The 5 Most Shocking And Star-Studded NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Shows (Including The 2025 Lineup)

Thanksgiving Day football is more than just a game; it is a national holiday tradition, and for millions of viewers, the halftime show is just as crucial as the gridiron action itself. As of December 12, 2025, the most recent slate of "Turkey Day" entertainment has just wrapped up, cementing the NFL’s commitment to making its holiday broadcasts a must-watch event with star power that rivals the Super Bowl’s younger, cooler sibling.

This year’s performances continued the tradition of blending massive musical acts with the holiday spirit, featuring a lineup that spanned rock, country, and hip-hop. From the Detroit Lions' annual spectacle to the Dallas Cowboys' charitable Red Kettle Kickoff, the Thanksgiving halftime show has evolved from local marching bands into a premier stage for the biggest names in music.

The Star-Powered 2025 Thanksgiving Halftime Show Lineup

The 2025 Thanksgiving Day games delivered a trio of high-profile halftime performances, underscoring the NFL's strategy to feature diverse, chart-topping artists. These acts are chosen not just for their popularity but often for a personal connection to the host cities, adding a layer of regional pride to the national broadcast.

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The three main performers headlining the 2025 NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Shows were Jack White, Post Malone, and Lil Jon, each bringing a distinct genre to the holiday stage.

• Jack White (Detroit Lions Game): The Detroit native and former White Stripes frontman took the stage for the traditional early game, performing for the Lions' home crowd. His performance was a nod to the city's rich rock history, continuing the Lions' tradition of featuring local legends.
• Post Malone (Dallas Cowboys Game): The "Better Now" rapper, who has a history with major NFL events, including singing "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl LVIII, was a major draw for the afternoon game. His performance was the centerpiece of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Kickoff, a tradition the Cowboys have championed for decades.
• Lil Jon (Third Game): The hip-hop legend brought his signature energy to the third and final game of the day, ensuring the prime-time matchup ended the holiday with a bang.

This star-studded lineup followed a different, equally impressive slate of performers from the previous year, demonstrating the consistent elevation of the Thanksgiving entertainment. The 2024 games featured country star Lainey Wilson for the Cowboys' Red Kettle Kickoff, along with Shaboozey and Lindsey Stirling for the other matchups.

A Deep Dive into the NFL’s Turkey Day Tradition

While the Super Bowl Halftime Show is the undisputed king of spectacle, the Thanksgiving Day performances hold a unique place in American culture. The tradition of featuring major musical acts during halftime on Thanksgiving Day officially began in the late 1990s.

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The Dallas Cowboys, in particular, formalized their halftime show in 1997 when they partnered with The Salvation Army for the Red Kettle Kickoff. The inaugural performance for this charitable event featured country music icon Reba McEntire, setting a high bar for the acts to follow.

The Detroit Lions, however, have a much longer history of halftime entertainment, dating back to the 1960s. Before the era of pop stars and pyrotechnics, the Lions' show featured local bands, choirs, and community groups, cementing the day as a true celebration of community and football.

The Charitable Heart: The Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff

The Dallas Cowboys' halftime show is inextricably linked to philanthropy. Every year, the Cowboys' performance serves as the official launch of The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, which aims to raise millions of dollars for those in need during the holiday season. This tradition has attracted some of the biggest names in music, eager to lend their star power to a worthy cause.

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The event is a massive logistical undertaking, transforming the field into a concert stage in minutes. Performers often share the stage with Salvation Army volunteers, providing a powerful visual reminder of the campaign's mission before the second half of the game begins.

5 Most Memorable and Iconic Thanksgiving Halftime Shows

Over the past two decades, the Thanksgiving halftime stage has hosted a diverse array of musical legends and rising stars. While every year delivers a memorable performance, a few have stood out, either for their unexpected nature, sheer star power, or the cultural moment they captured.

Here are five of the most iconic NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Performances:

1. Dolly Parton (2020): Widely considered one of the best Thanksgiving halftime performances of all time, the country music legend brought a much-needed dose of joy during a challenging year. Her energetic, dazzling performance at the Cowboys' game was a masterclass in showmanship.
2. Creed (2001): This performance is legendary, though perhaps for mixed reasons. The rock band's appearance at the Cowboys game has become a pop culture touchstone, often cited in discussions about the most memorable—and sometimes most polarizing—halftime shows.
3. LeAnn Rimes (2004): Rimes's performance was a massive spectacle that went far beyond a simple musical set. It included aerial silk performers, pyrotechnics, and performers on stilts, showcasing the theatrical potential of the halftime stage.
4. Big Sean (2021): Representing the hometown pride of Detroit, rapper Big Sean's performance for the Lions' game was a significant moment for the city's music scene. It highlighted the Lions' commitment to featuring local talent, much like Jack White’s 2025 show.
5. Luke Combs (2021): The massive country star delivered a powerful performance for the Red Kettle Kickoff, further cementing the event's appeal to the country music audience, which is a core demographic for the holiday broadcast.

Other notable performers who have graced the Thanksgiving stage include the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Pitbull, Luke Bryan, and Meghan Trainor, proving that the entertainment is as varied as the holiday feast itself.

The Future of Turkey Day Entertainment

As the NFL continues to expand its global reach and leverage its cultural footprint, the Thanksgiving Day Halftime Shows will only grow in importance and spectacle. With U.S. viewership for each show often surpassing that of all major award shows, the platform offers artists unparalleled exposure.

The trend of featuring diverse genres—from the classic rock of Jack White to the hip-hop of Lil Jon and the pop-country of Post Malone—suggests a future where the halftime show will continue to mirror the current landscape of popular music. By consistently attracting A-list talent and maintaining the charitable focus of the Red Kettle Kickoff, the Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show remains a beloved and essential part of the American holiday experience, proving that sometimes, the best part of the football game is the break in the middle.