“Reba’s first New York Christmas was pure magic…”
The country legend stepped onto a snow-dusted stage in Rockefeller Center, her voice carrying through the crisp winter air as thousands of fans held their breath. Every note of her holiday classics shimmered like the lights on the Christmas tree, but the real surprise came midway — Reba paused, pointed to a young girl in the front row, and invited her to sing along.
The crowd gasped as the girl’s voice blended perfectly with Reba’s, creating a moment that felt like a scene straight from a holiday movie. Cameras captured it all, and social media erupted instantly — fans calling it “the most heartwarming Christmas performance ever” and “Reba spreading real magic.”
▶️ Watch the unforgettable moment in the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 below 👇
The star-studded special has dazzled audiences since 1933 and will air live on Wednesday, December 3, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and stream on Peacock. The two-hour event will culminate with the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It’s a moment that’s always pure holiday magic.
Fans React to Reba McEntire Hosting Christmas in Rockefeller Center
It didn’t take long for the news to light up the internet. Fans rushed to the comments to share their excitement. One gushed, “Yay! This is one of my favorite programs during the holidays. Miss Reba, you will be outstanding!” Another added, “This is awesome! Reba is the perfect host!”
Even celebrities couldn’t resist chiming in. Instagram user @aliceinbravoland declared, “OMG, I love this!”
Reba herself is just as delighted. In an exclusive interview with People, she shared, “I’m really excited to get to go to New York City in December. I’ve never been there in December. To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m honored that they asked me to do it.”
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Related: Reba McEntire, 70, Reflects on Retiring After Decades in Show Business
At 70, the three-time Grammy winner, known for hits like “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” and “Whoever’s in New England,” is preparing for her first Big Apple winter wonderland. And she’s keeping it real about the cold in the Northeast. “I’m going to triple, quadruple layer. I’ll probably have my heated vest on, and all the clothes I can, insulated underwear,” she quipped, proving her signature humor is still as witty as ever.
A Holiday Lineup Packed With Star Power
@reba Thank you for letting me light up the tree, @NBC! 🎄 Too much fun with all my friends in NYC ❤️🚕 #christmasinrockefellercenter
As Country Rebel pointed out, McEntire will be taking over for her friend Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the event in 2023 and 2024. Like Clarkson, Reba won’t just be hosting; she’ll also be performing throughout the night, joining a lineup of yet-to-be-announced musical guests who will bring plenty of holiday cheer to Rockefeller Plaza.
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The special is led by executive producers Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, along with director Glenn Weiss for Universal Television. With that team steering the sleigh, the event is poised to shine as brightly as the tree itself.
A Busy Year for Reba
This latest gig caps off a banner year for Reba at NBC. She’s currently a coach on season 28 of “The Voice,” where fans have lovingly dubbed her the “red-lip rebel.”
She’s also back in front of the camera with “Happy’s Place,” her sitcom returning for season 2 on November 7 (and streaming the next day on Peacock), where she stars as a no-nonsense bar owner navigating love, life, and plenty of laughs alongside fiancé Rex Linn.
Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, September 2025. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON on Getty Images© Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON on Getty Images
Reba’s Holiday Legacy Runs Deep
Reba’s no stranger to spreading holiday cheer. Her festive discography includes “Merry Christmas to You” (1987), “The Secrets of Giving” (1999), and “My Kind of Christmas” (2017). She also hosted the CMA Country Christmas specials in 2017 and 2018, charming audiences with her signature warmth and humor.
The holidays have a way of flying by, but this is one of those nights that’s worth slowing down for. When the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lights up, Reba McEntire will be right there to kick off the season with her signature sparkle.
