Premier League festive football schedule in full

In contrast to Spain, Germany, France and Italy, there is no let up for teams in England's top division, with games being played into late December

As the rest of Europe's top leagues settle down for a brief period of hibernation this festive season there will be no rest in the Premier League.

La Liga in Spain, Germany's Bundesliga and Ligue 1 of France all observe a hiatus over Christmas and the new year, while Serie A in Italy incorporates a January break.

The tradition of festive football in England, with games taking place on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, is something that is savoured by the fans, but it has become increasingly controversial.

Coaches such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, who are used to winter breaks from their formative years in Germany and Spain respectively, have been vocal critics of the English custom, claiming that it is having a detrimental effect on their players.

Such musings have led Premier League bosses to mandate a 10-day break from the 2019-20 season onwards, but it will occur in February, rather than during the festive period. That means Christmas and New Year football remains, for now at least.

Find out everything you need to know about the 2018-19 Premier League festive football feast below, including the full schedule of matches and which games will be shown live on television.

Full Premier League festive fixture schedule

Premier League festive season TV fixtures

Fans of the Premier League will have no shortage of options in terms of football to watch on TV over the festive period, with a total of 16 games set for live broadcast between December 21 and January 3.

The majority of games will be shown on Sky Sports, but BT Sport will also broadcast a number of matches.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United will be given most screen time, with each of them having three televised games, while Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea will appear twice.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds will be on TV for their away trip to Wolves on December 21, as well as the visit of Arsenal to Anfield on December 29 and their showdown with Man City on January 3.

Man United's TV schedule isn't as blockbuster, with games against Cardiff City and Bournemouth being shown, but the visit to St James' Park to play Newcastle United is somewhat of a grudge match.

The full extent of the Premier League TV coverage over the Christmas and New Year period can be seen in the table above.