Christmas in Rockefeller Center: Kelly Clarkson Returns as Host

The holiday season is upon us, and Kelly Clarkson is set to bring in the festivities with her vibrant energy. The multi-talented superstar will once again grace the stage as the host of NBC’s much-anticipated annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast, marking her second consecutive year in this beloved role.

During the live episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show on November 5, she shared the thrilling news with her audience, expressing her joy and excitement. She stated, “Let’s talk about this incredible time of year. The city is so magical. I love the holidays in New York,” reflecting on how the festive atmosphere transforms the city. Clarkson continued, “Living here during Christmas feels like being part of a movie. The iconic tree lighting ceremony is truly something special, a tradition that captures the spirit of the season and brings together people from all walks of life.”

Recollecting her experience from last year, she shared, “I got to host it last year, and I thought, ‘Oh, this will be fun.’ […] Then, when the tree lit up, the emotions overwhelmed me. You would’ve thought I just learned I was going to survive something monumental. I couldn’t help but cry. It’s extraordinarily beautiful when you’re standing there, surrounded by joy and celebration. I’m particularly thrilled, though, because I’m hosting Christmas in Rockefeller Center once again this year, and I cannot wait to experience that magic again.”

In addition to her role as host, Kelly Clarkson is also slated to perform a selection of festive favorites during the tree-lighting ceremony. As a three-time Grammy Award winner, she has an extensive catalogue of holiday songs to choose from, including both well-loved classics and original tracks from her two Christmas albums: 2013’s Wrapped in Red and 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around…. Fans can look forward to a dazzling display of talent as more performers are announced in the lead-up to this magical event.

Mark your calendars! Christmas in Rockefeller Center will be broadcast live on Wednesday, December 4, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and viewers can also enjoy streaming it on Peacock. Don’t miss this annual celebration that marks the beginning of the holiday season.

Be sure to watch Clarkson’s exciting announcement in the video above to catch all the details and feel the festive spirit as she shares her enthusiasm for the upcoming event.