Confirmed: Who Is Hosting SNL Tonight? Everything You Need To Know About The Star-Studded Christmas Episode

The wait is finally over for the highly-anticipated final episode of Saturday Night Live for the year. The episode scheduled for this Saturday, December 20, 2025, is set to be a holiday spectacular, with pop culture titans Ariana Grande and Cher teaming up for a blockbuster night of comedy and music from Studio 8H.

With today being Thursday, December 18, 2025, the buzz is palpable as fans prepare for the Season 51 Christmas show. Global superstar Ariana Grande is stepping back into the host's role, while the one-and-only Cher will make a historic return as the musical guest—her first time in this capacity since 1987. This dynamic duo promises an unforgettable night of sketch comedy, musical performances, and holiday cheer.

Ariana Grande: Host Profile and Career Highlights

Ariana Grande-Butera, born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She is one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed artists of her generation, known for her impressive four-octave vocal range and distinctive whistle tones.

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• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Boca Raton, Florida)
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Breakthrough Role: Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious (2010–2013) and its spin-off, Sam & Cat.
• Major Albums: Yours Truly, My Everything, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, Thank U, Next, and Positions.
• Notable Hits: "Thank U, Next," "7 Rings," "Problem," "Side to Side," and "No Tears Left to Cry."
• SNL History: This appearance marks her fifth time on the Saturday Night Live stage and her third time as a host.
• Recent Projects: Grande is currently starring as Glinda in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, with the first installment set for a 2024 release.
• Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

Grande’s transition from a Nickelodeon star to a global pop icon has been seamless, establishing her as a cultural powerhouse. Her hosting stints on SNL are always memorable, often featuring her incredible vocal talents in musical sketches and celebrity impressions, most notably her spot-on impersonation of Jennifer Lawrence and Britney Spears. Fans are eager to see how her Glinda experience from the Wicked movie set influences her comedy this week.

The Epic Return: Cher as the Musical Guest

The announcement that the legendary music icon Cher would be the musical guest for the December 20th episode sent shockwaves of excitement across the internet. Cher, often referred to as the "Goddess of Pop," is one of the world's best-selling music artists, with a career spanning over six decades.

This appearance on the Saturday Night Live stage is particularly significant as it marks her first musical guest slot in nearly four decades, having last performed in 1987. Cher's career achievements are nearly unparalleled; she is the only artist in history to have a number-one single on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades, a testament to her enduring popularity and ability to reinvent herself.

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While Cher may not have a new album or specific 2025 project tied to her appearance, her presence is a monumental event in television history. Her discography is a treasure trove of hits, including "Believe," "If I Could Turn Back Time," "Strong Enough," and "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves." The anticipation for her musical performance is high, with speculation swirling about whether she will perform a classic hit or debut a new holiday-themed track to celebrate the Christmas episode.

What to Expect from the Final Episode of 2025

The combination of Ariana Grande's youthful energy and comedic chops with Cher's iconic, diva-level star power guarantees a must-watch episode. This pairing is a perfect encapsulation of Saturday Night Live’s ability to bring together different generations of talent for a night of live sketch comedy from Studio 8H in New York City.

As a Christmas episode, viewers can anticipate several topical sketches related to the holiday season. Given Ariana Grande's background in musical theater and her high-profile role in the upcoming Wicked film, a few musical parodies or a big, elaborate opening number are almost certain. Her vocal range gives the writers and the SNL cast endless opportunities for hilarious skits.

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Furthermore, the episode is set to close out Season 51's incredible run of hosts, which has included stars like Melissa McCarthy and Josh O’Connor in the preceding weeks. The final show of the year often features cameos from former cast members or surprise celebrity appearances, especially during the emotional 'Goodnights' segment, making this a prime candidate for a special guest or two.

Potential Sketch Concepts and LSI Keywords

The intersection of these two artists provides rich material for the SNL writing team. Possible sketch concepts could revolve around: a "Glinda vs. Elphaba" musical parody, a behind-the-scenes look at the *Wicked* set, a fictional collaboration between the pop superstar and the Goddess of Pop, or a revival of classic Cher characters. The use of LSI keywords like pop music, sketch writing, live television, Lorne Michaels, Season 51 finale, holiday special, and iconic performance will naturally weave into the comedic landscape.

The episode will air live on NBC and stream simultaneously on Peacock. Make sure to tune in on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to catch Ariana Grande and Cher light up the stage in what is sure to be one of the most talked-about episodes of the season. The return of Cher, a true music legend, coupled with Grande’s hosting prowess, makes this a historic night of television not to be missed.