Mark Your Calendars for December 33rd!
Get ready to mark your calendars for December 33rd—a date that officially doesn’t exist but has become a delightful buzz thanks to the whimsical spirit of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The spotlight? The “Random Duet Christmas Spectacular,” a fictitious holiday special that fans of the iconic sketch show can only dream about. While this extravaganza is purely a product of imagination, it captures the essence of what makes SNL a staple in holiday entertainment.
How to Watch
If you’re itching for some real SNL content, tune in to the show every Saturday at 11:30/10:30c on NBC or catch the latest episodes the following day on Peacock.
A Glimpse into the Sketch
Picture this: Ariana Grande hosted an unforgettable episode on December 20, 2025, showcasing her incredible impressions in a pre-taped sketch that reimagined the legendary pairing of David Bowie and Bing Crosby singing “Little Drummer Boy” in 1977. The concept is utterly charming, featuring a lineup of artists doing their own twisted takes on classic holiday songs. Kenan Thompson presents a vibrant Stevie Wonder, while Benson Boone takes to the air with flips that add flair to the performance.
Kate Bush, played by Sarah Sherman, alongside Bowen Yang channeling Yoko Ono, delivers an avant-garde rendition of “Silent Night.” And don’t forget about the surprising duo of Bjork, portrayed by Chloe Fineman, teaming up with Post Malone! It’s a star-studded homage to holiday music, complete with Bruce Springsteen and Bad Bunny igniting the stage with “Deck the Halls.”
The Unforgettable Duets
The real standout moments, however, occur when Grande and James Austin Johnson take the stage. In an extraordinarily creative twist, they embody Katy Perry and Bob Dylan, with Grande dazzling in an astronaut costume singing “Baby You’re a Christmas Tree.” But the grand finale truly takes the cake; the duo returns as Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, delivering a breathtaking duet that tugs at heartstrings while still being undeniably humorous.
The Impact of Impressions
Grande is renowned for her vocal abilities and knack for impersonations, and in this particular sketch, she showcases both her talent and versatility. However, the performance shines a spotlight on Johnson, whose portrayal of Andrea Bocelli is so convincing that it distracts from the humor of the sketch. Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration for the raw talent and unexpected beauty of this “Hanukkah duet.”
Praise from Peers
Ariana Grande herself couldn’t help but heap praise on her co-star. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she labeled Johnson as “the most talented person ever,” highlighting the teamwork behind this standout segment. Writing credits for this delightful sketch went to Mike DiCenzo, Jake Nordwind, and Dan Bulla, exemplifying the creative genius that SNL has cultivated over the years.
Behind the Scenes
Interestingly, the role of Benson Boone was played by stuntman James Northrup, who brought extra flair to the performance. Northrup shared his excitement on social media about working under the direction of Chris Werner, revealing behind-the-scenes glimpses that added to the charm of the sketch. His enthusiasm for the performance and the surreal concept behind it fuels curiosity about what the “Random Duet Christmas Spectacular” could have been if it were a reality.
A Showcase of Talent
“Random Duet Christmas Spectacular” ultimately serves as a prime showcase for SNL’s incredible talent—from dynamic hosts and cast members to skilled writers and the brilliant behind-the-scenes crew. Though December 33rd may not exist on the calendar, the spirit of Saturday Night Live lives on in its unique ability to blend humor, creativity, and music, reminding us of the joy the holidays can bring when brought to life through laughter and music.
To experience this delightful holiday joy, you can catch up on SNL and watch “Random Duet Christmas Spectacular” from Season 51, Episode 9, and delve into the archives of holiday cheer. And don’t forget to grab your favorite SNL merchandise while celebrating the show’s ongoing legacy!