It’s the season of wonder, warmth, and the kind of magic that only Christmas in New York can bring. And this year, that magic will come alive in the most dazzling way possible — through dance.

For one unforgettable night, Julianne Hough and Derek Hough — the world’s most celebrated dancing siblings — will take the stage at NBC’s annual “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” celebration, debuting a brand-new holiday performance titled “Under the Mistletoe.”

What began as a whisper among fans has quickly become one of the most anticipated moments of the Christmas season. Social media has been buzzing ever since NBC confirmed the news: the Houghs will headline this year’s live broadcast, blending classic ballroom elegance with cinematic storytelling and the emotional glow of the holidays.

🌟 A Celebration of Movement, Music, and Magic

Under the glittering lights of Rockefeller Center, beneath the iconic 80-foot Christmas tree and gentle snowfall, Julianne and Derek will waltz, twirl, and glide through a choreography described by producers as “a love letter to the season itself.”

Their performance — “Under the Mistletoe” — is said to fuse timeless waltz technique with a modern, cinematic touch. It’s not just a dance, but a short film come to life, where movement tells the story of two souls finding each other under the shimmering magic of Christmas night.

Julianne will wear a flowing white satin gown, inspired by vintage Hollywood and adorned with subtle crystal detailing that catches the light with every turn. Derek, elegant as ever, will match her grace in a tailored emerald-green tuxedo, adding a sophisticated contrast against the golden glow of the Rockefeller lights.

Together, they’ll bring to life the spirit of the holidays — romance, rhythm, and renewal — through a performance choreographed to an original orchestral arrangement by Emmy-winning composer Michael Orland, featuring live strings and piano accompaniment.

💬 The Houghs Speak: “It’s About Love, Not Perfection.”

In an intimate pre-show interview, the Hough siblings opened up about what the performance means to them.

“Christmas isn’t just about gifts or glitter,” Derek said with a warm smile. “It’s about moments that make your heart stop — the kind that remind you to breathe, to feel, to connect. This dance is one of those moments for us.”

Julianne nodded in agreement, adding:

“We wanted to create something that feels like love in motion — something timeless. When people watch, I hope they don’t just see two dancers. I hope they feel what we feel — that sense of stillness, of beauty, of being completely present under the mistletoe.”

Their connection — both as siblings and as artistic collaborators — has long been admired in the entertainment world. From Dancing with the Stars to their joint stage tours and Emmy-winning choreography, Julianne and Derek have built a creative partnership that thrives on trust, intuition, and shared passion.

And this performance, they say, is one of their most personal yet.

“We choreographed this ourselves,” Julianne revealed. “Every movement means something. It’s about nostalgia, about remembering how Christmas made us feel as kids — and about how love, in every form, keeps that light alive.”

🎶 Behind the Scenes of the Spectacle

The performance has been in secret development for months, with rehearsals taking place in Los Angeles and New York. Creative director Niels Andersen, who also worked on Derek’s Symphony of Dance tour, describes Under the Mistletoe as “a cinematic blend of elegance, storytelling, and emotion.”

“It’s not about showing off technique,” Andersen said. “It’s about creating a feeling — that moment when music, light, and human connection collide to make you believe in something bigger.”

The stage design will feature a 360-degree lighting display, gentle snowfall effects, and a golden tree backdrop that mirrors the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. The performance will be filmed in one sweeping camera movement — a stylistic choice meant to enhance the intimacy and fluidity of the dance.

❄️ The Magic of Rockefeller

For New Yorkers and viewers around the world, the Rockefeller Center Christmas celebration has always been more than an event — it’s a tradition. Since 1933, millions have gathered (and millions more have tuned in) to watch the tree lighting, hear carols, and witness some of the greatest live performances of the holiday season.

This year, with Julianne and Derek Hough at its heart, the celebration promises to capture something rare — the delicate balance between grandeur and grace.

“There’s something sacred about dancing here,” Derek said softly during a behind-the-scenes rehearsal. “You feel the history in the air — the generations who’ve stood in this same spot, watching the lights, believing in magic. It’s humbling.”

❤️ A Message That Lasts Beyond the Holidays

As snowflakes drift through the New York air and the final notes of the orchestra fade, the Houghs hope their performance leaves behind more than applause.

“If people take anything away,” Julianne said, “I hope it’s that even in the coldest winter, love still dances. That connection — whether romantic, familial, or spiritual — is what keeps us warm.”

The performance is expected to be one of the emotional high points of the 2025 holiday season, a moment when artistry meets nostalgia, and dance becomes the language of love.

When the lights of Rockefeller Center glow against the December night, Julianne and Derek will remind us all why we still believe in Christmas — not for the presents or perfection, but for the beauty of shared moments.

And as they glide together under the mistletoe, it will be clear that the true spirit of Christmas doesn’t live in things — it lives in movement, in music, and in the magic we create when our hearts are open.

✨ “Under the Mistletoe” — A Julianne & Derek Hough Holiday Dance Spectacular

📍 Christmas at Rockefeller Center, NBC – December 2025

💫 Because love always finds its rhythm, even in winter.