The NFL treats Thanksgiving like a three-course feast. The matchups are locked, the buzz is building, and now the halftime guests have pulled up a chair to the table. This year’s Thanksgiving slate leans into history, hometown pride, and major star power. Think of it as the holiday playlist you didn’t know you needed.
Below is a full breakdown of who’s hitting the stage, and how this year’s musical lineup makes the 2025 Thanksgiving games feel more like a mini–Super Bowl Sunday.
Detroit Wants to Rock: Jack White Takes Over Lions vs. Packers
There’s something poetic about Detroit starting the festivities. The city prides itself on musical roots. This year, Detroit native Jack White steps in as the halftime headliner when the Lions host the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.
White, freshly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the White Stripes, is bringing the hometown fire. Fans are already dreaming of a jolting performance featuring guitar riffs sharp enough to cut through a mountain of mashed potatoes. And “Seven Nation Army” chants are practically guaranteed to shake every seat in the building.
Adding another layer of Motor City magic, Eminem and longtime manager Paul Rosenberg are serving as executive producers. Detroit is definitely flexing here. Consider this halftime show a love letter to the city’s music legacy wrapped in rock, swagger, and just enough chaos to feel like true Detroit energy.
Dallas Goes Full Superstar: Post Malone Lights Up Cowboys vs. Commanders
Dallas never plays small, especially on Thanksgiving. The Cowboys treat their holiday game like a nationally televised family reunion where everyone has to look their best. Their halftime show is practically a tradition of its own, and in 2025, that spotlight belongs to Post Malone.
The genre-hopping megastar gets to perform for millions while also cheering for his favorite football team. As far as holiday multitasking goes, that’s elite. Expect big vocals, big charisma, and big reactions from the crowd. Dallas loves a spectacle, and Post Malone thrives on delivering one.
Of course, the Cowboys’ show also doubles as the kickoff for The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. It’s one of those rare moments when pop culture, football, and philanthropy intersect in front of a massive audience.
Baltimore Turns Up the Volume: Lil Jon Brings the Energy to Ravens vs. Bengals
To close out the night, Baltimore is handing the mic to Lil Jon, the human exclamation point of hip-hop. The Ravens host the Cincinnati Bengals in a classic AFC North clash, and Lil Jon will handle the halftime chaos in the loudest way possible.
Lil Jon’s signature style promises hype, volume, and a healthy dose of nostalgia for anyone who remembers blasting his tracks at high school parties.
Thanksgiving and the NFL
The league knows Thanksgiving isn’t just about football anymore. It’s become a cultural mashup of tradition, entertainment, and comfort food. Adding high-profile halftime shows is the NFL’s way of acknowledging that modern audiences crave the total experience.
This year leans heavily into hometown heroes, fan-favorite hitmakers, and performances that bring personality to each city. Detroit gets gritty, musical heritage. Dallas gets star-studded sparkle. Baltimore gets pure, joyful noise.