The snow hasnโt even touched the ground yet โ but Christmas just came early.
In a stunning and heartwarming announcement, NBC confirmed that David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter of Pink Floyd, will officially host the 2025 โChristmas in Rockefeller Centerโ special. It will mark the very first time in his storied career that Gilmour takes center stage not as part of a rock concert, but as the face and voice of one of Americaโs most beloved holiday traditions.

The moment the news broke, social media lit up with excitement. Fans from around the world โ from London to Los Angeles โ couldnโt believe that the man behind some of rockโs most emotional and timeless songs would be stepping into a new kind of spotlight. โItโs the most unexpected Christmas gift ever,โ one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). โDavid Gilmour performing under the Rockefeller tree? Thatโs pure magic.โ
And indeed, it is. For decades, Gilmourโs music has carried a unique blend of melancholy and hope, of introspection and transcendence. Songs like โComfortably Numb,โ โWish You Were Here,โ and โOn an Islandโ have touched millions โ not through spectacle, but through sincerity. Now, that same spirit of warmth and reflection will meet the twinkling glow of 50,000 Christmas lights in the heart of New York City.
๐ A Season of Music, Memory, and Meaning
This yearโs โChristmas in Rockefeller Centerโ is being described by producers as โa celebration of heart, legacy, and connection.โ David Gilmour will headline the evening with a special live performance of classic holiday songs, reimagined through his distinctive sound โ soulful guitar solos, atmospheric arrangements, and the emotional depth that only Gilmour can bring.
He will also be joined by an extraordinary lineup of artists from across generations and genres โ though NBC is keeping the full list under wraps until November. Insiders hint that several surprise guests, including major names from both rock and pop, will share the stage in a one-of-a-kind collaboration thatโs being called โa gift to the world.โ
โNew York in December feels alive,โ Gilmour said in a short statement released by NBC. โThis isnโt just about lighting a tree โ itโs about lighting hearts.โ His words instantly went viral, with fans calling it โpure poetryโ and praising his ability to blend humility with grace.
๐ถ The Power of Music to Unite

What makes this announcement so powerful is not just the event itself, but what it represents. David Gilmour, now in his late seventies, continues to inspire across generations โ a musician whose artistry transcends boundaries of age, genre, and geography. For many, his participation symbolizes a bridge between eras: the timeless soul of classic rock meeting the enduring warmth of holiday tradition.
โDavidโs music has always been about connection,โ said an NBC producer. โEven in his most introspective songs, thereโs this universal heartbeat โ something that brings people together. Thatโs exactly what this Christmas celebration is about.โ
Fans can expect Gilmour to perform several holiday classics โ likely including โSilent Nightโ and โHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmasโ โ in arrangements featuring both orchestral and acoustic elements. Rumors suggest that he may even debut a brand-new instrumental piece written specifically for the occasion, blending winter-inspired tones with his signature ethereal guitar work.
๐ More Than Just a Show
Beyond the music, the 2025 special will highlight stories of hope, kindness, and community โ causes that Gilmour himself deeply supports. Known for his quiet philanthropy, he has long been involved in charitable work, from supporting homelessness initiatives to funding educational and cultural programs in the UK.
โDavid Gilmour represents the spirit of giving,โ said NBCโs executive producer. โHe doesnโt just perform โ he gives meaning to every note. Thatโs why we wanted him for this moment.โ
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, standing more than 80 feet tall and adorned with over five miles of lights, will serve as the centerpiece of the evening. Underneath it, Gilmour and his fellow performers will deliver what promises to be one of the most emotional and unforgettable holiday broadcasts in recent memory.
โจ Anticipation Builds Worldwide
The announcement has already sparked a wave of excitement beyond the U.S. Fans across Europe, South America, and Asia have flooded social media with posts celebrating the news, many calling it โthe perfect blend of nostalgia and hope.โ Streaming platforms are reportedly preparing for record-breaking traffic once the special airs, with NBC confirming that the full broadcast will also be available on Peacock for global audiences.
One London fan summed it up perfectly: โThereโs something about Gilmourโs sound โ that soaring guitar, that gentle voice โ that already feels like winter. To hear it surrounded by Christmas lights? Thatโs going to be magical.โ
Even fellow musicians have joined the chorus of praise. A well-known artist commented on Instagram, โNobody captures emotion like David. If anyone can make a holiday performance feel like a spiritual experience, itโs him.โ
๐ฌ The Big Night

The live broadcast of โChristmas in Rockefeller Centerโ will air Wednesday, December 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. In addition to the performances, the special will feature behind-the-scenes clips, personal reflections from Gilmour about the meaning of the holidays, and never-before-seen footage from rehearsals leading up to the event.
Fans are already counting down the days. The first teaser trailer โ showing Gilmour walking through a snow-covered Rockefeller Plaza, guitar in hand โ is expected to drop in early November.
Until then, anticipation continues to build. Because this Christmas, under the glow of one of the worldโs most iconic trees, David Gilmour wonโt just be performing โ heโll be reminding us all of what truly matters: love, light, and the music that brings us together.