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The 2025 holiday season on NBC promises a delightful mix of classic traditions and fresh entertainment, featuring the iconic Rockefeller Center tree lighting, beloved stop-motion animations, and exciting new specials with celebrity hosts.
WASHINGTON — NBC is ushering in the festive season with a lineup brimming with musical performances and cherished classics that evoke nostalgia.
Whether you’re eager to witness the Rockefeller Center tree sparkle, enjoy timeless stop-motion animations, or catch new specials packed with star power, here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s in store this December.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8-10 p.m.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
Join Reba McEntire as she hosts an enchanting evening filled with musical acts, surprise appearances by celebrities, and the much-anticipated illumination of the world-renowned Christmas tree.
This special, hosted by Reba McEntire, features various musical performances,, star-studded surprises and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
Christmas in Nashville
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10-11 p.m.
Ring in the holidays with dazzling performances and a night of music, magic and merrymaking straight from Music City.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 4, 8-8:30 p.m. (encore Thursday, Dec. 25 at 8 p.m.)
The 1966 animated tale of the grumpy Grinch who hopes to take the joy out of Christmas, until he has a change of heart.
Frosty the Snowman
Thursday, Dec. 4, 8:30-9 p.m. (encore Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.)
The beloved 1969 special about how Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, came to life one day.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Friday, Dec. 5, 8-9:15 p.m. (encore Thursday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.)
The 1964 holiday favorite follows a reindeer named Rudolph as he’s excluded from the Reindeer Games because of his shiny red nose, prompting him to embark on an adventure where he meets Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Misfit Toys, all while hiding from the Abominable Snow Monster.
Password Holiday Special
Monday, Dec. 8, 10-11p.m. (encore Thursday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.)
Password, hosted by Keke Palmer and starring Jimmy Fallon, returns to primetime to ring in the holiday season with a special holiday episode with celebrity guest Jonathan Groff.
Shrek the Halls
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 8:30-9 p.m. (encore Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m.)
The 2007 half-hour animated special features a Christmas twist on the original Shrek characters.
A Motown Christmas
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 9-11 p.m. (encore Wednesday, Dec. 17 at p.m.)
This special, hosted by Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey, features performances by Motown legends and today’s hottest stars celebrating iconic Hitsville U.S.A classics and their favorite holiday songs.
NBC 2025 Year in Review Presented By Access Hollywood
Thursday, Dec. 11, 9:15-10 p.m. (one-hour extended version airing Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10 p.m.)
Access Hollywood’s Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover host this recap of the most talked about entertainment stories and buzzworthy headlines of the year.
Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9 -10 p.m.
Jimmy Fallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York, exploring a surreal and magical apartment building where behind every door a different celebrity joins him for a performance from his festive holiday album, Holiday Seasoning. The special features appearances by Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more.
A Saturday Night Live Christmas
Thursday, Dec. 18, 9-11 p.m. (encore Monday, Dec. 22 at 9 p.m.)
The iconic late-night sketch comedy show will highlight memorable Christmas-themed segments.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 8-11 p.m.
In this Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart, an angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
Christmas Eve Mass
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Viewers will be able to watch the Pope Leo-led mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
137th Rose Parade Presented by Honda
Thursday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
Gorgeous rose-covered floats and marching bands take over the streets of Pasadena, Calif. as thousands partake in their annual New Year’s holiday festivities.
