The festive season is not only a time for family, feasts, and festive cheer but also a sporting extravaganza that captivates fans around the world.
From the oche to the gridiron, here are some Christmas crackers in the world of sports that will light up the holidays.
Darts: PDC World Championship
For both avid and casual darts enthusiasts, the PDC World Championship is a festive staple.
Held annually at Alexandra Palace, this tournament stands out like no other on the darts calendar.
The world’s best dart players converge for a showdown of skill, precision, and nerves of steel.
As the iconic venue becomes a cauldron of darting drama in the build-up to the final on January 3, fans can expect breathtaking action and unforgettable moments at the oche.
At the time of writing, Luke Humphries and three-time winner Michael van Gerwen are the favourites in the World Championship darts betting.
Football: Premier League
The Premier League serves up a football feast over the festive period, with a schedule that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The action features an unprecedented Christmas Eve game, as Chelsea hosts Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.
The excitement continues with a flurry of fixtures, including five on Boxing Day, three on December 27, two on December 28, six on December 30, two on New Year’s Eve, and a thrilling New Year’s Day clash between Liverpool and Newcastle United.
The football fiesta wraps up on January 2, with West Ham facing Brighton in another enticing matchup.
Horse Racing: Kempton, Chepstow and Leopardstown
Horse racing enthusiasts are in for a treat with a top-quality schedule of races during the festive season.
The prestigious King George VI Chase takes centre stage at Kempton on Boxing Day, featuring a stellar lineup of contenders — including dual Ryanair Chase winner Allaho and Gold Cup runner-up Bravemans game.
The card also includes a further two other Grade 1 contests – the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase and the Christmas Hurdle.
On December 27, the Welsh Grand National unfolds at Chepstow, and the Leopardstown Christmas Festival runs from 26-29 December — offering seven Grade 1 races, including the Savills Chase and Matheson Hurdle.
NFL: Festive Football Frenzy
Across the pond, the NFL adds its flair to the festive calendar with Gameweek 16 taking place on 23, 24, and 25 December.
On the 23rd, matchups like Cincinnati Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills vs LA Chargers set the stage for a football-filled holiday.
Christmas Eve features 10 games, with Christmas Day offering three more thrilling matchups — including Baltimore Ravens vs San Francisco and New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles.
The highlight, however, might be the clash between rivals Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, promising a showdown that will grab the attention of football fans worldwide — and you won’t need a bet calculator to know that Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and co. will be favourites.
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As the festive season unfolds, sports enthusiasts have a smorgasbord of thrilling events to savour across darts, football, horse racing, and the NFL.
These Christmas crackers promise to deliver excitement, drama and memorable moments, making the holidays even more special for sports fans around the globe.