LDT. JUST ANNOUNCED: Reba McEntire to Headline Christmas in Rockefeller Center as Host and Performer 🎄✨
JUST NOW, NBC has officially confirmed that Reba McEntire will be the face and voice of this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center special — taking on double duty as both host and featured performer for the 93rd annual tree lighting in New York City. The live broadcast airs Wednesday, December 3, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
For Reba, it’s a milestone moment: despite a decades-long career filled with tours, hit albums, sitcoms, and award shows, this will be her first time hosting the iconic Rockefeller Center tree-lighting telecast, one of television’s most-watched holiday traditions.
Reba’s First December in New York
In interviews, Reba has been open about how special this invitation feels. She’s said she’s never actually been in New York City during December and is genuinely excited to experience the full holiday atmosphere — towering decorations, storefront lights, and the energy around Rockefeller Plaza.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she shared, calling the hosting gig an honor and a bucket-list experience.
She also joked about preparing for the cold, promising to layer up with a heated vest and “as many clothes as possible” to survive the outdoor broadcast.
What the Night Will Look Like
The special centers on the lighting of a towering Norway spruce at Rockefeller Center — this year’s tree stands around 75 feet tall, decorated with tens of thousands of LED lights and topped with a Swarovski star.
Reba will guide viewers through the entire two-hour event, including:
- Introductions and transitions between performers
- On-air segments with special guests and NBC talent
- The live countdown to the tree lighting just before 10 p.m. ET
Along the way, she’ll step out of the host role and into the spotlight to deliver her own holiday performances from the Rockefeller Plaza stage.
A Star-Packed Holiday Lineup
Reba won’t be alone. NBC has assembled a high-powered mix of artists to share the stage with her, including:
- Marc Anthony
- Halle Bailey
- Michael Bublé
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Laufey
- New Edition
- Brad Paisley
- Carly Pearce
- Gwen Stefani
- The Radio City Rockettes, celebrating their 100th anniversary
NBC’s TODAY anchors — Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, and Craig Melvin — are also slated to take part in the national broadcast, adding to the network’s all-star holiday presence.
Another Big Moment in Reba’s Current Run
This hosting gig caps a major run for Reba at NBC and beyond. In addition to Christmas in Rockefeller Center, she has been:
- Serving as a coach on The Voice
- Starring in the NBC comedy Happy’s Place
- Continuing to record, tour, and appear at major country and TV events
Putting her at the center of the Rockefeller Center special solidifies her status as one of NBC’s key faces of the holiday season — a role previously held by stars like Kelly Clarkson.
How to Watch
- đź“… Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
- 🕗 Time: 8–10 p.m. ET (tree lighting near the end of the broadcast)
- đź“ş Channel: NBC (national primetime special)
- 📲 Streaming: Live on Peacock
With Reba McEntire steering the night — hosting, singing, and soaking in her first New York December — this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center is set up as a big, nostalgic, and star-filled launch to the holiday season.
