CHRISTMAS ROYALTY RETURNS: Carrie Underwood Brings Holiday Joy to Rockefeller Center This Season ✨

The holidays are about to sparkle with timeless grace and golden light. Carrie Underwood — the beloved country music superstar whose voice has inspired millions — is set to headline this year’s Christmas at Rockefeller Center special on NBC. Known for her powerhouse vocals, deep-rooted faith, and unmatched emotional range, Underwood is bringing her signature warmth and spirit to one of television’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Producers are calling it “the most heartwarming event of the year,” and it’s easy to see why. Beneath the towering Rockefeller Christmas Tree, illuminated by more than 50,000 shimmering lights, Carrie will perform an unforgettable lineup of holiday classics — including “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” and her own beloved original, “Let There Be Peace.”

For fans, it’s more than a concert — it’s a homecoming. It’s been over a decade since Carrie first graced the Rockefeller stage, and her return marks a full-circle moment in both her career and personal journey. This year’s theme, “Light the World,” is one that resonates deeply with her message of faith and togetherness.

In a heartfelt preview, Carrie reflected on what this performance means to her:

“Christmas has always been about love, hope, and faith — and if I can help remind people of that through music, then it’s the greatest gift I could ever give.”

Her words capture the essence of the holiday season — and the spirit she’s carried throughout her career.

 A CELEBRATION OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND MUSIC

Carrie’s performance will feature a live orchestra, a cast of world-class dancers, and a special choir composed of children from New York City schools — a shining symbol of unity, diversity, and the shared joy that Christmas brings. Producers have revealed that one of the night’s most emotional moments will come during her rendition of “O Holy Night,” accompanied by candlelight and soft snow cascading over the stage — a visual masterpiece designed to remind viewers that even in a noisy world, peace can still be found in song.

For Carrie, who often speaks about her Christian faith and the role it plays in her artistry, this event is more than entertainment — it’s ministry through melody.

“Music can heal, it can comfort, and it can lift people when they need it most,” she said in a behind-the-scenes interview. “And that’s exactly what Christmas music does — it brings .

 A LOOK BACK AT A LEGENDARY JOURNEY

The two-hour Christmas at Rockefeller Center special won’t just showcase Carrie’s stunning live performances — it will also celebrate her extraordinary journey. Between performances, viewers will see rare archival footage from her early days on American Idol, intimate moments from her career milestones, and never-before-seen clips from recording sessions, family celebrations, and tour rehearsals.

Fellow artists including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Vince Gill are set to appear via video tributes, each sharing personal memories and reflections on Carrie’s impact — both as a performer and as a person.

“Carrie has one of those voices that only comes once in a generation,” Dolly Parton said in a pre-recorded message. “But more than that, she’s got the heart to match it. You can feel her faith in every note.”

 BEHIND THE MAGIC: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The Rockefeller stage will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with hand-painted backdrops, golden garlands, and live snow effects. The lighting design — created by Emmy-winning artist Al Gurdon — will mirror the soft warmth of candlelight and the grandeur of cathedral stained glass, perfectly complementing Carrie’s blend of country soul and holiday reverence.

Each song will tell its own story. From the quiet intimacy of “Away in a Manger” to the triumphant finale of “Let There Be Peace,” every note will carry a message of hope. Viewers can expect a few surprises, too — including a rumored duet with a mystery guest and an original orchestral arrangement of one of Carrie’s chart-topping hits reimagined for Christmas night.

 MORE THAN A PERFORMANCE — A MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

In a time when the world feels divided, Christmas at Rockefeller Center promises to serve as a reminder of what truly matters. Carrie’s artistry has always transcended genre — blending gospel, pop, and country — but this event will spotlight the deeper connection between faith and art that has defined her from the beginning.

“We need reminders of joy,” Carrie said recently. “We need to stop and breathe — to remember that kindness, generosity, and love still exist. Christmas gives us that chance.”

Her words resonate now more than ever. Whether she’s belting anthems in sold-out arenas or singing carols beneath the world’s most famous Christmas tree, Carrie Underwood’s presence brings comfort — like a warm fire on a cold night.

 A TRIBUTE TO HER FANS

The special will also highlight the stories of fans whose lives have been touched by Carrie’s music — from a military family reunited through her song “See You Again” to a young choir inspired by her faith-based album “My Gift.” These segments, interwoven with Carrie’s performances, are expected to leave audiences both smiling and in tears.

One fan from Tennessee shared in a promo clip:

“Carrie’s music got me through the hardest Christmas of my life. Hearing her sing about faith and love reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”

Moments like these — intimate, honest, and universal — are why Carrie continues to be not just a performer, but a symbol of grace and authenticity in modern music.

 THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK

In true holiday spirit, Carrie has also partnered with Toys for Tots and Feeding America to support families in need during the season. A portion of the special’s proceeds will go toward providing meals and gifts for underprivileged children across the country.

“I’ve been so blessed,” she said. “This is a way to pass that blessing forward — to make sure every child feels loved and seen at Christmas.”

Her philanthropic efforts have long been a cornerstone of her career, from disaster relief projects in her home state of Oklahoma to her C.A.T.S. Foundation, which supports education and animal welfare. This event will shine a spotlight not only on her music but also on her mission to bring light where it’s needed most.

 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

As anticipation builds for the December 3 broadcast, fans across the nation are preparing to tune in — many marking it as the official start of the holiday season. NBC executives predict record-breaking viewership, citing Carrie’s universal appeal and the growing hunger for programming that uplifts and unites.

For Carrie, though, it isn’t about numbers or ratings.

“I just want people to feel something real,” she said softly. “If someone watching from home feels peace, even for a moment — that’s what Christmas is all about.”

 THE FINAL BOW

When the final notes of “Let There Be Peace” echo across Rockefeller Plaza and the crowd joins in one last chorus, it will be more than a performance — it will be a moment of collective grace.

Snow will fall. Lights will glow. And for one perfect evening, the world will pause to celebrate the beauty of music, faith, and togetherness.