NBC Christmas Music Specials 2026: Dates, Performers & How to Watch
Your guide to NBC’s Christmas music specials for 2026.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Originally Published: December 3, 2025
Last Updated: August 29, 2026
NBC's holiday season brings plenty of music to television each year, from the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center celebration to special concerts and performances featuring country and pop artists.
For 2026, NBC has already confirmed that Christmas in Rockefeller Center will return, although the date, host, and performer lineup have not yet been announced. NBC has not announced whether Christmas in Nashville, which debuted in 2025, will return for a second year.
This guide will track NBC's music-focused Christmas specials for 2026, including air dates, performers, hosts, and how to watch as new holiday programming is announced.
NBC Christmas Music Specials 2026: Quick Details
Christmas in Rockefeller Center
2026 Status: Confirmed to return
Air Date: To be announced
Host: To be announced
Performers: To be announced
Christmas in Nashville
2026 Status: Not yet confirmed
Air Date: To be announced
Host: To be announced
Performers: To be announced
Additional NBC Christmas music specials will be added as they are announced.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2026
Christmas in Rockefeller Center will return to NBC for the 2026 holiday season.
NBC confirmed the annual special as part of its returning holiday programming for the 2026-27 season. The network has not yet announced the exact air date, host, or performer lineup.
The annual television special combines the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City with performances from artists across several genres.
In 2025, Reba McEntire hosted the special and also performed. The lineup included Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, and the Radio City Rockettes.
2026 Christmas in Rockefeller Center details:
Date: To be announced
Time: To be announced
Network: NBC
Streaming: To be announced
Host: To be announced
Performers: To be announced
Will Christmas in Nashville Return in 2026?
NBC has not announced whether Christmas in Nashville will return in 2026.
The music special debuted in 2025 and aired immediately following Christmas in Rockefeller Center. NBC described Christmas in Nashville as new programming for the 2025 holiday season rather than one of its established annual Christmas specials.
When NBC previewed its 2026-27 programming, Christmas in Rockefeller Center was specifically named among its returning annual holiday favorites, while Christmas in Nashville was not included in that announcement. That does not necessarily mean the Nashville special will not return; NBC could announce additional holiday programming closer to the season.
This page will be updated if NBC confirms a 2026 edition of Christmas in Nashville.
Christmas in Nashville 2025
The first Christmas in Nashville aired on NBC on December 3, 2025, following Christmas in Rockefeller Center.
Hosted by Trisha Yearwood, the hourlong music special was filmed at Category 10 in downtown Nashville and featured performances from Nashville and beyond.
Who Performed on Christmas in Nashville in 2025?
The 2025 performer lineup included:
Trisha Yearwood
Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers
Lauren Alaina
NE-YO
The War and Treaty
Trace Adkins
NBC scheduled the special for December 3 at 10 p.m. ET as part of its 2025 holiday programming.
When Will NBC Announce Its 2026 Christmas Music Specials?
NBC has not yet released its complete holiday programming schedule for 2026.
For comparison, NBC announced its broad 2025 holiday lineup on October 30, 2025. The complete Christmas in Rockefeller Center performer lineup followed in November.
Additional 2026 Christmas music specials, performers, hosts, and broadcast dates could therefore be announced as the holiday season approaches.
How to Watch NBC Christmas Music Specials in 2026
NBC's exact 2026 viewing and streaming details have not yet been announced for its Christmas music specials.
In 2025, Christmas in Rockefeller Center aired on NBC and was simulcast on Peacock. Christmas in Nashville followed later that evening on NBC.
Viewing details for each 2026 special will be added once NBC announces its complete holiday schedule.
NBC Christmas Music Specials FAQ
What Christmas music specials will be on NBC in 2026?
Christmas in Rockefeller Center has been confirmed to return in 2026. NBC has not yet announced its complete lineup of music-focused Christmas specials for the season.
When is Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2026?
NBC has confirmed that Christmas in Rockefeller Center will return in 2026, but the exact date and time have not yet been announced.
Who is performing at Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2026?
The 2026 performer lineup has not yet been announced.
Who is hosting Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2026?
NBC has not yet announced the 2026 host. Reba McEntire hosted and performed during the 2025 special.
Is Christmas in Nashville returning in 2026?
NBC has not announced a 2026 edition of Christmas in Nashville. The special debuted in 2025, and its return remains unconfirmed.
Who hosted Christmas in Nashville in 2025?
Trisha Yearwood hosted the inaugural Christmas in Nashville special in 2025.
When will NBC announce its 2026 Christmas schedule?
NBC has not provided a date for its complete 2026 holiday schedule. In 2025, the network announced its holiday programming lineup on October 30.