Bulls Absent from NBA Christmas Games Since 2016: The End of a Tradition?

The Chicago Bulls will not play on Christmas Day this year. This marks the ninth consecutive season the team has been absent from the NBA’s holiday showcase. The Bulls were once the league’s Christmas Day cornerstone, but their streak of exclusion continues.

This lengthy hiatus highlights the franchise’s prolonged struggle to regain its elite status. According to NBA history and records, the Bulls’ last holiday appearance was a decisive loss to the San Antonio Spurs in 2016.

A Storied History on the Holiday Stage

The Bulls have a deep Christmas history. They first played on the holiday in 1966. Their legacy, however, was cemented in the 1990s.

Michael Jordan led the team to seven Christmas games in that decade. He posted a perfect 6-0 record in those iconic matchups. The Bulls became must-see television every December 25th.

The team returned to prominence in the 2010s. They played seven straight Christmas games from 2010 to 2016. A last-second Derrick Rose winner against the Lakers in 2011 was a classic moment.

Relevancy is the Key to a Christmas Invite

The NBA’s Christmas schedule is reserved for its biggest draws. These are teams with superstar talent and national appeal. The league selects matchups that will capture a massive television audience.

The Bulls have lacked that kind of magnetic star power since 2017. Their extended rebuild has kept them out of the postseason spotlight. Without a true contender or a marketable MVP candidate, an invitation remains unlikely.

Fans hoping for a holiday return must wait for the team’s young core to blossom. Consistent winning and a return to the playoffs are the first steps. The Christmas stage will follow only if the Bulls become a headline act once more.

The Chicago Bulls’ era of dominating NBA Christmas games appears over for now. Their path back to the holiday lineup depends entirely on rebuilding a championship-caliber brand.

Thought you’d like to know

When was the last time the Chicago Bulls played on Christmas?

The Bulls last played on Christmas Day in 2016. They lost to the San Antonio Spurs by a score of 119-100 at the United Center.

What is the Bulls’ all-time record on Christmas Day?

The franchise holds a strong 13-8 all-time record on Christmas. Their most successful period was during the Michael Jordan era in the 1990s.

Why did the Bulls play so many Christmas games in the 90s?

Michael Jordan was the NBA’s global superstar. The league featured his team every year to maximize ratings and fan interest during its marquee holiday broadcast.

What has to happen for the Bulls to get a Christmas game again?

The team needs to become a consistent winner and playoff threat. Developing a true superstar who draws national attention is the most direct path back to the holiday schedule.

Which Bulls Christmas game is the most memorable?

Many fans point to the 2011 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Derrick Rose hit a stunning floating game-winner in the final seconds to seal an 88-87 road win.