Kelly Clarkson returning to host NBC’s Rockefeller Christmas Tree special

Kelly Clarkson hosts and performs during the 91st annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York on November 29^ 2023

Kelly Clarkson will return to host the ‘Christmas In Rockefeller Center’ special on NBC. This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is a Norway Spruce from West Stockbridge, Mass., the first tree to hail from the state since 1959. The tree is lit daily from 5 a.m. to midnight and will be lit for 24 hours on Christmas Eve, and will remain on view through mid-January.

The 42-year-old singer and talk-show host announced that she will host the two-hour special featuring musical performances, “star-studded surprises” and the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Clarkson shared: “Let’s talk about this incredible time of year. The city is so magical. I love the holidays in New York. Living here during Christmas is like you’re in a movie; there’s nothing like it in the world. Especially the tree-lighting ceremony. I’m especially excited though, because for the second year in a row, I’m actually going to host Christmas in Rockefeller Center again. I’m very excited.”

An all-star lineup of musical guests includes performance from Backstreet Boys, Dan + Shay, Megan Hilty, Jennifer Hudson, Coco Jones, Little Big Town, RAYE, and Thalia.   The Radio City Rockettes, stars of the annual “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall, will also perform during the special broadcast.

Christmas at Rockefeller Center will air live Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC and also stream on Peacock.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com