NEW YORK — In a dazzling surprise that has fans cheering from coast to coast, Johnny Joey Jones, the decorated Marine veteran, motivational speaker, and Fox News contributor, has officially been announced as the host of NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” 2025 — the network’s iconic annual holiday celebration watched by millions around the world.
The announcement dropped just minutes ago from NBC’s headquarters in Manhattan, and the response has been nothing short of electric. Within seconds, “JOHNNY JOEY JONES” and “#RockefellerChristmas” were trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of viewers calling it “the most inspired choice in years.”
For Jones — a double amputee combat veteran turned national figure of resilience and faith — this isn’t just a television gig. It’s a moment of triumph, reflection, and perhaps, poetic justice.
“Hosting this show isn’t about lights or fame,” Jones said in an exclusive statement. “It’s about joy. It’s about faith. It’s about reminding America that even in hard times, we can still come together — around a tree, around hope, around what makes us human.”
A NEW FACE FOR A TIMELESS TRADITION
“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” is more than just a TV event — it’s a beloved American ritual. The towering 80-foot spruce tree, the carols echoing across Midtown Manhattan, the lighting countdown, and the sense of national unity it evokes have made it a cultural touchstone since its first broadcast in 1933.
This year’s event, set for December 3, 2025, will be particularly symbolic. It marks not only the 92nd annual tree lighting but also the first time in history that a combat veteran has hosted the primetime special.
NBC executives confirmed the news in a glowing press release this morning:
“Johnny Joey Jones embodies the spirit of perseverance, gratitude, and joy that defines Christmas in America. His story of courage and compassion is an inspiration to millions — and this year, we’re honored to have him lead our most cherished holiday celebration.”
The lineup promises to be star-studded: early reports suggest performances from Carrie Underwood, Michael Bublé, Pentatonix, Lauren Daigle, and country icon Garth Brooks, with additional surprise guests expected to be announced closer to the date.
FROM BATTLEFIELD TO BROADCAST
For those who know Jones’ story, this announcement feels almost cinematic.
A Georgia native, Johnny Joey Jones served as a Marine Corps bomb technician in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2010, he lost both legs in an IED explosion — an experience that could have defined or destroyed him. Instead, he turned his recovery into a mission of purpose.
Over the past decade, Jones has become one of America’s most respected veterans’ advocates and television personalities, known for his raw honesty, humor, and unshakable optimism. Through his work on Fox News, motivational speaking tours, and his book “Unbroken Spirit,” he’s built a reputation not as a victim, but as a voice — one that reminds Americans to see blessings even in their battles.
Hosting “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” seems almost like a destiny fulfilled. “I’ve seen Christmas from every side of life — from a tent overseas to my living room with my kids,” Jones said. “Now, to help the nation light up the biggest tree in the world… that’s humbling beyond words.”
A PATRIOTIC TOUCH TO A CLASSIC EVENT
According to insiders, Jones is already planning a show that will blend traditional Christmas cheer with a strong message of unity and gratitude.
Producers have confirmed that this year’s program will feature a special tribute segment honoring military families, including live connections with troops stationed abroad.
“Johnny told us from day one: if he was going to host this, it had to mean something,” said Lindsay Reiner, NBC’s Executive Producer for Live Events. “He wanted the world to feel Christmas the way a Marine does — with gratitude for the peace we have, and respect for the ones who make it possible.”
The tribute will reportedly include a joint performance by the U.S. Marine Corps Band and country singer Luke Bryan, titled “Home for Christmas (Wherever You Are).”
In another touching gesture, the lighting ceremony itself will be dedicated to Gold Star families — a first in the show’s long history.
NEW YORK REACTS: “THE PERFECT HOST”
The news has already sent waves through New York City, where locals are buzzing with excitement over the choice.
“Finally, someone genuine,” said Manhattan resident Laura McClain, who’s attended the Rockefeller lighting for 20 years. “He’s not an actor or a comedian. He’s someone who’s lived, who’s fought, who knows the meaning of hope. That’s what Christmas is about.”
Even celebrities are chiming in. Country legend Dolly Parton tweeted, “So proud of my friend @Johnny_Joey — hosting the most magical night of the year! The tree couldn’t have found a better man to light it. 
”
Meanwhile, Fox News issued a brief but celebratory statement, calling Jones’ hosting gig “a testament to his character, courage, and connection with the American people.”
THE MESSAGE BEHIND THE MOMENT
Those close to Jones say he’s less interested in glitz than in gratitude.
“He’s been through hell and back — twice — and he still wakes up smiling,” said longtime friend and veteran Staff Sgt. Bryan Kelleher. “He told me once, ‘I don’t need perfect legs. I just need purpose.’ Well, tonight, he’s showing the world what that means.”
Jones has hinted that his opening monologue will be deeply personal — a blend of humor, patriotism, and reflection on what Christmas means to those who’ve faced loss.
In a recent interview, he shared, “When I was in Afghanistan, Christmas wasn’t about gifts or snow. It was about getting through one more night, thinking of home, thinking of why we fight. That’s what I want people to feel this year — that warmth, that connection, that reason to keep going.”
INSIDE THE PRODUCTION: LIGHTS, LOVE & LOGISTICS
NBC insiders say production for the 2025 event will be bigger and brighter than ever before. The Rockefeller Center tree — a 78-foot Norway spruce from upstate New York — will feature 50,000 LED lights, powered entirely by sustainable energy.
The stage design will pay tribute to “service, family, and freedom,” incorporating military-inspired visual motifs with timeless Christmas décor. Sources say Jones has personally requested a moment of silence during the broadcast — a short pause to honor fallen heroes before the lighting ceremony begins.
“Johnny’s presence adds gravity,” one producer said. “But it also adds heart. People will cry, they’ll laugh, they’ll believe again.”
AMERICA REACTS: “FINALLY, SOMETHING THAT FEELS REAL”
Across social media, the reaction has been overwhelmingly emotional.
“Finally, a host who’s more about heart than Hollywood,” one fan wrote. “I’ll be watching with my whole family.”
Veterans’ groups across the country are planning watch parties in Jones’ honor, seeing the moment as symbolic recognition of all who’ve served. The Wounded Warrior Project released a statement calling the announcement “a powerful reminder that courage doesn’t end on the battlefield.”
Even critics of NBC — a network sometimes accused of leaning too corporate or celebrity-driven — have praised the choice as “refreshingly authentic.”
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The 2025 Christmas in Rockefeller Center promises to be not just a spectacle, but a story — of courage, community, and Christmas spirit reborn.
In Jones’ own words:
“You don’t have to have a perfect life to light up the world. You just need to believe that the light inside you still matters.”
On December 3rd, as the tree ignites in gold and emerald glow and a nation watches, that light — the light of resilience and hope — will shine brighter than ever.
And standing beneath it will be Johnny Joey Jones — a man who’s seen darkness and chosen joy — reminding America that no matter how broken we may feel, Christmas still finds a way to make us whole.
NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2025” airs live on Wednesday, December 3, 8/7c on NBC and Peacock.
Hosted by Johnny Joey Jones — with performances by Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Michael Bublé, Pentatonix, and more.
