SNL to host Ariana Grande, Cher and Lily Allen. An Epic Show

On December 20, 2025, Saturday Night Live host Ariana Grande will electrify Studio 8H once more, spreading holiday cheer alongside musical icon Cher.  Following the release of her new movie, Wicked: For Good, fans are looking forward to new sketches and a Christmas touch when Grande headlines Saturday Night Live for the third time.  Explore the specifics of this festive episode that you simply must see!

Saturday Night Live host Ariana Grande(M) with (Cher(L): WWD) and (Lily Allen(R) credit: Getty Images)

 

Saturday Night Live Host Ariana Grande Key Points

• Ariana Grande hosting SNL for the third time in December 2025
• Musical guest Cher joins for the holiday themed episode
• Grande's hosting follows the release of Wicked: For Good
• Josh O’Connor and Melissa McCarthy also slated as upcoming hosts

 

As the legendary Saturday Night Live host Ariana Grande returns to the renowned NBC stage on December 20, 2025, excitement is growing.  Following the highly anticipated premiere of Wicked: For Good, Grande's third season as host promises a celebratory, star-studded episode that includes none other than Cher.  What surprises are in store for tonight?  How can Grande incorporate her acting and musical skills into the iconic comedy of Saturday Night Live?

On December 20, 2025, Ariana Grande will headline Saturday Night Live's special Christmas episode for the third time.  According to sources, the renowned Cher will join Grande as a musical guest for what looks to be a nostalgic yet modern celebration.  Fans loved Grande's hosting performances in 2016 and 2024, especially the "Domingo Bridesmaid Speech" comedy.  According to Deadline, Melissa McCarthy will host the final show of the year on December 6. Josh O'Connor will present the previous episode on December 13.  For SNL's Season 51, this roster showcases a blend of seasoned charm and new vitality. (source:broadwayworld, billboard, deadline)

The producers of Saturday Night Live and NBC have enthusiastically endorsed Grande's comeback, highlighting her versatility as an actress and performer.  Grande is a perfect host for the holiday season because of her ongoing initiatives, such as Wicked: For Good and upcoming tours.  In an effort to enthrall viewers everywhere, official promotions hint of a combination of musical moments and seasonal comedy (source:variety)

Fans excitedly took to social media.  Excitement for Grande's hilarious comeback and the iconic duet with Cher, which combines comedy and music in a way that only SNL can, is evident in viral tweets.  Predictions for holiday sketches and Grande's talent at fusing charm with humorous spontaneity are the subject of lively Reddit posts. (source: billboard)

Grande's comeback as Saturday Night Live host during the Christmas episode comes with a persistent trend of high-profile hosting jobs drawing large audiences, boosting the show's ratings and cultural significance.  It also highlights how difficult it is for networks to deal with spoilers and leak culture in the digital age, requiring creative ways to keep surprises under wraps while interacting with viewers before broadcasts, mirroring broader Hollywood concerns about piracy and leaks. (Source: broadwayworld)

Will a spike in viewership be sparked by Ariana Grande's Christmas hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, or will the excitement be heightened by eager fans' early spoilers?  In any case, her unique combination of comedic wit and musical ability will keep audiences hooked to their screens, enhancing SNL's reputation for celebratory, star-studded entertainment.