Boxing Day Betting Offers: Christmas Football Free Bets Guide

Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year for UK sport, and bookmakers know it. As a result, you’ll see plenty of Boxing Day betting offers, from welcome free bets to daily festive promotions. This guide covers the 2026 fixtures, the main types of Christmas offer, how to use a free bet on a Boxing Day match, and how to keep your betting under control over the holidays.

Boxing Day 2026: the festive fixture pile-up

Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. So the full traditional programme is back. The Premier League has confirmed seven matches on Saturday 26 December, according to the Premier League’s festive fixtures announcement. Games run from a 12:30 kick-off through to an 8pm match in the evening.

The action doesn’t stop there. Three more Premier League games follow on Sunday 27 December, then a midweek round on 29 and 30 December. In addition, the league promises at least 60 hours between each club’s matches over the festive period. TV picks can still move kick-off times, so check the latest schedule before you bet.

EFL and Scottish football

The Championship, League One and League Two also traditionally play on 26 December. That usually means dozens of games at 3pm. The Scottish Premiership also tends to play over the festive period, although its winter break can shift some dates. Check each league’s fixture list, because EFL dates can also change for TV.

More than football: racing and darts over Christmas

The King George VI Chase is the feature race on Kempton’s Boxing Day card. It’s a Grade 1 chase over three miles, and it often shapes the Cheltenham Gold Cup market. The World Darts Championship takes its usual Christmas break from 24 to 27 December, so there is no darts on Boxing Day itself; play resumes on Monday 28 December. For more on the big spring meeting, see our Cheltenham free bets guide.

The Welsh Grand National usually runs on 27 December. However, Chepstow has moved the 2026 race to Bank Holiday Monday 28 December, so it no longer clashes with Kempton’s second day. It’s a long-distance handicap chase with a big field. For that reason, many punters bet each-way. Our each-way betting guide explains how place terms work.

Finally, the darts at Alexandra Palace pauses from 24 to 27 December. Play then resumes after Christmas and builds to a final on Sunday 3 January 2027.

Types of Boxing Day betting offers

Festive promotions come in a few familiar shapes. Some are for new customers only. Others are open to existing customers too. Here are the main ones you’re likely to see.

Welcome free bets

The classic “bet £10, get free bets” sign-up deals run all year. However, many bookmakers promote them harder before Christmas. Our free bets comparison lists the current ones, and each shows the key terms at a glance.

Advent calendar and daily offers

Some bookmakers run a daily offer through December, much like an advent calendar. For example, you might get a small free bet, a price boost or a free spin each day. These usually need you to opt in, and the rewards tend to be small and short-lived.

Acca boosts and acca insurance

Seven Premier League games plus a full EFL card make acca deals some of the most popular Boxing Day betting offers. An acca boost adds a percentage to your winnings. Acca insurance, by contrast, refunds your stake if one leg lets you down, usually as a free bet. Our acca insurance guide covers the typical conditions.

Price boosts and free-to-play games

Price boosts lengthen the odds on a chosen outcome, often a big match or a racing favourite. Free-to-play games, such as score predictors, cost nothing to enter. Even so, they still count as marketing, so read the terms before you enter.

How to use Boxing Day betting offers step by step

Using a welcome free bet on a Boxing Day match is simple, as long as you check a few details first.

1. Pick your match first. Decide which game you want to bet on, then choose an offer that suits it.
2. Check the qualifying bet. Most offers need a first bet at set minimum odds. Our qualifying bets guide explains the rules.
3. Time your sign-up. Free bets often expire within about seven days. So if you join in early December, they may run out before Boxing Day.
4. Check which markets count. Some free bets only work on certain sports, markets or bet types.
5. Remember the stake isn’t returned. Free bets usually pay winnings only. Our how free bets work guide explains what that means for your returns.

If you’re new to betting, our easy sports offers are the simplest to claim. For the rest of the season, see our Premier League betting offers page.

Why expiry dates matter for Boxing Day betting offers

The festive period moves fast. Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year all fall within about a week. Meanwhile, most free bets and Boxing Day betting offers have short expiry windows, and daily offers can vanish at midnight. As a result, it’s easy to lose a free bet you meant to use.

Write down the expiry date when you claim an offer. Also, note any conditions, such as minimum odds on the free bet itself. That way, you won’t feel rushed into a bet you had no plan to place.

Staying in control over Christmas

Christmas brings time off, lots of sport and often a few drinks. That mix can make it easy to bet more than you planned. So a few simple habits help:

• Set a festive budget before the holidays start, and don’t top it up.
• Use deposit limits. Every UKGC-licensed bookmaker lets you set daily, weekly or monthly limits in your account.
• Don’t bet after drinking. Alcohol affects judgement, so save any bets for when you’re sober.
• Take a time-out if you need one. Most bookmakers let you pause your account for a day, a week or longer.
• Consider GAMSTOP if you want a longer break. It lets you block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites for a set period.
• Don’t chase losses. Boxing Day betting offers are a bonus, not a reason to bet more.

Christmas can also bring money pressure. If gambling starts to affect your finances or your mood, stop and talk to someone. Our responsible gambling page lists free tools and support.

Free bet offers ahead of Boxing Day

These are some of the easiest sign-up offers to claim right now. New customers only, and T&Cs apply:

Compare every free bet offer →

Boxing Day betting offers FAQ

How many Premier League games are on Boxing Day 2026?

The Premier League has confirmed seven matches on Saturday 26 December 2026. Three more follow on Sunday 27 December. TV coverage can still change kick-off times, so check before you bet.

When is the King George VI Chase in 2026?

Kempton Park stages the King George VI Chase on Saturday 26 December 2026. It’s the feature race on the first day of the Christmas meeting.

When is the Welsh Grand National 2026?

Chepstow has moved the 2026 Welsh Grand National to Bank Holiday Monday 28 December. It usually takes place on 27 December.

Can I use a welcome free bet on Boxing Day football?

Usually, yes. Most sports welcome offers give free bets you can use on football. However, check the market restrictions and the expiry date, so your free bets don’t run out before 26 December.

Are Christmas daily offers worth claiming?

They can add a little value if you were going to bet anyway. However, they often need an opt-in and expire quickly. Don’t let them push you into bets you wouldn’t otherwise place.

18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.