Yungblud and Avril Lavigne to Illuminate Christmas 2025 with NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center
This holiday season, two of music’s most dynamic performers, Yungblud and Avril Lavigne, are set to make Christmas shine brighter than ever as they co-host NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center. For the first time, the pair will share the stage in a dazzling, heartfelt celebration of love, hope, and generosity—a night destined to be remembered as one of the most moving holiday specials in recent memory.
A Night of Light, Love, and Music
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is one of America’s most cherished traditions. Each year, millions tune in as the towering spruce—this time adorned with 50,000 golden lights—becomes a symbol of unity and holiday spirit. But this year’s event promises something extra special.
In an inspired collaboration, British rocker Yungblud, known for his electric energy and outspoken compassion, joins forces with pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne, whose voice defined a generation and continues to inspire fans worldwide. Together, they’ll host and perform a brand-new duet, written exclusively for the occasion—a song that blends rock passion with heartfelt holiday warmth.
NBC has described the duet as “a faith-filled anthem of resilience and giving, capturing the true meaning of Christmas.” Accompanied by a live orchestra and gospel choir, the performance will unfold beneath the golden glow of the Rockefeller lights, promising both spectacle and sincerity.
More Than a Musical Celebration
While viewers can expect the usual sparkle of celebrity performances and breathtaking visuals, this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center aims to go deeper. The special will spotlight real-life stories of kindness, courage, and community from across the United States.
Segments will feature ordinary people doing extraordinary things—volunteers helping rebuild homes after natural disasters, students leading food drives, and first responders who bring hope to others year-round. Each story will remind audiences that Christmas is not only about lights and music, but also about the spirit of giving that connects us all.
NBC producers say this year’s theme is “Bringing Light to Others.” The network has partnered with multiple nonprofit organizations to highlight the impact of generosity during challenging times, ensuring that the special reflects both entertainment and empathy.
Yungblud and Avril: Voices with a Mission
For Yungblud (born Dominic Harrison), this event marks another chapter in his growing reputation as an artist unafraid to champion compassion and unity. Known for his raw performances and boundary-breaking lyrics, he’s also a dedicated advocate for youth mental health and inclusivity. His foundation, which funds outreach programs for young people in crisis, has helped thousands find community and purpose.
“Christmas, for me, is about connection,” Yungblud said in a statement. “It’s about showing love to people who feel unseen. I want this night to remind everyone that kindness is louder than hate.”
Avril Lavigne, whose music has touched fans for over two decades, brings her own spirit of generosity to the stage. Through the Avril Lavigne Foundation, she supports individuals with Lyme disease, disabilities, and serious illnesses, empowering them to live with strength and hope.
“After the year we’ve all had, we wanted to give people a moment of joy and faith,” Lavigne shared. “Music can heal, and this performance is about coming together to lift each other up.”
Surprise Guests and a Star-Studded Line-Up
NBC has teased an impressive lineup of guest performers, though the full list remains under wraps. Sources close to the production hint at “surprise duets, emotional tributes, and a grand finale that will leave audiences in tears.”
Rumors suggest that several award-winning artists—including members of the Broadway and gospel communities—will make special appearances. In keeping with the theme of generosity, some segments will feature young performers from community choirs and music therapy programs, emphasizing how art can bring light to even the darkest times.
A Production of Magic and Meaning
Behind the scenes, the production team has gone to great lengths to balance grandeur with authenticity. Set designers have envisioned a glowing winter wonderland that merges traditional Christmas charm with modern artistry. Visual projections will transform Rockefeller Plaza into a storybook of stars, snowflakes, and messages of hope.
Sustainability is also at the heart of this year’s event. NBC confirmed that the Rockefeller Christmas Tree’s lighting system uses eco-friendly LED technology, and the tree itself will later be repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes—a long-standing tradition of giving back that perfectly aligns with the night’s message.
The Spirit of Giving
In addition to the performances, NBC and its partners will launch a holiday giving campaign encouraging viewers to donate to selected charities throughout December. QR codes displayed during the broadcast will allow audiences to contribute directly to causes spotlighted in the show, including mental health services, children’s hospitals, and food relief organizations.
As the hosts lead the countdown to the tree lighting, both Yungblud and Lavigne are expected to deliver a joint message about the power of community and compassion. “When we give,” Yungblud says in the promo clip, “we make the world brighter—not just for others, but for ourselves.”
A Finale to Remember
The night will conclude with the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, its 50,000 golden lights shimmering across Manhattan as snow machines fill the air. Yungblud and Lavigne will return to the stage for a reprise of their duet, joined by all the evening’s performers for a sweeping, emotional finale.
As the crowd sings along and the camera pans across the sparkling city skyline, viewers at home will feel what the show’s creators set out to inspire—a renewed belief in the goodness that defines the holiday spirit.
With its blend of star power, storytelling, and sincerity, Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2025 is poised to be more than just a television event. It’s a reminder of what truly matters: light in the darkness, love without boundaries, and the enduring joy of giving.
