Christmas Football: The Biggest and Best Matches Across Europe

Christmas is a fantastic time of year for everyone. It’s a time to come together with friends and family, to eat some great food, and to be merry. However, for a lot of people, the festive period also has another standout feature: football. Christmas football fixtures are legendary, and there are some fantastic games coming up over the next few weeks.

Premier League Christmas Fixtures

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa (December 26)

There are a couple of intriguing clashes on Boxing Day in the Premier League, and Newcastle United hosting Aston Villa is one of them. They’re teams that, in the eyes of many, are probably about the same level. Newcastle have finished in the top four previously and qualified for the Champions League, and Villa did precisely that last season. However, both teams have had their ups and downs in 2024/25, so this game will be a test of where they’re at.

Aston Villa vs Brighton (December 30)

Another excellent Premier League fixture involves Aston Villa, and this time, they’re at home to Brighton. Villa and Brighton are two very similar teams, and both have defined playing styles. Managers Unai Emery and Fabian Hurzeler continue to impress, and their sides are battling out to finish in the Premier League’s top six, and potentially even higher, this season.

Liverpool vs Manchester United (January 5)

Wrapping up the Christmas football on January 5 is one of the biggest clashes in English football: Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield. There’s a rivalry between the two teams, and right now, United would love to be where Liverpool are. Liverpool have adjusted to life under Arne Slot and are flying, while United are still getting to grips with the demands of their new manager, Ruben Amorim.

La Liga Christmas Fixtures

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid (Dec 21)

After getting off to a flying start under new manager Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s form has started to become inconsistent, allowing other teams to take advantage. One of those teams happens to be Atletico Madrid, who head to Barcelona on December 21, level on points and with a game in hand. It will be a pivotal fixture in the title race in La Liga.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla (Dec 22)

At one stage, Real Madrid looked out of the title race. And you could say they’re now back in it thanks to Barcelona slipping up rather than Real doing anything out of the ordinary. Either way, it’s a three-horse race at the top of La Liga, and Real Madrid will fancy their chances to beat Sevilla and to apply more pressure on Barcelona, who they also have a game in hand on, and Atletico.

Serie A Christmas Fixtures

Lazio vs Atalanta (Dec 28)

Atalanta are the team to beat in Serie A right now. They, along with the likes of Napoli and Inter, are at the top of the table and looking good for Champions League qualification at a minimum. Lazio are just outside of this grouping and they want to get in on the action, which makes for an exciting festive fixture. However, it will be tough, as Atalanta have won ten games in a row and counting.

Juventus vs Fiorentina (Dec 29)

Juventus and Fiorentina is another clash where the two teams are aiming high, and they’re going to have to beat each other to really get amongst the title race in Serie A. Fiorentina are literally just outside the top three and will fancy their chances. Juventus are unbeaten but are also the draw specialists. If they can convert some draws into wins, starting against Fiorentina, they could get into the mix.

Other Christmas Football Fixtures

Bayern vs RB Leipzig (Dec 20)

After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, Bayern surrendered the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso. However, Bayern are back with a vengeance this season, and under new manager Vincent Kompany, they’re the league leaders and have already opened up a lead at the top of the table. RB Leipzig will be visitors on December 20, but Bayern will fancy their chances of getting another three points.

Sporting vs Benfica (Dec 29)

Sporting were looking good for another title in the Portuguese top flight, that was until Ruben Amorim left to join Manchester United. Bruno Lage is back at Benfica, and they’re now looking to challenge for the league’s biggest prize. The two teams are within touching distance, and the winner on December 29 will be in the driving seat in the title race.

Christmas Football Betting

Christmas football betting is some of the most popular, primarily because there are some excellent fixtures, as well as great offers to take advantage of. Boxing Day football is one of the most popular matchdays, with a lot of games being broadcast live on television. There is Premier League football, fixtures in the EFL, as well as others in Europe over the festive period such as in Serie A, but divisions like Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga do take winter breaks.

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