The Dallas Cowboys nearly always play on Thanksgiving Day, a rare NFL scheduling tradition, but the exact time and channel vary by year. To find the current year’s kickoff, check the NFL schedule released each spring or trusted sources like the Cowboys site, network affiliates, and league media. This guide decodes the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving patterns, how the time is decided, and how to confirm the game details quickly.
Typical kickoff windows and TV coverage
Afternoon Eastern games (around 12:30–1:05 p.m.)
Most Cowboys Thanksgiving games have been early-afternoon afternoon games on Fox, part of the network’s long-running Thanksgiving window. Recent examples include the 2024 matchup at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time and earlier years in the 1:05 p.m. slot.
Late-afternoon and evening games (around 4:05–4:25 p.m.)
When NBC holds the Thanksgiving package in a given year, the Cowboys are often scheduled for the late window, typically 4:05 p.m. Eastern. NBC games air nationwide on Peacock and affiliates depending on region.
| Year | Date | Kickoff ET | TV Network | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Thursday, November 28 | 12:30 p.m. | Fox | NFL schedule release |
| 2023 | Thursday, November 23 | 1:05 p.m. | Fox | NFL schedule release |
| 2022 | Thursday, November 24 | 4:25 p.m. | NBC | NFL schedule release |
| 2021 | Thursday, November 25 | 12:30 p.m. | Fox | NFL schedule release |
| 2020 | Thursday, November 26 | 12:30 p.m. | Fox | NFL schedule release |
Why the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving
The Cowboys have a historic association with Thanksgiving, dating to the early 1960s when team owner Clint Murchison Jr. lobbied to add Dallas to the holiday slate. Since 1966 (with a brief gap in the late 1990s), the Cowboys have appeared annually on Thanksgiving, becoming one of two permanent fixtures in the NFL’s holiday slate alongside the Detroit Lions. This creates an expectation that fans can plan around each November.
How kickoff times are decided
Kickoff times depend on several factors: the TV window (Fox early, NBC late), travel logistics, opponent scheduling, and competitive balance. The NFL’s scheduling algorithm weighs regional time zones, primetime slots for marquee matchups, and afternoon windows. If the Cowboys are in the early window, games usually tip off around 12:30–1:05 p.m. ET; the late window aligns with 4:05–4:25 p.m. ET starts.
Factors that influence start time
- TV package assignment (Fox versus NBC)
- Opponent and rivalry profile
- Geographic time zone considerations
- Competitive narrative and league priorities
How to confirm the game details each year
Because the exact date and time shift, use these reliable steps as soon as the schedule drops in late spring or early summer:
- Visit the official NFL schedule page on NFL.com.
- Check the Cowboys’ official site and their local broadcast partners.
- Review the network schedule (Fox Thanksgiving window or NBC Sunday Night Football).
- Set alerts in sports apps and TV provider guides as the date approaches.
Time zone considerations for viewers
Most Cowboys home games are in the Central Time Zone (Arlington, TX), so Eastern viewers see a 1:00 p.m. shift earlier. Mountain and Pacific audiences should subtract one or two hours respectively. When the game is an away contest on Thanksgiving, local start times still follow the same windows but may align differently with the visiting team’s market logistics.
What to expect in upcoming seasons
As long as the Cowboys remain in the Thanksgiving rotation, fans can reasonably expect a game on the holiday. Year‑to‑year changes hinge on the NFL’s scheduling decisions and network bidding. Check official sources each spring for the finalized kickoff, because early patterns do not guarantee identical times annually.
Quick reference checklist
- Check the NFL schedule in spring or summer.
- Confirm the TV window (Fox early, NBC late).
- Note local time zone conversion if needed.
- Set digital reminders ahead of game day.
- Verify kickoff 24–48 hours before tip for any adjustments.
By understanding the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving tradition and how schedules are set, you can plan viewing and travel with confidence each year.