For the second year running, Kelly Clarkson is set to host NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree-lighting special.
Clarkson, who hosted the holiday special for the first time in 2023, also moved to New York City from Los Angeles that year. As she announced her return to the program for 2024, she said that Christmastime is one of the most special times of year in her new home city.
“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,” she says. “Especially the tree lighting ceremony.”
During her first stint as host, Clarkson admits she got a little carried away by all the holiday magic.
“The tree lit up and you would have thought, I don’t know, that I found out I was gonna survive something. I bawled. I don’t know why. But it’s so beautiful when you’re standing there,” she continues.
“.. .I was all of the sudden in a Charlie Brown movie. It was magical.”
Not only is Clarkson hosting this year’s holiday special, but she’s also set to give a performance during the tree-lighting ceremony, along with a yet-to-be announced roster of other performers.
The Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree lighting special will air live on Dec. 4 at 8PM ET on NBC. It’ll also be available to watch live on Peacock.
Christmas isn’t always so merry for everyone. The holiday season can be especially lonely for those who are far away from family, missing late loved ones or too busy making ends meet to splurge on the biggest, most expensive toys. No matter what’s weighing you down this Christmas, this list of sad country music has a song just for you.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak