It’s not officially the holiday season until the lights of Rockefeller Center sparkle against the New York City skyline — and this year, that magical moment comes with an extra dose of heart, humor, and unmistakable country soul. On December 3 at 8 p.m. ET, country music icon Reba McEntire will host and perform at NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special, bringing her signature warmth to one of television’s most cherished traditions.
For generations, the Rockefeller tree lighting has symbolized more than just festive décor. It marks a shared beginning — a moment when millions pause, gather with loved ones, and welcome the spirit of the season. This year’s two-hour live broadcast promises to be especially memorable, blending the grandeur of New York City with the down-home charm that Reba embodies so effortlessly. Viewers can also stream the event live on Peacock, making the celebration accessible to fans around the world.
A Perfect Match for a Timeless Tradition
Few artists are as naturally suited to host a holiday celebration as Reba McEntire. With a career spanning more than four decades, she has built her legacy not only on powerhouse vocals but also on authenticity, storytelling, and a rare ability to make massive audiences feel like family. Whether performing at the Grand Ole Opry, starring on Broadway, or lighting up television screens, Reba brings a sincerity that resonates across generations.
That same sincerity is what has kept the Rockefeller tree lighting beloved for nearly a century. The event is not just about the dazzling lights or celebrity appearances — it’s about togetherness, hope, and reflection. Reba’s presence at the helm feels less like a booking and more like a natural evolution of the tradition itself.
Her role goes beyond hosting duties. Reba is also set to take the stage multiple times throughout the evening, delivering musical performances that promise to capture the emotional core of the season. Fans can expect a blend of beloved Christmas classics, possibly some selections from her past holiday albums, and perhaps even a few unexpected surprises. If history is any indication, each note will carry the storytelling depth that has made her one of the most respected voices in country music.
Bridging Big-City Glamour and Small-Town Heart
Rockefeller Center represents the bright, bustling heart of Manhattan during the holidays — towering buildings, ice skaters gliding across the rink, and a Christmas tree that draws visitors from around the world. Reba, meanwhile, represents something equally powerful: the comfort of tradition, the warmth of home, and the emotional honesty that country music delivers so well.
Bringing those two worlds together is part of what makes this year’s special so compelling. Reba has always had a gift for bridging spaces. She can command a sold-out arena yet still sound like she’s singing directly to one person. She can share a joke one minute and bring tears the next with a heartfelt ballad. That emotional range is exactly what the Rockefeller stage calls for — a host who can honor the spectacle while keeping the heart of the evening front and center.
A Career Built on Connection
Reba McEntire’s journey to this moment has been defined by connection. Songs like “The Greatest Man I Never Knew,” “Fancy,” and “Is There Life Out There” didn’t just top charts — they told stories that listeners saw themselves in. Over the years, she’s also embraced holiday music with the same care, releasing festive albums that blend faith, nostalgia, and joy.
Her Christmas recordings have always felt less like performances and more like invitations — an open door into a home filled with warmth, laughter, and reflection. That spirit aligns beautifully with the Rockefeller celebration, where music serves as the emotional thread tying the entire night together.
Hosting such a historic event also feels like a full-circle moment for Reba. She has long been a fixture in American households, from her music to her hit television sitcom and numerous award show appearances. Now, she steps into a role that places her at the center of a national holiday ritual, guiding viewers through an evening that many families watch year after year.
More Than a Show — A Shared Experience
Holiday specials endure because they offer something rare in today’s fast-paced media landscape: a shared experience. When the Rockefeller tree lights up, millions are watching at the same time, reacting together, and feeling the same swell of emotion. In an era dominated by on-demand viewing, that collective moment feels almost nostalgic — and incredibly meaningful.
Reba’s presence enhances that sense of unity. Her voice carries a familiarity that feels comforting, especially during the holiday season when people naturally reflect on family, memories, and hope for the year ahead. Her humor and natural ease on stage also ensure that the evening will balance emotional depth with lighthearted joy.
Anticipation Builds
As December 3 approaches, excitement is already building among fans who see this as more than just another television appearance. It’s an opportunity to watch a beloved artist step into a role that highlights not only her talent but her heart.
The Rockefeller tree will shine as brilliantly as ever. The city lights will sparkle. Choirs will sing. But this year, at the center of it all, will be Reba McEntire — guiding the evening with grace, laughter, and that unmistakable Oklahoma warmth.
In a season defined by music, memory, and meaning, her voice feels like exactly what the moment calls for.
So mark the calendar, gather your loved ones, and get ready. When the switch flips and the tree bursts into light, it won’t just signal the start of Christmas in New York — it will mark the beginning of a holiday celebration led by one of America’s most enduring and heartfelt entertainers.