While the 2022 World Cup did provide us with one of the greatest finals we'll ever see and Lionel Messi completing the ultimate fairytale, it did rob Premier League lovers of the most exciting period in the calendar.
While the rest of Europe put their feet up and enjoy the festivities, the English do it a little differently. Winter breaks are for the weak, the FA have long echoed, and while the Premier League will enjoy a mini-break in January, we're set to enjoy a proper festive schedule in 2023.
The games come thick and fast while St. Nick prepares for and recovers from his annual global voyage, with the multitude of Premier League TV broadcasters ensuring that the majority of these fixtures will be available to watch.
Here's the TV schedule for the 2023/24 Premier League festive fixtures.
2023/24 Premier League - festive TV fixture schedule
Gameweek 18
We're going to be treated to a full round of fixtures just before Santa comes knocking with Christmas Day falling on a Monday.
The Gameweek begins with an A23 Derby at Selhurst Park between Crystal Palace and Brighton before Aston Villa host Sheffield United on Friday Night Football.
The weekend's action kicks off with a tasty bout between West Ham and Manchester United in east London before Liverpool host Arsenal in the highlight clash of the round. Then, for the first time since 1995, the Premier League have pencilled in a Christmas Eve fixture with Chelsea visiting Wolves.
Manchester City's participation in the Club World Cup means they'll be absent from this round. They were scheduled to play Brentford at the Etihad just before Christmas.
Gameweek 19
All Gameweek 19 fixtures, which includes five on Boxing Day, will once again be streamed live on Amazon Prime Video. This is one of two Premier League matchdays Amazon have secured the rights for in 2023/24.
There are a few tasty bouts to look forward to while you consider your Christmas Day regrets. Aston Villa travel to Manchester United to conclude the Boxing Day billing, while Brighton host early high-flyers Tottenham on Thursday 28 December.
City are back in action as they travel to Goodison Park, while Arsenal host West Ham at the Emirates to wrap up Gamweek 19. There's a huge game down at the bottom, too, with two newly-promoted sides going at it as Sheffield United play host to Luton.
Gameweek 20
The final matchday of 2023 begins with Chelsea travelling to Luton at Saturday lunchtime on 30 December. The traditional 3pm blackout means five games will be absent from UK TV screens later that day before Manchester United travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.
The final televised game of 2023 arrives at Craven Cottage as Fulham host title hopefuls Arsenal.
The new year then kicks off with a bang with Liverpool hosting Newcastle on New Year's Day. Gameweek 20 then concludes with West Ham hosting Brighton which is the fifth televised fixture of the round.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Christmas, Boxing Day & New Year football 2023/24 TV schedule - Premier League.