Get the full guide for A Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025. Discover the release time on NBC, how to stream the SNL Christmas Special on Peacock, and details on Ariana Grande’s upcoming episode.
The Magic of the Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 Tradition
As the year winds down, few things signal the start of the holidays quite like the Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 special. While most late-night talk shows begin their winter hiatus, the team at Studio 8H prepares a festive marathon that brings together decades of comedy history. This year, the event feels particularly significant as Saturday Night Live Season 50 continues its landmark run, proving that even after half a century, the show remains the heartbeat of American satire.
I have spent years tracking the evolution of these holiday broadcasts, and there is a specific comfort in seeing the Rockefeller Center ice rink in the opening credits during this time of year. For many of us, the SNL Christmas Special is the definitive cultural kickoff for the season. Whether it is the anticipation of new sketches or the nostalgic joy of revisiting classics like "Dick in a Box" or "Schweddy Balls," this two-hour event is designed to be shared with family while the milk and cookies are being prepped for Santa’s arrival.
What time does the SNL Christmas Special air on NBC?
The broadcast for A Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, December 18. Unlike the usual late-night slot we are accustomed to on Saturdays, this holiday celebration will air during primetime at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. This earlier time slot allows for a broader audience to tune in, following the successful strategy used by the network for the recent Thanksgiving special. The program is set to run for a full two hours, packed with a mix of contemporary festive humor and legendary archival footage.
If you are unable to catch the live broadcast tonight, there are several reliable ways to stay up to date. The special will be available for streaming on Peacock starting Friday, December 19, typically dropping around 6 a.m. ET. For those who prefer a traditional television experience but miss the premiere, NBC has confirmed an encore presentation for Monday, December 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It is also important to note that while services like YouTube TV provide easy access to the live feed, viewers using Fubo TV should check their local listings due to ongoing carriage discussions between the provider and the network.
The Cultural Impact and Guest Lineup of Saturday Night Live Season 50
When we discuss the significance of the Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 special, we must look earlier when we focus on the show’s current momentum. This year’s holiday programming serves as a bridge to a massive weekend for the series. Following the retrospective special, fans can look forward to a brand-new live episode on Saturday, December 20. This installment features the immensely talented Ariana Grande returning as host, accompanied by the legendary Cher as the musical guest.
The creative decision to pair Grande and Cher is a masterstroke by executive producer Lorne Michaels. According to industry insiders at Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the synergy between these two icons is expected to drive record ratings for the final live show of 2025. Grande is well-known for her uncanny impersonations, particularly her past tributes to Cher, which has sparked intense speculation about a potential duet or a "diva-off" sketch. This blend of generational talent exemplifies why Saturday Night Live remains a dominant force in the NBC holiday specials lineup, consistently reinventing itself while honoring its storied past.
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Is the Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 special worth the watch?
The answer is a resounding yes for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit through a comedic lens. The Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025 special perfectly balances the "new" with the "classic," providing a comprehensive look at how the show has shaped our collective sense of holiday humor since 1975. By airing a mix of the latest holiday-themed sketches and the most beloved moments from the vault, NBC creates a viewing experience that appeals to every generation of fans. As we move closer to the big day, this special provides the laughter needed to navigate the holiday stress.
Beyond the sketches, the special acts as a high-energy lead-in to the Ariana Grande and Cher episode, ensuring that the 50th season ends on a high note. As the cast takes their final bows for the year, one has to wonder: what surprises will the writers have in store for the 50th-anniversary finale later this spring?
Essential SNL Christmas 2025 Facts
Your quick guide to the holiday season at Studio 8H.
| Data Point | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | 120 Minutes | NBC Official |
| Host Status | Confirmed | Variety |
| Stream Date | Dec 19, 2025 | Peacock PR |