas Day 2026 — Broadcast Schedule
| Game Slot | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 (Morning) | Noon ET | ABC / ESPN+ |
| Game 2 (Afternoon) | 2:30 PM ET | NBC / Peacock |
| Game 3 (Afternoon) | 5:00 PM ET | ABC / ESPN+ |
| Game 4 (Evening) | 8:00 PM ET | NBC / Peacock |
| Game 5 (Night) | 10:30 PM ET | Amazon Prime Video |
How to Watch NBA Christmas Games Free in 2026
- Free TV antenna — ABC and NBC are free over-the-air channels. Watch Games 1, 2, 3, and 4 for free with an HD antenna — no subscription needed.
- ESPN app (TV login) — Stream ABC/ESPN games free with a cable or satellite provider login.
- Peacock ($7.99/mo) — Games 2 and 4 stream live on Peacock. Free trial available for new subscribers.
- Amazon Prime Video — Game 5 (the late-night game) is Amazon-exclusive. 30-day free trial for new members.
NBA Christmas Games 2026 — What to Expect
The NBA Christmas Day slate traditionally features the league's five most marquee matchups of the season — rivalry games, championship rematches, and superstar showdowns. The five-game marathon runs from noon to after midnight, making Christmas one of the biggest sports-watching days of the year. Matchups are selected by the NBA to maximize national interest and typically include: Lakers vs Celtics (or equivalent historic rivalry), Warriors vs Knicks, and reigning champion matchups.
NBA Christmas Games Without Cable or Subscription
Games 1–4 (on ABC and NBC) are accessible completely free with an HD television antenna in most US markets — no streaming subscription, no cable, no app login required. Only the Amazon Prime exclusive late game requires a subscription. Antenna games make up 80% of the Christmas Day slate, making this one of the most freely accessible NBA marquee events of the year.
NBA Christmas FAQ
What time are the NBA Christmas Day games in 2026?
The NBA Christmas 2026 broadcast window runs from noon ET to approximately 1:00 AM ET on December 25. Games tip off at roughly 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:30 PM Eastern Time.
Is NBA on Netflix on Christmas Day 2026?
No — unlike NFL Christmas games (which Netflix carries), NBA Christmas Day games are not on Netflix. They air on ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. See our NBA on Netflix guide for the full story of what Netflix does and doesn't carry.
Are all NBA Christmas games free?
Four of the five games are on ABC or NBC — both free over-the-air channels accessible with an HD antenna. Only the late Amazon Prime Video game requires a subscription. New Prime members get a 30-day free trial, so first-time subscribers can watch the Christmas Amazon game at no cost.
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