Do the Packers ever play on Thanksgiving
The short answer is: sometimes. The Green Bay Packers have appeared on Thanksgiving Day when the NFL schedule places them in a game on that date, typically within nationally televised packages. Because the NFL assigns games yearly, the Packers do not play every Thanksgiving. Historically they have appeared in nonconsecutive years, often in early or late time slots. Understanding how the NFL sets the Thanksgiving slate and how to track future matchups makes it easy to confirm whether Green Bay is scheduled each year.
How the NFL schedules Thanksgiving games
Thanksgiving Day is one of the league's busiest days, built around three early-afternoon windows and marquee primetime matchups. The NFL distributes games among three packages:
- Afternoon windows (ET): usually three games, one often featuring a classic rivalry.
- Late afternoon window (ET): typically a marquee NFC or AFC rivalry in primetime.
- Network decisions and blackout rules: local blackout is rare for Thanksgiving slots because they are nationally televised.
The Packers can appear in any of these windows when scheduled, depending on how the league balances matchups and preserves competitive fairness across the season.
Packers Thanksgiving history by decade
1970s and 1980s appearances
In the 1970s and 1980s, the Packers made several Thanksgiving appearances, often in early time slots and on CBS. This reflected the league's emphasis on competitive matchups during that era and the Packers' status as an original NFC franchise. Games from this period established a pattern of Packers Thanksgiving football that fans still reference when discussing historic matchups.
1990s through 2000s pattern
After a period of fewer Thanksgiving visits in the 1990s, Green Bay returned to the holiday slate in the 2000s, featuring star players and high-profile opponents. CBS and Fox shared broadcast windows during this time, and the league's growing national audience increased interest in these seasonal games.
2010s to present trends
In the 2010s and 2010s–2020s, the Packers have appeared regularly but not annually on Thanksgiving, rotating with other NFC teams. Recent scheduling trends favor moving teams in and out of holiday windows across years to maintain competitive balance and viewership. This approach keeps Thanksgiving matchups fresh while ensuring historic rivals occasionally meet on the holiday.
How to find the current and future Packers schedule
Because the Packers do not play every Thanksgiving, checking the official NFL schedule each year is the most reliable method. Key places to look include the league's public schedule page, the Packers' official site, and trusted sports apps with up-to-date calendars and time zone support.
| Date | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November) | Possible Packers game if scheduled | National visibility and historic rivalry matchups |
| Day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) | No Packers games scheduled by tradition | League-wide rest and family time; rare scheduling exceptions |
| Weekend after Thanksgiving | Potential Packers primetime game | Nearby broadcast windows if no holiday game |
What to expect in future Thanksgiving windows
The NFL refreshes its scheduling algorithm each year, considering division rotation, head-to-head records, and primetime appeal. When the Packers are selected for Thanksgiving, it is often because of a strong record, notable rivalry, or geographic fan interest. Fans can expect continued annual planning by the league and flexibility in windows, with occasional Thursday night or late-season adjustments as needed.
Watch live and plan your viewing
Confirming whether the Packers play on Thanksgiving requires checking the finalized schedule as soon as the league releases it, typically in the spring before the season. Use these steps to stay prepared:
- Visit the official Packers site and NFL schedule pages.
- Set alerts in team apps and calendars for game time and time zone changes.
- Review local listings for broadcast details, as network windows can shift slightly year to year.
Whether or not the Packers appear on Thanksgiving, the holiday remains a centerpiece of the NFL season, and Green Bay remains a frequent national story when scheduled.