The NFL's oldest rivalry is getting a festive twist this season, as the Green Bay Packers are reportedly set to face the Chicago Bears on Christmas Day in the Windy City. According to multiple reports, the league is scheduling the highly anticipated matchup for noon on December 25, marking the Packers' first-ever Christmas game in Chicago.
This holiday showdown adds another layer to an already heated rivalry. Last season, Bears coach Ben Johnson didn't hold back, taking public shots at Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Now, with the spotlight shining bright on Christmas Day, fans will see if these two coaches exchange pleasantries—or something far less friendly—under the tree.
The Packers are no strangers to Christmas football, boasting a strong 3-1 record in holiday games. They've faced the Bears twice before on Christmas Day at Lambeau Field, splitting the series with a 24-17 loss in 2005 and a 35-21 victory in 2011. Green Bay also celebrated wins over the Cleveland Browns in 2021 and the Miami Dolphins in 2022 on December 25, making this a return to a tradition that's been absent for three seasons.
However, the Packers' recent trips to Chicago haven't been merry. Last season, they suffered two heartbreaking losses at Soldier Field, squandering commanding fourth-quarter leads in both games. Those collapses cost them the NFC North title and ended their postseason run in a wild-card loss on the same field. With revenge on their minds, Green Bay will look to rewrite that narrative under the Christmas lights.
This holiday game is part of a busy road stretch for the Packers. They'll also travel to face the Los Angeles Rams on Thanksgiving Eve, with both marquee matchups being streamed exclusively on Netflix. For football fans, it's a double dose of holiday cheer—and for Packers fans, a chance to see their team make history in Chicago on the most wonderful day of the year.
