The holiday season is about to sparkle brighter than ever โ because this year, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are stepping into the spotlight at NBCโs legendary โChristmas at Rockefeller Centerโ celebration with what producers are calling โthe most romantic performance of the year.โ
Titled โUnder the Mistletoe,โ the performance is a breathtaking fusion of dancesport precision, cinematic storytelling, and timeless Christmas charm. Beneath the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree โ glowing with over 50,000 lights โ and as snow falls gently across the New York City night, Robert and Witney will deliver a live dance moment that promises to capture hearts around the world.
โChristmas isnโt just about gifts,โ Robert shared during rehearsal. โItโs about moments that make your heart stop โ and this dance is one of them.โ
For fans whoโve followed both performers, this pairing feels like destiny. Robert Irwin, known for his charisma, artistry, and emotional depth, brings a grounded warmth to the stage โ while Witney Carson, one of the most electrifying professional dancers of her generation, adds grace, power, and an unmistakable sparkle. Together, they are the perfect embodiment of modern elegance and old-fashioned holiday romance.
The choreography for โUnder the Mistletoeโ is said to blend classic ballroom waltz elements with contemporary storytelling. It opens with Witney alone beneath a soft snowfall โ her gown a shimmering cascade of winter-white satin. As the orchestra swells with strings and chimes, Robert appears from the shadows of the rink, dressed in a deep emerald suit that catches the glow of golden Christmas lights.
Their eyes meet. The music slows. And then โ they move.
Itโs not just a dance โ itโs a conversation without words. A slow, intimate waltz that becomes a whirlwind of motion and emotion. Every spin feels like a heartbeat; every lift, a memory of something timeless. The choreography mirrors the story of two souls finding each other amid the chaos of the season โ a reminder that even in a world spinning too fast, love still finds its rhythm.
Witney described it best: โWe wanted to create something that feels like love in motion โ like time standing still under the mistletoe.โ
Behind the scenes, the production for this yearโs Rockefeller show is a masterpiece of coordination and creativity. The ice rink has been transformed into a cinematic stage โ glistening under the glow of thousands of fairy lights, with hidden spotlights casting soft halos through the snowfall. A 40-piece live orchestra will accompany the dancers, performing a custom arrangement of โHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmasโ blended seamlessly with original music composed specifically for their number.
According to the showโs executive producer, the decision to pair Robert and Witney came from a desire to bring โsomething fresh, emotional, and authentically humanโ to the broadcast.
โWeโve seen incredible performances on this stage,โ he said, โbut Robert and Witneyโs connection is something different. Itโs not just choreography โ itโs storytelling through movement. You feel every second of it.โ
Rehearsals reportedly stretched late into the night in Los Angeles before moving to New York, where the duo continued fine-tuning their performance amid the cityโs early winter chill. Despite the cold, both dancers were seen laughing, practicing spins and lifts under the open sky โ a glimpse of the chemistry thatโs already melting hearts online.
Social media buzz exploded after a short teaser aired on NBCโs holiday promo reel, showing a two-second clip of the pair spinning beneath the Rockefeller lights. Fans immediately flooded platforms with anticipation, with one viral post declaring: โRobert and Witney under the mistletoe is THE Christmas moment we didnโt know we needed.โ
Beyond the glitter and choreography, though, the performance carries a deeper message. For both Robert and Witney, โUnder the Mistletoeโ is about connection โ the kind that transcends fame, distance, or even words.
Robert spoke candidly about the inspiration behind the number:
โThe holidays can be a lonely time for a lot of people. But when you find even one moment of love โ whether itโs through family, friendship, or just a simple act of kindness โ thatโs what makes it all worth it. Thatโs what this dance is about.โ
Witney added:
โItโs about the magic of presence. Of being right there, with someone, when the world feels quiet and beautiful.โ
Their words echo the heart of the holiday spirit โ warmth in the cold, unity in diversity, love in motion.
As the final notes fade and the snow continues to fall, the performance will end with one simple gesture: Robert and Witney standing still beneath the mistletoe, foreheads touching, as the lights of Rockefeller Center twinkle like a thousand stars above them. No dramatic dips or camera tricks โ just stillness, connection, and truth.
For millions watching, it promises to be a moment that lingers โ one that reminds us all what Christmas truly feels like.
Because sometimes, the most powerful gift of the season isnโt found under the treeโฆ
Itโs found under the mistletoe. โค๏ธโจ
๐ฌ โUnder the Mistletoeโ โ Robert Irwin & Witney Carson at Christmas at Rockefeller Center, NBC, December 2025.
A celebration of love, music, and the timeless dance that makes Christmas come alive.
