December 2025 promises to be a month of dramatic sports finales and iconic holiday traditions worldwide! As the year winds down, the global sporting calendar heats up with high-stakes competitions in some of the most festive destinations. From the raucous atmosphere of the biggest darts competition to century-old holiday traditions in cricket and sailing, these events offer the perfect reason to swap the winter coat for a plane ticket and experience the passion of live sports. Get your final itinerary ready, because December is calling for adventure!
1. PDC World Darts Championship (Darts)
The biggest and most raucous event in darts, the World Championship at Alexandra Palace is a spectacle of sporting drama and legendary crowd energy. Starting mid-December and running into the New Year, “Ally Pally” is the ultimate sporting party. Fans dress up, sing along, and witness some of the most pressure-filled professional sports in the world.
When: 11 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Where: Alexandra Palace, London, England
Tickets: Tickets sell out quickly but are released in several phases. Check the official PDC website for pre-sale and general sale dates, typically in July/August.
2. College Football Bowl Season (American Football)
The annual ritual of US college football begins mid-month with dozens of bowl games. These matchups celebrate the season’s successes, often taking place in festive, warm-weather cities. Attending any bowl game offers a taste of high-stakes American rivalry combined with local celebrations and holiday cheer.
When: Starts Mid-December 2025 (Runs through early January)
Where: Various major cities across the United States
Tickets: Tickets for a number of bowl games are available through Ticketmaster.
3. Boxing Day Test Match (Cricket)
An Australian sporting institution, with this year being extra special as the fourth test of the 2025/2026 Ashes series. This annual Test match begins on December 26th and draws huge crowds to one of cricket’s most famous grounds. Experiencing a day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day is an unforgettable slice of Australian summer culture, combining world-class cricket with a vibrant holiday atmosphere and deep-seated rivalry.
When: December 26 – 30, 2025
Where: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
Tickets: The only authorised seller for any MCG event, including the Ashes. You can find information and purchase tickets for the Summer of Cricket, including the Ashes, here.
4. NBA Christmas Day Games (Basketball)
The National Basketball Association takes over Christmas Day with a blockbuster slate of rivalry games and marquee matchups featuring the league’s biggest stars. This is one of the most exciting days of the NBA season, offering a chance to see future champions in iconic arenas across the US.
When: December 25, 2025 (All Day)
Where: Various cities across the United States
Tickets: Game tickets become available once the schedule is released (typically in mid-August). Check the official NBA Ticketmaster marketplace for the best options.
5. FIS Alpine Ski World Cup – Val Gardena & Alta Badia (Alpine Skiing)
Experience the raw speed and beauty of downhill racing on the iconic Saslong course in Val Gardena, followed by the Giant Slalom challenge in nearby Alta Badia. Located in the stunning Italian Dolomites, this is a spectacular trip combining world-class sporting action with some of the best mountain scenery and Italian hospitality.
When: Mid-December 2025 (typically December 19-21)
Where: Val Gardena and Alta Badia, Italy
Tickets: Spectator tickets for the main grandstands and finish areas can be purchased directly from the local organizing committees’ websites, usually beginning in late summer.
6. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (Sailing)
The “Blue Water Classic” is a legendary 628-nautical-mile race starting in Sydney Harbour and finishing in Hobart, Tasmania. The start on Boxing Day is a magnificent spectacle, as hundreds of yachts jostle for position leaving the harbor. Following the progress of the race and being in Hobart for the finishers is a unique travel experience.
When: Starts December 26, 2025
Where: Starts in Sydney, Australia; Finishes in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Tickets: Spectating the start from Sydney Harbour is free. Tickets are required for official finish line parties and viewing areas in Hobart.
7. Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) Grand Final (Tennis)
A modern, fast-paced, and electrifying take on tennis, the UTS Grand Final features top players competing in a dynamic, non-traditional format designed for high entertainment. Held in East London, this event offers a massive stadium atmosphere and an innovative sports spectacle.
When: December 5 – 7, 2025
Where: Copper Box Arena, London, England
Tickets: Tickets for the Ultimate Tennis Showdown Grand Final are available through Ticketmaster.
8. Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Motor Racing)
The glamorous finale of the F1 season, this race at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit is poised to determine the 2025 World Champion. This year is set up for a thrilling three-way title battle, with key contenders like Lando Norris battling their main rivals down to the wire. It’s an iconic sunset race and a high-end experience that blends world-class motorsport with luxurious desert hospitality and guaranteed, high-stakes drama.
When: December 5 – 7, 2025
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tickets: Check the official Formula 1 website and authorized resellers, like Motorsport Tickets for early bird tickets and hospitality packages, typically released 6-9 months in advance.
9. UK Championship (Snooker)
One of the snooker circuit’s “Triple Crown” events, this prestigious tournament offers a quiet intensity and class rarely seen in other sports. Held in the historic setting of York, it provides a quintessentially British sporting experience.
When: November 29 – December 7, 2025
Where: York Barbican, York, England
Tickets: Tickets are usually released in the spring/summer preceding the event. Check the World Snooker Tour official ticketing site, See Tickets for session passes and package deals.
10. Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) (Football)
The premier international men’s football tournament in Africa, the Africa Cup of Nations features incredible passion, skill, and atmosphere. Kicking off in Morocco, the tournament offers a unique opportunity to blend high-stakes continental football with cultural exploration in a vibrant North African setting.
When: Starts December 21, 2025 (Runs through Jan 2026)
Where: Various cities in Morocco
Tickets: The official CAF website will be the primary source for all legitimate ticket sales. Fans should monitor the site and register for any official alerts.
Planning Your December Sports Trip: Essential Tips
The biggest challenge in December is coordinating around the holidays and rising airfare. Book early, especially for the Boxing Day and New Year’s events.
- Book Flights Now: December is peak holiday travel time. Secure your flights, especially international legs, as early as possible to avoid premium pricing.
- Embrace the Season: Whether it’s the cold and cozy atmosphere of the darts in London or the sunny beaches of Australia, lean into the local seasonal vibe for the full travel experience.
- Time Zone Tactic: For events like the Boxing Day Test or the Sydney to Hobart race, remember you’ll be in the Southern Hemisphere summer, which makes for a brilliant mid-winter escape!
Which incredible December finale is making it onto your 2025 travel itinerary?
Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by Sports Tourist
