Dec 22, 2025
·Max Meyer
Few traditions in sports feel as special as NBA basketball on Christmas Day. It’s a full-day celebration of the league’s biggest stars, historic arenas, and marquee matchups that are all played on one of the most festive days of the year.
From a noon tip-off at Madison Square Garden to a late-night showdown in Denver, Christmas Day 2025 delivers wall-to-wall hoops that’s meant to be experienced live.
NBA Christmas 2025 Schedule
If you’re looking to turn December 25 into an unforgettable holiday memory near the hardwood, here’s a full breakdown of every NBA Christmas Day game this season along with tips on how to score the best tickets on SeatGeek.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks (12 p.m. ET)
Christmas Day basketball always feels right at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks host the Cavaliers in a classic Eastern Conference matchup featuring two elite guards in Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson. Mitchell returns to New York after multiple MSG takeovers in recent seasons, while Brunson continues to cement himself as one of the league’s premier closers.
There’s nothing quite like Christmas afternoon at the world’s most famous arena — packed stands, a buzzing crowd and a playoff-like atmosphere that starts the holiday slate on a high note.
You can get Cavaliers-Knicks Christmas tickets at SeatGeek for as low as $308!
SeatGeek Tip: Knicks Christmas games are among the most in-demand tickets of the season. Buying early often means better seat selection and better value.
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (2:30 p.m. ET)
This matchup brings together two of the most exciting young stars in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama headlines the Spurs, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads a defending champion Thunder team that has turned Paycom Center into one of the league’s loudest buildings.
This game offers elite talent at one of the more affordable entry points of the day, making it a great option for fans who want a Christmas Day experience without paying premium holiday prices.
You can get Spurs-Thunder Christmas tickets at SeatGeek for as low as $115!
SeatGeek Tip: Oklahoma City’s lower-bowl corners often provide excellent views at a fraction of center-court pricing.
Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors (5 p.m. ET)
Stephen Curry on Christmas has become an NBA tradition. The Warriors host the Mavericks in a primetime West Coast showdown that promises plenty of highlight-reel shots and playoff-level intensity.
Chase Center is one of the league’s newest arenas, and Christmas Day games there carry a big-event feel from warmups to the final buzzer. This matchup is perfect for fans looking to pair elite basketball with a holiday trip to San Francisco.
You can get Mavericks-Warriors Christmas tickets at SeatGeek for as low as $171!
SeatGeek Tip: Upper-level sideline seats at Chase Center often deliver some of the best sightlines in the building.
Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers (8 p.m. ET)
One of the best ticket values of Christmas Day comes in Los Angeles. Luka Dončić and LeBron James lead the Lakers against Kevin Durant and a rising Rockets squad in a primetime matchup at crypto.com Arena. In Los Angeles, Christmas games feel more like Hollywood premieres than regular-season contests.
From celebrity sightings to a playoff-style crowd, Lakers Christmas games consistently deliver one of the most entertaining atmospheres in the NBA. This year’s matchup is no exception.
You can get Rockets-Lakers Christmas tickets at SeatGeek for as low as $235!
SeatGeek Tip: Lakers ticket prices often fluctuate on game day. Keep an eye on SeatGeek for last-minute deals.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET)
The nightcap features Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets hosting Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves in a matchup that feels like a postseason preview. This emerging rivalry with MVP-level talent on both sides make this one of the most intriguing games of the day.
Late-night Christmas games are ideal for fans who want to close out the holiday with high-level basketball — and they often come with some of the best ticket values.
You can get Timberwolves-Nuggets Christmas tickets at SeatGeek for as low as $90!
SeatGeek Tip: Late games frequently offer strong deals on lower-level seats, especially closer to tip-off.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on NBA Christmas Tickets
NBA Christmas Day games are some of the most in-demand events of the season, but smart shoppers can still find great value at SeatGeek with a little strategy.
1. Monitor price movement Holiday tickets can fluctuate as sellers adjust inventory. Checking back periodically in the days leading up to Christmas can help you spot newly listed seats at better prices.
2. Use filters to narrow in on value Sorting by section, row, or price range can surface hidden deals that aren’t immediately obvious at first glance.
3. Pay attention to SeatGeek’s Deal Score Deal Score highlights tickets that offer the best value relative to similar seats, helping you quickly identify strong options without overpaying.
4. Consider group seating options Buying multiple seats together can sometimes unlock better per-ticket pricing, especially in upper sections or corner areas.
5. Look beyond center court End-court and corner sections often provide excellent views of the action at a lower cost, particularly in modern NBA arenas.
6. Be flexible with seat location Slightly adjusting your preferred section or row can lead to noticeable savings, especially in larger arenas with steep upper bowls.
7. Check back on Christmas Day Some sellers lower prices as tip-off approaches, making game-day browsing a smart move for last-minute buyers.
Whether you’re planning ahead or searching closer to tip-off, staying flexible and checking availability regularly can help you score NBA Christmas tickets at a price that fits your holiday budget.
How to Get NBA Christmas Day Tickets on SeatGeek
Make NBA Christmas Day part of your holiday tradition this year. Here’s the easiest way to score tickets to any of the league’s marquee matchups on SeatGeek:
Search for the game – Open the SeatGeek app or head to SeatGeek.com and search for the matchup you want, like “Cavaliers vs. Knicks” or “Rockets vs. Lakers,” to see all available tickets in one place.
Check the all-in price – SeatGeek shows you the total price upfront, including fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying before checkout.
Find your perfect seat – Filter tickets by price, section, or SeatGeek’s Deal Score, then use the interactive arena map to explore views and find seats that fit your budget and vibe — whether you want center court or upper-level value.
Secure your tickets – Tap your preferred listing, review the details, and complete checkout in just a few clicks.
Get ready for tip-off – Your tickets are delivered instantly to the SeatGeek app under “My Tickets.” No printing required, you just show up, scan in and enjoy NBA basketball on Christmas Day.
Whether you’re gifting tickets or planning a holiday outing, SeatGeek makes it simple to turn December 25 into an unforgettable NBA experience.
📁 Categories: NBA