LDT “Reba McEntire to Host 2025 “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” in First-Ever Holiday Special Lead Role”
NEW YORK — Country-music legend Reba McEntire is stepping into one of television’s most beloved holiday traditions, officially confirmed as the host of NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center special, airing live Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
The network announced the news earlier this month, calling McEntire a “perfect fit” for the iconic holiday broadcast. (Source: NBC Insider)
This marks the first time McEntire — widely known as the “Queen of Country Music” — will headline the annual Christmas special, though she has appeared as a performer several times throughout her four-decade career. In addition to hosting, she will also deliver a live musical performance during the two-hour telecast. (Source: PEOPLE Magazine)
A Major Booking for NBC’s Holiday Season
NBC executives told media outlets that McEntire brings “warmth, humor, and unmistakable star power,” noting that the network has been eager to collaborate with her again following her successful stint as a coach on The Voice earlier this year.
(Source: NBC Insider)
Her hosting gig is part of NBC’s expanding holiday programming strategy, which leans heavily on recognizable talent — and few artists carry the cross-generational appeal of McEntire, a three-time Grammy winner with more than 75 million records sold worldwide.
A Dream Come True for Reba
McEntire expressed personal excitement about the opportunity, telling PEOPLE that hosting the Rockefeller Center special was “something I’ve always wanted to do” and that she was “honored to help ring in the season from one of the most magical places in America.”
What Viewers Can Expect
The live broadcast will feature:
- A star-packed musical lineup (to be announced in late November)
- Performances from the plaza’s main stage
- The countdown to the lighting of the 82-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
- Appearances from special celebrity guests
- A focus on New York City’s holiday traditions
The Rockefeller Center tree lighting — now entering its 92nd year — remains one of NBC’s most-watched holiday specials, attracting more than 7 million viewers annually.
A Full-Circle Moment for a Country Icon
McEntire’s hosting role comes as she continues a major career resurgence, including a national tour, bestselling lifestyle books, and new music releases. Industry insiders note that her selection underscores NBC’s confidence in her as a mainstream entertainer who appeals well beyond country-music audiences.
With McEntire at the helm, NBC is positioning this year’s special as both a celebration of holiday tradition and a showcase for one of America’s most beloved performers.
