The 3 Must-See Halftime Shows: Who’s Performing At The 2024 Thanksgiving NFL Games?

Thanksgiving Day football is more than just a gridiron battle; it's a national tradition punctuated by some of the biggest names in music taking the stage for the highly-anticipated halftime shows. The 2024 lineup, announced just in time for the holiday season, features a mix of reigning award-winners, breakout stars, and unique genre-blending artists, ensuring that viewers get a feast of entertainment to go with their turkey dinner. This year's performers—Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson, and Lindsey Stirling—represent a fresh, eclectic mix of talent that promises to deliver some of the most memorable Thanksgiving performances in recent history.

As of December 12, 2025, the NFL has officially confirmed the three major acts who will command the national stage during the three-game slate, continuing the decades-long tradition of blending top-tier sports with world-class entertainment. The performances not only serve as a break in the action but also launch major charitable campaigns, most notably The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff, which is always hosted by the Dallas Cowboys.

The 2024 Thanksgiving Halftime Lineup: Games and Headliners

The 2024 Thanksgiving Day schedule is set to deliver a full day of football, starting with the traditional early game in Detroit and culminating with a primetime matchup. Each game features a unique musical act, spanning the genres of country, hip-hop, and classical-electronic fusion.

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• Game 1: Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions (12:30 p.m. ET)
  • Performer: Shaboozey
  • Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
• Game 2: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (4:30 p.m. ET)
  • Performer: Lainey Wilson (Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff)
  • Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
• Game 3: Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers (8:20 p.m. ET)
  • Performer: Lindsey Stirling
  • Venue: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

The selection of these artists highlights the NFL's commitment to showcasing diverse and currently trending talent. From a Nigerian-American artist revolutionizing country music to a multi-award-winning female powerhouse, the 2024 slate is one of the most dynamic in years.

Shaboozey: The Country-Trap Breakout Star in Detroit

The opening game in Detroit, a classic NFC North rivalry, will feature Shaboozey, whose rise to fame has been one of the biggest music stories of the year. Born Collins Obinna Chibueze, the Nigerian-American artist has successfully carved out a unique space by blending country, hip-hop, and Americana, a style often dubbed "country-trap."

His performance at Ford Field comes on the heels of his massive hit, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," which dominated the charts and solidified his status as a breakout star. The Detroit Lions' choice of Shaboozey continues their tradition of selecting contemporary artists who bring high-energy performances to the Thanksgiving stage, following acts like Big Sean and Jack Harlow in previous years. Shaboozey's eclectic musical background, which draws from his upbringing in northern Virginia and his Nigerian heritage, promises a fresh, genre-bending halftime show for the early game.

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Lainey Wilson: Kicking Off Charity with Country Royalty

The Dallas Cowboys' game is synonymous with The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff, a charitable tradition that has been a fixture of the Thanksgiving broadcast since 1997. This year, the honor of headlining the event at AT&T Stadium goes to Lainey Wilson.

Wilson is arguably the biggest name in country music today, having swept the major awards ceremonies. She is a multi-time Grammy Award winner and the reigning Entertainer of the Year at both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Her performance is highly anticipated, not just for her powerful vocals and hits, but because the Red Kettle Kickoff is one of the most-watched charitable events of the year, raising millions for the Salvation Army’s programs.

The tradition has seen performances from legends across genres, including Reba McEntire (1997), Jessica Simpson (2000), Creed (2001), Carrie Underwood, and Eric Church. Lainey Wilson joins this prestigious list, bringing her signature "Bell Bottom Country" style to the iconic Dallas venue.

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Lindsey Stirling: The Electric Violinist in Green Bay

The final game of the day, featuring the Green Bay Packers, will showcase the extraordinary talent of Lindsey Stirling. Stirling is known globally for her unique and captivating performance style, which fuses classical violin with modern genres like electronic, dubstep, and pop.

What sets her apart is her ability to dance, move, and execute complex choreography while flawlessly playing the violin, a feat that first gained her national attention on "America's Got Talent." Her albums frequently dominate specialized charts, including Billboard's Top Dance/Electronic Albums and Classical Albums, a testament to her genre-defying appeal. Performing at Lambeau Field, Stirling’s high-energy, visually stunning show is a perfect fit for the primetime slot, offering a completely different flavor of entertainment from the country acts in the earlier games.

A History of Star-Powered Thanksgiving Halftime Shows

The tradition of featuring major musical acts on Thanksgiving Day has evolved significantly, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys’ commitment to the Red Kettle Kickoff. While the Detroit Lions have often focused on high-energy, local, or trending acts, the Cowboys have consistently booked global superstars to maximize the visibility of The Salvation Army's campaign.

Memorable past performers who have graced the Thanksgiving stage include:

• Creed (2001): A famously polarizing, yet highly-watched, performance that remains a top discussion point in Thanksgiving halftime history.
• Dolly Parton: The country music icon delivered a classic performance that transcended generations.
• Post Malone: The Dallas native headlined the show in a previous year, representing a major contemporary hip-hop/pop booking.
• Jack White: The Detroit native and rock legend has also taken the stage for the Lions' game, connecting the performance to the host city's musical roots.
• Jonas Brothers: The pop trio brought a massive teenage and young adult audience to the broadcast.
• Meghan Trainor (2018): The pop singer helped launch the Red Kettle Campaign with her performance at AT&T Stadium.

The 2024 lineup continues this legacy by selecting artists who are not only at the peak of their careers but who also bring a distinct musical style. The inclusion of Shaboozey and Lindsey Stirling alongside the established powerhouse Lainey Wilson ensures that the Thanksgiving Day football broadcast remains a must-watch event for music and sports fans alike. It’s a carefully curated mix designed to appeal to the massive, multi-generational audience gathered around the television on one of the biggest viewing days of the year.