The Holiday Spirit and Saturday Night Live
The holiday season is officially here, and for fans of Saturday Night Live (SNL), thatmeans an exciting lineup of episodes and specials. As the iconic sketch comedy show prepares for its festive offerings, viewers can look forward to a mix of classic sketches and fresh material, all aimed at capturing the essence of the holidays.
Mark Your Calendar for the Thanksgiving Special
One major event to get excited about is SNL’s annual Thanksgiving special. This lively episode, titled A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving, is scheduled to air on Wednesday, November 26, at 9/8c. Expect a delightful mix of nostalgic sketches that highlight the chaotic nature of family dinners, hilarious airport antics, and the larger-than-life parade interruptions we’ve all come to love. If you miss the live airing, don’t worry; you can stream it the following day on Peacock.
Celebrating the Season with Season 51’s Holiday Show
December brings with it one of the most anticipated episodes of the year. On December 20, SNL will air its big holiday show, featuring Ariana Grande as host for the third time. Known for her stunning vocal talent and charisma, Grande is a perfect choice to represent the holiday spirit. But that’s not all! The legendary Cher will return to the SNL stage as the musical guest for the first time since 1987. This iconic pairing is sure to create an unforgettable atmosphere, blending Grande’s contemporary pop style with Cher’s timeless hits.
Time Off for Family and Friends
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and celebration, and while the SNL cast and crew will enjoy some well-deserved time off, fans can still look forward to three new shows before the end of the year. These episodes promise to entertain, allowing viewers to enjoy holiday humor right before the festivities.
Upcoming Hosts and Musical Guests
In the spirit of great television, several exciting new hosts and musical guests are lined up for December. Melissa McCarthy will grace the SNL stage on December 6, marking her return after being inducted into the Five Timers Club in 2017. She’ll be joined by newcomer Dijon, who will perform for the first time.
Then, on December 13, fans can tune in to see Josh O’Connor make his hosting debut, backed by musical guest Lily Allen, returning for her second appearance since 2007. As the holiday season concludes, SNL will culminate with the much-anticipated episode featuring Grande and Cher.
How to Watch SNL
For those looking to catch the latest episodes, SNL airs on Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC. Additionally, episodes are made available for streaming the next day on Peacock, allowing viewers to enjoy the show at their convenience.
Featured Hosts and Musical Highlights
Eager to know who graced the stage recently? The November 22 episode featured Bad Bunny as the host alongside Doja Cat as the musical guest. Celebrated for his dynamic presence, Bad Bunny kicked off Season 51 with a bang, marking his third time hosting. Notably, the episode also included special appearances by HUNTR/X, a girl group from the film KPop Demon Hunters, adding yet another layer of entertainment.
This festive season, SNL continues to remind us that laughter and joy are vital components of the holidays. With a rich lineup of episodes, beloved hosts, and returning legends, viewers have plenty to look forward to as they cozy up for a night of comedy and fun.


