The Premier League has officially confirmed a major break from a long-standing tradition: there will be only one top-flight fixture played on Boxing Day this year. The sole match will be Manchester United hosting Newcastle United at Old Trafford, with a kick-off time of 8pm GMT.
Why the Change?
The drastic reduction from a full slate of festive fixtures is a direct result of the expanded European club competitions, such as the Champions League, which have created significant scheduling challenges.
Calendar Congestion: The expanded European schedule means fewer weekends are available for domestic league games.
This year, Boxing Day falls on a Friday, which, combined with the need to ensure sufficient rest periods for players (at least 60 hours between matches), made a full schedule unfeasible.
Player Welfare: The league has committed to providing more rest time for players during the Christmas and New Year period, ensuring no club plays twice within a 60-hour window.
Fan Reaction and Future Outlook
The decision has been met with significant criticism from fan groups. The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) branded the move "thoughtless," particularly the 8pm kick-off for Newcastle fans who face a long trip back from Manchester on a non-weekend evening.
However, the Premier League has offered an assurance that the full, traditional Boxing Day fixture list will return in the 2026/27 season, as the date will then fall on a Saturday, offering greater scheduling flexibility.
The Rest of the Festive Schedule
The remaining Matchweek 18 fixtures will be spread across the following two days:
Saturday, December 27: Seven Premier League matches will take place.
Sunday, December 28: The final two matches of the round will be played.
This change marks the fewest top-flight fixtures on Boxing Day in 43 years, a significant shift for English football's cherished festive tradition.