The NFL and Christmas go together like turkey and stuffing. Brightly lit cities and stadia, enthusiastic fans decked out in festive gear and some of the most exciting NFL action of the season as teams vie for post-season supremacy. Throw in the fact that there are shopping bargains to be had, and an NFL pre-Christmas break can prove to be a fantastic start to your yuletide celebrations. As December is just around the corner, let’s take a look at some teams and cities that provide a great balance of value and gameday experiences this holiday season.
New York
Home to the Giants and Jets, New York is always fantastic in December, with Rockefeller Center and Times Square lit up like the Patriots’ secondary. Central Park has ice skating and the stores on 5th Avenue are full of bargains to be had for your Christmas shopping. And for your NFL gameday needs, we have spectacular tailgates to warm your cockles in the MetLife Stadium parking lot – for the Giants the boys from Big Blue BBQ will ensure you’re fed and watered with some of the Meadowlands’ finest chargrilled goodness and beers, while Tailgate Joe will do the same for fans attending a Jets game.
Check out our team pages for the Giants and Jets.
Suggested games to consider:
08 December – Giants v Cowboys
03 December – Jets v Chiefs
San Francisco
A trip to sunny Northern California can be the perfect pre-Christmas tonic to take in some fabulous Pacific Coast vistas, enjoy sumptuous seafood and enjoy a Sunday afternoon and the 49ers still-pretty-new Levi’s Stadium. San Fran has a tonne of shops and boutiques where you can pick up a gift or three as well. We hook you up with direct flights to the City by the Bay, downtown accommodation, great game tickets and return coach transportation from downtown San Francisco to the stadium in Santa Clara. Other popular excursions such as a tour of Alcatraz or a bike tour over the Golden Gate Bridge can also be included to make the most of your visit.
Check out our 49ers page for team schedule and itinerary ideas.
Suggested game to consider:
17 December v Tennessee Titans
New Orleans
We like to extol the virtues of New Orleans whenever we can simply because it’s a brilliant city in which it’s virtually impossible NOT to enjoy yourself. Around the holidays, it’s no different, with Bourbon Street and the French Quarter awash with celebrating revelers as well as the gorgeous Garden District and historic Treme neighbourhood bustling with musicians and authentic creole cuisine. There are a couple of good malls within city limits, including New Orleans Riverwalk, which affords the chance to stock up on gifts ahead of the grueling business of tailgating before a deafening Sunday NFL experience at the Superdome.
Check out our Saints page for team schedule and itinerary ideas.
Suggested games to consider:
03 December v Panthers then on to Atlanta for 07 December v Falcons
Pittsburgh
You may need to wrap up for a pre-Christmas trip to Steel City, but you’ll be sure to receive a warm welcome from the locals as you hit Heinz Field for one of the most energetic atmospheres in the NFL. With the Steelers currently running hot as they push for a week 1 playoff bye, the opportunity to see some season defining games is almost too good to turn down. Our Steelers trips also include a three hour pregame Sailgate – with food and drinks served on board a yacht prior to the game, before being dropped off at Heinz Field well in time for kick-off. With a downtown that’s full of history and easy to navigate, outlet malls in easy reach for your Christmas pressie-grab and some phenomenal local eateries (including but not limited to the legendary Primanti Brothers sandwich shop), Pittsburgh is a great option for a quick break.
Check out our Steelers page for team schedule and itinerary ideas.
Suggested games to consider:
10 December v Baltimore Ravens
17 December v New England Patriots
For custom made Christmas trip ideas for these and other NFL cities, just drop us a line through our start planning form and we’ll be glad to get back to you with a no-obligation itinerary!
