The NFL Thanksgiving Day Games return on 26 November 2026 with the traditional triple-header that has become one of American sport’s most cherished traditions. The Detroit Lions host the early afternoon game, the Dallas Cowboys take the mid-afternoon slot, and a primetime fixture rounds off the day. With millions of families gathered around television sets across North America, Thanksgiving football consistently delivers some of the NFL season’s highest ratings and most memorable moments.
What Are the NFL Thanksgiving Day Games?
The NFL has played on Thanksgiving Day since the league’s earliest years, with the tradition dating back to 1934 when the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears. The Dallas Cowboys joined the tradition in 1966 and have hosted every Thanksgiving since. A third primetime game was added in 2006, rotating between different teams and venues. The Thanksgiving games occupy a unique place in American culture, blending sport, family and national holiday tradition into a day-long celebration watched by an estimated 30 million viewers per game.
When Are the NFL Thanksgiving Day Games 2026?
All three games take place on Thursday 26 November 2026, American Thanksgiving Day. The early game kicks off at 12:30 PM ET (5:30 PM GMT) in Detroit. The afternoon game begins at 4:30 PM ET (9:30 PM GMT) in Dallas. The primetime game is scheduled for 8:20 PM ET (1:20 AM GMT on 27 November). Specific team matchups are confirmed when the full 2026 NFL schedule is released, typically in May 2026.
Where Are the NFL Thanksgiving Day Games 2026?
The Detroit Lions play at Ford Field, a 65,000-capacity domed stadium in downtown Detroit, Michigan. The Dallas Cowboys host at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which holds approximately 80,000 fans with the option to expand beyond 100,000 for special events. The venue for the primetime game rotates annually and will be confirmed with the full schedule release. Both Ford Field and AT&T Stadium are indoor venues, ensuring weather is never a factor for the traditional fixtures.
Key Contenders
The Detroit Lions have transformed from perennial underdogs into genuine contenders in recent seasons, turning Thanksgiving at Ford Field into a hostile environment for visiting teams. The Dallas Cowboys, despite inconsistent playoff results, consistently field a roster packed with individual talent and play some of their best regular-season football on Thanksgiving. The primetime slot has featured marquee matchups in recent years, with the NFL scheduling committee using the high-profile window to showcase emerging rivalries and playoff-bound teams. Past Thanksgiving games have featured legendary performances, including the “Leon Lett Game” in 1993 and multiple record-setting outings.
How to Watch the NFL Thanksgiving Day Games
In the United States, the three games are split across broadcast networks: Fox and CBS carry the afternoon games, while the primetime fixture has been shown on NBC and, more recently, streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports NFL provides live coverage of all three games. NFL Game Pass International (via DAZN in many territories) offers live streaming worldwide. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN and CTV. The global reach of Thanksgiving football continues to grow, with the NFL’s international strategy bringing the games to new audiences each year.
History of NFL Thanksgiving Football
The Lions have hosted on Thanksgiving since 1934, making it one of the longest-running traditions in professional sport. The franchise’s early Thanksgiving games helped establish the NFL’s national profile during its formative years. The Cowboys joined in 1966, and their Thanksgiving games became synonymous with the “America’s Team” brand. Notable Thanksgiving moments include the infamous “Butt Fumble” in 2012, Randy Moss’s record-setting performance in 1998, and John Madden’s introduction of the turducken to national television audiences. The addition of a third game in 2006 has further cemented the day as one of the NFL’s premier showcases.
Tickets for NFL Thanksgiving Day Games
Tickets for the Detroit and Dallas games are available through the respective teams’ official websites, Ticketmaster and authorised resale platforms such as StubHub and SeatGeek. Thanksgiving games are among the most in-demand regular-season fixtures, and prices typically carry a significant premium over standard home games. Expect to pay from approximately $150 for upper-level seats to several thousand dollars for premium positions. Hospitality suites and club-level tickets are available at both venues. The primetime game venue and ticket details are confirmed with the schedule release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving?
The Lions have hosted since 1934 and the Cowboys since 1966. Both franchises hold contractual agreements with the NFL to serve as permanent Thanksgiving hosts.
When are the team matchups announced?
The full NFL schedule, including Thanksgiving opponents, is typically released in May of the season year. Opponents are known earlier based on the scheduling formula, but specific dates are confirmed later.
Can I watch from outside the United States?
Yes. NFL Game Pass International (available via DAZN in many countries) streams all Thanksgiving games live. Sky Sports carries live coverage in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Is there a halftime show?
The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving game traditionally features a major halftime performance, which has included artists such as Post Malone, Jonas Brothers and Dolly Parton in recent years.