The snow hasn’t even touched the ground yet — but Christmas just came early.

Moments ago, NBC confirmed that Dick Van Dyke, the legendary entertainer, actor, and national treasure, will host the 2025 “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special — a holiday spectacular that promises to be one of the most heartwarming television events of the year.

For over eight decades, Dick Van Dyke has been a symbol of joy, optimism, and timeless entertainment. From Mary Poppins to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, from classic television to modern appearances, his smile alone can light up a room — and now, it will help light up the most famous Christmas tree in the world.

This marks the first time the beloved performer will host the annual NBC holiday celebration, an event watched by millions across the globe. The announcement has already sparked a wave of excitement across social media, with fans calling it “the most wholesome Christmas news of the year.”

✨ A Celebration of Joy, Laughter, and Legacy

The Rockefeller Center Christmas special has long been a symbol of American holiday tradition — a blend of music, lights, and heartfelt moments that bring families together every December. But this year, with Dick Van Dyke at the helm, it promises to be something truly special.

NBC producers described the upcoming broadcast as “a holiday spectacular that celebrates not just Christmas, but the magic of human connection.” They emphasized that Van Dyke’s natural charm, warmth, and humor embody everything the season stands for — kindness, gratitude, and joy.

The show will feature some of the world’s biggest artists joining Dick on stage, performing classic Christmas songs alongside new arrangements. Sources close to the production hinted that Van Dyke himself may perform a musical number or two — a rare treat for longtime fans who have followed his career since the 1960s.

“New York in December still feels like a dream,” Dick shared in a press statement. “This isn’t just about lighting a tree — it’s about lighting hearts, one smile at a time.”

🎄 The Magic of Rockefeller Center

Each year, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in the United States. Thousands gather in person, and millions tune in from home, to watch the breathtaking display of more than 50,000 multicolored lights illuminate the night sky above Manhattan.

This year’s tree, according to early reports, will stand nearly 80 feet tall and sparkle with over five miles of LED lights — crowned by the iconic Swarovski crystal star that weighs nearly 900 pounds. When that switch flips and the lights come alive, Dick Van Dyke will be standing center stage, leading the countdown with the enthusiasm and twinkle that have defined his entire career.

The set design will blend traditional holiday elegance with touches of Broadway magic — a nod to Van Dyke’s roots in musical theater and television comedy. There will be snow machines, dancers, and even a special tribute to New York’s performing arts community, honoring the resilience and creativity that keep the city shining year after year.

🌟 A Lineup Worth Waiting For

While NBC has yet to release the full lineup, insiders suggest that the 2025 edition of Christmas in Rockefeller Center will feature a mix of legendary and contemporary artists. Expect powerhouse vocalists, surprise duets, and heartwarming collaborations that span generations — just as Dick Van Dyke’s career has done.

Rumored guests include country star Carrie Underwood, pop icon Michael Bublé, Broadway sensation Kristin Chenoweth, and even a possible reunion performance from Julie Andrews’ protégés — a subtle homage to Mary Poppins and the era that first made Van Dyke a household name.

The musical direction will reportedly draw inspiration from classic holiday specials of the 1960s, when families gathered around televisions for variety shows filled with song, dance, and laughter — the kind of pure, wholesome entertainment that Van Dyke helped pioneer.

❤️ A Return to Pure Holiday Spirit

In an age of fast-paced entertainment and social media noise, Dick Van Dyke’s presence at Rockefeller Center feels like a gentle reminder of what Christmas truly means: kindness, connection, and joy that transcends generations.

“Dick brings an authenticity and warmth that no one else can replicate,” said NBC’s senior producer of holiday programming. “He reminds us of a simpler time — not because it was old-fashioned, but because it was full of heart.”

Indeed, few entertainers can claim to have touched as many lives, across as many decades, as Dick Van Dyke. His laughter, music, and optimism have made him an enduring figure of light — one perfectly suited to preside over the most luminous tree in America.

🎬 The Details

📅 Broadcast Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT

📺 Network: NBC and streaming live on Peacock

As excitement builds, NBC is teasing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews to be released in the weeks leading up to the big night. Rehearsals are expected to begin in mid-November, with the Rockefeller Plaza already preparing for the massive stage setup that draws tourists and locals alike.

🎁 A Holiday to Remember

For millions, Christmas at Rockefeller Center is more than an event — it’s a feeling. And with Dick Van Dyke at its center, 2025’s celebration promises to capture that feeling better than ever before.

So when the snow begins to fall, the choirs start to sing, and the lights shimmer across New York City, one thing is certain: this year’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” won’t just illuminate a tree — it will illuminate hearts.