Why is there only one Premier League game on Boxing Day this year?

Christmas might be just around the corner, but for many football fans the Boxing Day football is of a bigger focus. 

After the panic of buying Christmas gifts, whether it be a blank gift certificate, jewellery or a wash and bath set, Boxing Day football has always served as something of a welcome distraction after the business of Christmas Day.

Unfortunately, this year will see just one Premier League game take place on Boxing Day, a clash between Manchester United and Newcastle at Old Trafford.

While fans of football league clubs up and down the country will still be able to go and watch their teams play, it is a crying shame that there will be just one Premier League game for football fans to enjoy.

Boxing Day football has always been a staple of the English game. While other countries are holding their winter breaks during that time, the Premier League having a packed schedule on Boxing Day was something that has set it apart and for many people is a big part of their festive holiday.

The other nine games from that gameweek will instead be held over the 27th and the 28th. While that might not seem all that significant in the grand scheme of things, the hectic schedule of games amid the growth of European competitions and increased TV coverage continues to damage traditions in the English game that have gone back many years.

It is not a big demand that fans should be able to go and watch their team play on Boxing Day as has been the norm for so many years now.

Thankfully, next year’s calendar means there will be a return of the familiar Boxing Day feel. With Boxing Day 2026 falling on a Saturday, the Premier League has confirmed a full round of fixtures will take place across the day.

Fans have certainly made their disappointment over this year’s festive schedule known but can take comfort in the fact that next year will see a reverse back to the norm.

The hope, however, is that this continues beyond next season and that supporters will continue to get their football feast immediately after the business of Christmas Day, as it would be a great shame to see a football tradition loved by so many die out.

For this year, though, we will all have to settle for just one top-flight game to keep us entertained.