This year, Reba McEntire will step into the winter glow of Rockefeller Center to host one of the most beloved holiday traditions in America — the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. Snow will fall. Choirs will rise. And at the heart of it all, there will be Reba — laughter warm as a Tennessee fire, voice bright as the star atop the famous tree.
For millions of viewers, this moment marks more than a change in hosts; it’s the passing of a torch. Replacing her dear friend and former daughter-in-law Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the program in 2023 and 2024, Reba now brings her own blend of sparkle: a mix of faith, humor, and that unmistakable Southern grace that has made her one of America’s most enduring icons.
💬 “I’ve never been to New York in December,” Reba said with a smile during a recent interview. “To see all the Christmas decorations and to be part of the tree lighting… it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.”
It’s a sentiment that captures the heart of Reba herself — a woman whose career has spanned more than four decades, yet who still approaches every new stage, every new song, with wonder. From her Oklahoma roots to the Grand Ole Opry, from sold-out arenas to television screens across the world, Reba’s charm has always been rooted in authenticity. She doesn’t just perform for her fans; she invites them in, like family gathering around a living room fire.
This December 4, 2025, under the glittering lights of Rockefeller Center in New York City, the queen of country will head north for Christmas. Reba McEntire will step into the winter glow to host one of the most beloved holiday traditions in America — the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center special, airing live from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (ET) on NBC and Peacock.
This year’s broadcast promises to be a blend of tradition and new beginnings. Alongside the legendary lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the event will feature performances from some of the biggest names in music — country, pop, gospel, and beyond. But all eyes will be on Reba as she takes the stage in the heart of Manhattan, bundled in layers (and a heated vest, as she joked), braving the chill to share the warmth only she can bring.
Behind the glamour, there’s something deeply symbolic about this moment. Reba McEntire, the voice of middle America, is bringing her heart to one of the most iconic corners of New York — uniting two worlds through the language of Christmas. Her blend of faith and fun, her humor and humility, make her not just a performer but a reminder of what the holidays are meant to be: a celebration of light, love, and belonging.
And there’s little doubt she’ll make the night her own. Fans can expect that unmistakable Reba laughter, her natural ability to turn a simple introduction into a moment of connection, and perhaps even a surprise performance or two.
When asked what Christmas means to her, Reba once said, “It’s about faith and family — the things that last long after the lights come down.” And that’s exactly what she’ll bring to Rockefeller Center — not just a show, but a feeling.
Because when Reba sings, Christmas doesn’t just arrive — it shines.