The Mariah Carey‑inspired Skit

Musical Performance Highlights

Ariana Grande kicked off the episode with a dazzling opening number that reimagined Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The setlist was a playful mash‑up: Ariana delivered a high‑energy performance while the audience cheered, and her vocal delivery was crisp and infectious. The lyrics were cleverly tweaked to include a personal touch—“I don’t know a thing about him, I only ever see him on Christmas Eve.” The stage was lit with a warm, nostalgic glow that perfectly set the tone for the night.

Key Takeaway: Ariana’s opening set was a triumph of both humor and musicality, establishing the energy for the entire episode.

Cher’s Festive Cheering

Two Sets of Holiday Hits

Cher added a double dose of holiday cheer. First, she performed “DJ Play a Christmas Song” from her 2023 holiday album, “Christmas.” Her stage presence was electric, and the crowd was immediately engaged. Later in the episode, Cher returned for a cover of Chuck Berry’s classic “Run Rudolph Run,” delivering a performance that blended her signature flair with a contemporary twist.

• “DJ Play a Christmas Song” – energetic opening, strong vocal delivery.
• “Run Rudolph Run” – classic Berry meets modern pop, crowd favorite.

Why It Matters: Cher’s two‑set performance was the perfect complement to Ariana’s opening, creating a balanced musical narrative throughout the episode.

Bowen Yang’s Farewell Sketch

The Delta Sky Club Moment

Bowen Yang’s final appearance was a heartfelt nod to his fans and the show itself. He portrayed a Delta Sky Club employee in a sketch that celebrated his last shift. The scene was filled with witty banter, and the musical collaboration with Ariana brought a warm, personal touch to the episode. Cher’s cameo as the Delta CEO of eggnog added a layer of comedic timing that kept the audience engaged.

Takeaway: Bowen’s closing sketch was a touching tribute that wrapped the episode in a sense of closure and gratitude.

Michael Che’s Nephew Wishes

The Wish List Segment

Michael Che’s nephew Tyson stole the show with a whimsical wish list segment on the Weekend Update desk. Tyson addressed his “beef with Santa” in a playful monologue that kept the audience laughing. He promised to “slide down your chimney and step on any elves who get in my way,” which was a nod to the classic holiday trope.

Why It Stands Out: Tyson’s segment combined humor with a heartfelt message, making it a memorable moment in the episode’s narrative arc.

The Random Duet Christmas Spectacular

The Ariana as Katy Perry Segment

In the Random Duet segment, Ariana Grande teamed up with a range of iconic singers to deliver a festive holiday performance. The skit featured a playful pairing of Ariana with Katy Perry in a space‑outfit, a nod to the “Space Invaders” theme that was trending on social media that week. The performance was a hit, with the audience cheering and the duo delivering a high‑energy set.

Highlight: The Ariana‑Katy collaboration added a fun, cross‑genre element to the episode.

The Grinch Starts Dating

Ariana’s Pick Gown Moment

Ariana appeared in a quirky dating show segment where she falls in love with the Grinch. The segment was a playful nod to “Wicked Green and Pink,” and the wardrobe was a pick gown that added a touch of classic Hollywood glamour. The sketch was a hit, and the audience loved the comedic timing and the visual gags.

Why It Works: The Grinch dating show segment added a light‑hearted, whimsical moment that balanced the more serious musical segments.

Home Alone Goes Gruesome

The Booby Trap Chaos

In a bold reimagining of the classic “Home Alone,” Ariana played Kevin, the family returns home, and the house is full of booby traps. The sketch was a fun, R‑rated take on the holiday classic, and the audience loved the comedic timing and the set design.

Takeaway: The Home Alone sketch added a playful, high‑energy moment to the episode’s narrative arc.

Aidy Bryant Returns as a Trend Forecaster

Fashion Forecast Segment

Aidy Bryant and Bowen Yang portrayed avant‑garde fashion trend forecasters who have big visions for the holiday season. The sketch was a fun, light‑hearted segment that added a touch of style and humor to the episode. The audience loved the witty jokes and the trend forecasting insights.

Why It Stands Out: Aidy’s segment was a playful nod to the fashion world, adding a touch of style to the episode.

Must‑See Moments

Key Takeaways

• Ariana’s opening performance set a high‑energy tone.
• Cher’s two‑set performance added a balanced musical narrative.
• Bowen Yang’s farewell sketch provided a heartfelt closure.
• Tyson’s Wish List segment added humor and warmth.
• The Random Duet segment added cross‑genre fun.
• The Grinch dating show added a whimsical moment.
• The Home Alone sketch added a playful, high‑energy moment.
• Aidy’s trend forecasting segment added style and humor.

Viewer Reactions

Social Media Buzz

Fans took to social media to share their favorite moments from the episode. The hashtag #SNL2025 was trending on Twitter and Instagram, with many users posting clips of Ariana’s opening performance, Cher’s two‑set performance, and Bowen Yang’s final sketch. The episode also received positive reviews from critics, who praised the show’s blend of comedy, music, and style.

Streaming Links

Episode Highlights Reel

Want to relive the episode in full? Check out the official SNL highlights reel on the network’s website or on streaming platforms. The episode is available on Hulu, Peacock, and the official SNL YouTube channel.

Behind the Scenes

Interviews & Production Notes

In an interview with the show’s creative director, the team discussed the challenges of producing a final episode. The director highlighted the importance of balancing comedy and music, and the team was excited to bring a memorable night to the audience.