Typical kickoff time for Cowboys Thanksgiving games
The Dallas Cowboys usually play in the early afternoon on Thanksgiving, with the most common slot around 12:30 to 1:00 PM local time at AT&T Stadium. This long-standing pattern places them in the national NBC Thanksgiving window, which has made the Cowboys a centerpiece of the holiday schedule for decades. While exact start times can vary slightly due to scheduling adjustments or network changes, the team almost always fields a game early on Thanksgiving Day, making it a dependable fixture for fans planning holiday gatherings.
How the Thanksgiving time slot is determined
Kickoff time is set by the NFL as part of the national holiday schedule, which balances tradition, fan expectations, and broadcast agreements. NBC holds a marquee late-morning to early-afternoon window on Thanksgiving, and the Cowboys are regularly slotted there because of their national following and history of drawing viewers. Exact times are released each year as part of the NFL schedule announcement, and they reflect network planning, local logistics, and league-wide coordination. When the schedule is released, you’ll see the precise local time listed alongside other holiday games.
Key timing factors
- Network window: NBC’s Thanksgiving block typically runs from late morning into the afternoon.
- Local logistics: Travel, stadium operations, and regional preferences can nudge the exact start.
- Schedule release: The full slate, including the Cowboys’ exact time, is announced in the spring.
Where to check the exact time each year
Because the precise kickoff can shift by network or logistical details, always confirm the time close to the holiday. The most reliable sources include the official NFL and Dallas Cowboys sites, major sports news outlets, and TV listings. Checking these sources in the weeks before Thanksgiving ensures you have the current year’s start time, especially if broadcast windows are adjusted or special circumstances affect the game.
Cowboys Thanksgiving game time by year (examples)
| Date (Thanksgiving) | Opponent | Kickoff time (local) | Network | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-11-23 | New York Giants | 1:30 PM CT | NBC | W 16-7 |
| 2022-11-24 | Washington Commanders | 1:30 PM CT | NBC | L 11-17 (OT) |
| 2021-11-25 | New York Giants | 1:30 PM CT | NBC | W 20-8 |
Practical tips for game day planning
Because the Cowboys often play in the early afternoon, plan your travel and meals with enough buffer before kickoff. Arriving at the stadium typically requires extra time around major holiday traffic, and parking lots can fill quickly. If you’re watching from home, set reminders for the confirmed local time once the schedule is released, and verify network details to avoid surprises. These steps help ensure you don’t miss any of the action on a day when many fans gather to watch football.
Summary and next steps
In short, the Dallas Cowboys usually play around 12:30–1:00 PM local time on Thanksgiving, landing them in NBC’s traditional holiday window. This pattern has held for many years, but you should confirm the exact kickoff each year when the NFL schedule drops in spring and cross-check it closer to the holiday via official team and network channels. Mark your calendar, check the time annually, and enjoy the game as part of your holiday tradition.