We get it — there’s no place like New York City for the holidays.
How to Watch
Watch Christmas in Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, December 3 at 8/7c on NBC and Peacock.
Christmas is a magical time to be in the Big Apple, and luckily, viewers around the country can take in some of the celebrations and decorations without having to leave their couches.
This Wednesday, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree will be lit in Midtown Manhattan after a series of performances from a-listers in front of the towering tree. Those who can’t be there in person can catch all of the celebrities and festivities by watching Christmas in Rockefeller Center.
RELATED: Everything To Know About the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
There are also several Christmas specials that were filmed in New York that will air later this season, giving those who are nostalgic for the city’s holiday magic a chance to feel like they’re a part of it.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch NBC’s New York City-set holiday specials, from Christmas in Rockefeller Center, to A Saturday Night Live Christmas, and Jimmy Fallon‘s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular.
How to watch NBC’s New York City-set holiday specials CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER
When: Wednesday, December 3, from 8 to 10 p.m. on NBC, and simulcast on Peacock
What: Hosted by Reba McEntire, the dazzling display of musical talents, star-studded surprises, and the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree remains one of the holiday season’s most anticipated events.
Musical guests set to perform at the tree lighting include Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, the Radio City Rockettes and Gwen Stefani. Also look out for a festive performance from the Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
Besides hosting the tree-lighting special, McEntire will also be performing throughout the evening in Rockefeller Center.
And NBC’s TODAY anchors Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker will make special appearances throughout the night.
JIMMY FALLON’S HOLIDAY SEASONING SPECTACULAR
When: Wednesday, December 17, from 9 to 10 p.m. on NBC
What: Jimmy Fallon searches for the holiday spirit in New York, exploring a surreal and magical apartment building where behind every door, a different celebrity joins him for a performance from his festive holiday album, Holiday Seasoning.
The star-studded lineup of guests this year includes Meghan Trainor, Cara Delevingne, Dolly Parton, JB Smoove, Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, The Roots, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more.
A SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE CHRISTMAS
When: Thursday, December 18, from 9 to 11 p.m. on NBC (encore on Monday, December 22 at 9 p.m.)
What: Just as it does every year, the iconic late-night program that’s filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City will highlight memorable Christmas-themed sketches for this holiday special.
Find out which sketches will make the cut this year. Popular segments that have been part of the special in prior years include Steve Martin’s Holiday Wish, Santa’s My Boyfriend (featuring Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristin Wiig singing), and Adam Sandler singing his “Hanukkah Song” during Weekend Update With Norm MacDonald.