December tends to feel like a turning point for sport, as seasons overlap, major tournaments reach their final stages, and a few competitions use the end of the year to set the tone for what comes next. It can be difficult to keep track of everything happening at once, so here’s a clear look at the key sporting events closing out the year.
Football’s Winter Tension
The Premier League doesn’t slow down for anything, and December is usually where title ambitions either hold steady or begin to crack. The fixture list tightens, managers gamble on rotation, and supporters cling to the hope that their striker’s hamstring holds out for one more match.
The coming weeks often feature high-drama games like Manchester or London derbies, crucial clashes between title contenders, and clubs fighting for Champions League spots.
Boxing Day Rugby
Despite the Autumn Nations series having wrapped up, and a few months until the Six Nations, there’s still plenty of rugby on this weekend across the domestic and European competitions.
However, nothing beats the Premiership’s Boxing Day clashes that see teams throwing themselves into the final rounds before the mid-season break.
The Ashes
December sits at the centre of this year’s Ashes, with England trying to recover after Australia took the opening Test in Perth.
The month brings three matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, which is a stretch that will likely shape whether the series stays alive into January. If England can settle quickly and handle the conditions, December can keep the contest alive.
PDC World Darts Championship
The World Darts Championship returns to Alexandra Palace in mid-December, and it remains one of the month’s standout events.
This year’s field is stacked with familiar contenders and a few newcomers who’ve made noise on the tour, which should keep the early rounds interesting. The atmosphere is as lively as ever, with packed crowds, fancy dress, and matches that can flip within a handful of throws.
The Final Sprint
Athletics wraps things up with a handful of indoor meets and road races, including end-of-year 10Ks that attract a mix of elite runners and obligatory running Santas.
Meanwhile, motorsport fans get their last fix through post-season testing, which, admittedly, is less showy than race weekends, but offers an early hint at who might have the pace next year.
However you follow sport, December is a packed month and will deliver enough drama and momentum well into the new year.
