George Strait’s Rockefeller Moment: Country’s King to Lead America’s Most Iconic Holiday Celebration
The stage has hosted legends from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey — but this year, it belongs to George Strait. In December 2025, the 73-year-old country icon will headline and host NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” fusing the heart of Texas with the pulse of New York City in what promises to be a defining holiday broadcast.
Tradition Meets Timelessness
Standing beneath a 12-ton Norway spruce draped in 50,000 LED lights, Strait will bring his calm authority to a stage known for its glitter. The set list — classic carols, country renditions, and intimate collaborations — aims to reconnect viewers with the simple joy of music in uncertain times.
“Christmas isn’t about perfection,” Strait told producers. “It’s about presence — about being there for each other.”
A Bridge Between Generations
The show’s guest lineup spans eras and genres, uniting rising stars with icons from Strait’s own circle. The tribute portion — reportedly titled “Angels Still Sing” — will honor late country pioneers whose spirit shaped today’s sound. It’s a theme Strait has explored in recent years: gratitude, memory, and faith.
From Texas Roots to Rockefeller Lights
Viewers will also see rare behind-the-scenes footage of Strait rehearsing, reflecting on his modest beginnings in Pearsall, Texas, and his lifelong partnership with Norma, his high-school sweetheart. For Strait, this isn’t a curtain call — it’s a moment to give thanks.
As snow begins to fall across Manhattan and the lights bathe the plaza in gold, the message will be simple: music heals, traditions endure, and George Strait still carries the torch for authenticity.
