It’s a tradition mostly lost to time, a remnant of the heyday of TV. A time when the world would simultaneously unite around the glow of their screens and enjoy a variety show celebrating the season. The industry’s most talented performers would host holiday music specials where they’d gather with other celebrity guests around fake fireplaces or baby grand pianos to sing carols and tell jokes. They brought entertainment in the spirit of Christmas at a time when families were united.
Today, streaming builds on this tradition by upping the production value and giving us the chance to rewatch these specials year after year. So take advantage of having the biggest names in music, TV, and film perform just for you with these celebrity-hosted Christmas music specials.
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter
She’s cute, she’s funny, and she can sing. Pop star Sabrina Carpenter hosts this comedic holiday special chock-full of celebrity guest appearances and hilarious sketches. Not one to avoid innuendo and tongue-in-cheek playfulness, Carpenter charms the audience, singing classic Christmas songs as well as new ones off her own holiday album, “Fruitcake.” Joining her for duets are a host of famous faces, including Shania Twain, Chappell Roan, Tyla, and Kali Uchis. There are also guest appearances from Cara Delevingne, Nico Hiraga, Quinta Brunson, Kyle Mooney, and even Sean Astin in a hilarious sketch where he may or may not be the real Santa Claus. With its saucy humor, this one is probably best enjoyed by mom and dad without the kiddos.
A Very Murray Christmas
A holiday special featuring everyone’s favorite humbug was never going to be anything other than nontraditional. In this hilarious take on Christmas specials, Bill Murray plays himself as a reluctant performer attempting to put on a TV special while stuck in a hotel during a raging snowstorm — all while industry personalities and hotel guests pull his attention every which way. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the show features George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Amy Poehler, Paul Shaffer, Michael Cera, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Jenny Lewis, and so many more big names. While it’s full of Murray’s crooning and Christmas cheer, it also touches on the melancholy that can accompany the holidays and how connection with others can be the perfect balm.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square
It’s no stretch of the imagination whatsoever to believe Dolly Parton could be an angel on earth. In her Christmas special, she plays exactly that — an angel doing her best to help out the people of a small town who are threatened by the wealthy and cold-hearted woman who’s just inherited the town. Told as a cohesive and touching story with songs throughout, this special highlights the sense of community, changing of hearts, and goodwill toward all inherent in the season. Dolly sings, of course, along with co-stars Christine Baranski, Josh Segarra, Jenifer Lewis, Jeanine Mason, and Treat Williams. Be sure to grab your tissues!
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