The holidays are about to sound a lot more southern this year. Country music legend Hank Williams Jr. is set to headline the 2025 “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” television special, bringing his unmistakable blend of country grit, rock ‘n’ roll energy, and heartfelt storytelling to one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions.
The two-hour NBC and Peacock broadcast will air December 3 at 8 p.m. ET, live from New York City, and promises a night that bridges the best of Nashville soul and Christmas spirit — wrapped in twinkling lights beneath the world-famous Rockefeller Center tree.
A Southern Legend Meets a New York Tradition
Producers of the long-running holiday special say this year’s lineup will be one of the most diverse and dynamic in recent memory — and that Hank Williams Jr. was their top pick to bring a fresh spark to the stage.
“Every year, we look for someone who can bring authenticity and warmth to this celebration,” said NBC executive producer Carla Jensen. “Hank Williams Jr. embodies the heart of American music. He’s an artist who speaks to generations, and we’re thrilled to have him bring that country rock soul to Rockefeller Center.”
Williams will perform timeless holiday standards including “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night,” alongside songs from his recently released album A Hank Williams Jr. Christmas, which blends traditional carols with southern-infused originals. The record, released earlier this month, has already topped Billboard’s Country Holiday chart.
Faith, Family, and Freedom: Hank’s Christmas Message
For Williams, the event marks more than just another concert — it’s a moment to share what the season means to him.
“Country music has always been about faith, family, and freedom,” he said in a recent interview. “And that’s what Christmas means to me too. It’s about coming together, forgiving, loving, and being grateful for what we’ve got. This year, I want to bring that feeling to the city — straight from my heart.”
The Alabama-born icon, known for hits like “Family Tradition,” “A Country Boy Can Survive,” and “All My Rowdy Friends,” has spent over five decades redefining country music. Blending rock, blues, and southern storytelling, Williams has carved out a sound that’s as bold as it is deeply rooted in American tradition.
His Christmas album captures that same spirit. With gospel harmonies, fiddles, steel guitars, and his signature raspy vocals, songs like “Southern Christmas Eve” and “Home for the Holidays (Country Style)” reflect a homespun take on holiday joy — one steeped in warmth, humor, and sincerity.
Rockefeller Center Goes Country
The annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — first broadcast in 1951 — has long been a showcase for the world’s biggest artists. From Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson, the stage has hosted generations of musical greats.
This year, producers wanted to honor that legacy while introducing a new flavor of Americana.
“Hank’s music represents the real, honest heart of this country,” said musical director Elliot Marks, who’s worked with everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Dolly Parton. “When you combine that authenticity with the magic of New York at Christmas, you get something timeless. We’re going to make sure it’s one for the history books.”
Williams will be joined by a live orchestra, gospel choir, and guest musicians from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The set design, insiders say, will merge classic holiday elegance with rustic southern charm — think pinewood textures, lantern lights, and a touch of cowboy spirit beneath the 80-foot Norway spruce.
A Personal Season of Reflection
For Hank Williams Jr., this holiday season also carries a personal note of gratitude. After recovering from health challenges in recent years and celebrating his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the 75-year-old artist says he’s feeling more inspired than ever.
“I’ve had my ups and downs like everybody else,” Williams said. “But when you’re standing under that big ol’ Christmas tree in New York City, you can’t help but feel thankful. Music has carried me through, and now I just want to give some of that love back.”
His appearance at Rockefeller Center also marks his first major holiday broadcast performance in nearly a decade. Longtime fans are already flooding social media with excitement, sharing memories of his early Christmas specials and holiday collaborations.
Bringing America Together, One Song at a Time
In an era where traditions sometimes feel distant, Williams believes that music — and especially Christmas music — still has the power to unite people.
“Rock and roll, country, gospel — it’s all about hope,” he said. “And that’s what Christmas is about too. Whether you’re in the city or out on a dirt road, we all want the same thing: peace, love, and a little good music to keep us warm.”
NBC executives expect this year’s “Christmas at Rockefeller Center” to draw record-breaking viewership across broadcast and streaming platforms, particularly among multi-generational audiences.
“Hank’s fanbase spans decades,” Jensen added. “He’s an icon who connects with everyone — from folks who grew up on his daddy’s music to young listeners discovering his voice for the first time.”
A Night of Country Soul and Holiday Magic
As the lights shimmer and snow begins to fall over Midtown Manhattan, Hank Williams Jr. will step onto the Rockefeller stage — cowboy hat tilted low, guitar in hand — to share songs that celebrate love, faith, and togetherness.
“It’s gonna be a country Christmas in the heart of New York,” he teased with a grin. “And I guarantee it’ll be one folks won’t forget.”
So whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for a little holiday joy, tune in on December 3 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock to watch Hank Williams Jr. bring a Southern spark to a classic New York celebration.
Because this year, Christmas is getting a little louder — and a whole lot more soulful.
