The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are set to add another memorable chapter to their historic rivalry during the 2026 NFL season. This time, however, the matchup will carry an added level of significance far beyond the standings.
The two teams are scheduled to meet on Christmas Day, creating a historic moment for one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries. The game’s placement on a major holiday elevates its profile and ensures national attention for both franchises.
Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams
Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts after defeating the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Few rivalries in professional sports carry the same history and tradition as Green Bay versus Chicago. Generations of players and fans have contributed to a matchup defined by intensity, familiarity and meaningful moments that stretch across decades.
The Christmas Day stage introduces a new layer to that legacy, placing the rivalry in front of a massive holiday audience. With the NFL continuing to expand its holiday presence, the matchup represents a blend of tradition and modern entertainment appeal.
Green Bay Packers Set to Face Chicago Bears on Christmas This Year
Green Bay Packers, Jordan Love, NFL
Quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws the ball during the first quarter of their game against Chicago Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
The Jordan Love-led team is scheduled to face Caleb Williams’ squad on Christmas this year. This is detailed more in an article by Wes Hodkiewicz for the franchise’s official website.
There aren’t many firsts in the century-long series between Green Bay and Chicago, but the Packers and Bears will make history when the teams play for the first time at Soldier Field on Christmas Day.
Green Bay has twice hosted Chicago at Lambeau on Christmas, beating the Bears 35-21 in 2011 and falling 24-17 in 2005.
This Christmas showdown will be a noon matchup on Netflix, which also will broadcast the Packers’ Thanksgiving Eve matchup with the Rams.
Green Bay is 3-1 all-time on Christmas, with wins over Cleveland in 2021 and Miami in 2022.
The game also arrives at a time when both teams are looking to shape their futures within a competitive division. High-profile contests like this often carry emotional weight, particularly when longtime rivals meet under unique circumstances.
The Christmas Day game between the two teams stands out as more than just another divisional matchup. It represents a rare intersection of history, rivalry and national exposure that could make it one of the defining moments of the 2026 NFL season.