The Epic Christmas Send-Off: 5 Shocking Moments From Ariana Grande's Latest SNL Episode With Cher
The latest new episode of Saturday Night Live was a monumental holiday event, marking the end of the 2025 run with a bang. The show, which aired on Saturday, December 20, 2025, delivered a spectacular Christmas special featuring the return of pop icon Ariana Grande as host, a legendary performance by musical guest Cher, and a deeply emotional, surprise farewell that sent shockwaves through the fan community. This episode, the ninth of Season 51, served as a powerful mid-season finale, setting a high bar for the show's return in the new year.
While there is no new SNL tonight—as the cast and crew are on their holiday break following the December 20th broadcast—the final episode of the year is still the most talked-about event in late-night television. Grande's third time hosting was a masterclass in musical comedy and impressions, perfectly complementing Cher's long-awaited return to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage. The episode was a dense package of topical sketches, holiday cheer, and significant cast news, making it essential viewing for any sketch comedy enthusiast.
Ariana Grande: Host Profile and Biography
Ariana Grande-Butera, the dynamic host of the December 20, 2025, Christmas episode, is one of the world's most recognizable and successful artists. Her appearance marked a significant moment in her career, balancing her massive pop stardom with her acting commitments, particularly her role in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked: For Good. Her biography is a testament to her versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry.
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993
- Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
- Known For: Wide vocal range, chart-topping albums (including Thank U, Next and Positions), and powerful stage presence.
- Early Career: Rose to prominence for her role as Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious (2010–2013) and its spin-off, Sam & Cat.
- Film Roles: Has appeared in various films, most recently starring as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked.
- SNL History: The December 20th episode was her third time hosting Saturday Night Live, showcasing her impressive comedic timing and ability to inhabit different characters.
The Viral Sketches and Cher's Triumphant Return
The Season 51 Christmas Special delivered on all fronts, blending holiday-themed sketches with sharp political and social commentary. Grande's monologue immediately went viral, as she performed a hilarious, updated parody of her own hit songs, turning them into a commentary on the pressure of finding the perfect Christmas gifts. The audience particularly loved her vocal acrobatics meshed with the relatable holiday stress.
One of the most talked-about sketches of the night was the unhinged "Home Alone" parody. Grande, playing a pint-sized, maniacal Kevin McCallister, took the classic holiday movie premise and twisted it into a gruesome, over-the-top scenario, with cast members Mikey Day and Andrew Dismukes playing the hapless Wet Bandits. The sketch's dark humor and Grande's commitment to the character made it an instant classic, proving her comedic chops are just as strong as her singing voice.
The musical segment was equally historic. Pop icon Cher, who has had a career spanning over six decades, returned to the SNL stage after a four-decade absence. She performed two tracks from her recent holiday album, including the festive, upbeat anthem "DJ Play A Christmas Song" and the rock-infused classic "Run Rudolph Run." Cher’s performance was hailed as a triumphant return, with her unmistakable voice and glamorous stage presence providing a perfect nostalgic bookend to the year.
The Emotional Cast Farewell and What’s Next for SNL
The most significant and unexpected moment of the night was the emotional farewell to a beloved cast member. During the "Weekend Update" segment, co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che introduced a final, special segment dedicated to cast member Bowen Yang. Yang, a fan favorite known for his distinctive characters and groundbreaking work on the show, used the Christmas episode as his final broadcast, announcing his departure from the main cast.
Yang's segment was a heartfelt and hilarious send-off, featuring a cameo from Ariana Grande herself, who joined him on stage to sing a parody song about his time on the show. The moment was a genuine, tearful tribute, with the entire cast gathering on stage at the end to give him a standing ovation. His exit marks one of the biggest cast shake-ups of Season 51, following a season that saw other long-time stars like Kenan Thompson and Chloe Fineman continue to anchor the show.
The rest of the Season 51 cast, including James Austin Johnson, Marcello Hernandez, and Sarah Sherman, are expected to return, but the loss of Yang's unique comedic voice will undoubtedly be felt when the show returns from its winter hiatus. The anticipation for the next new episode is already building, as fans speculate on how the remaining cast will fill the void left by one of the show's most influential recent stars.
Looking Ahead: The First New Episode of 2026
While the lights are dark at Studio 8H for the holidays, the team at Saturday Night Live has already announced the host and musical guest for the first new episode of the new year, which will air in early 2026. The show will return on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The first host of 2026 will be actor Finn Wolfhard, best known for his roles in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things and the It film franchise. Wolfhard's youthful energy and experience in high-profile projects make him an exciting choice to kick off the second half of Season 51. The musical guest for the January 17th episode has yet to be officially confirmed, leaving fans to speculate on which major artist will join Wolfhard for the highly anticipated mid-season premiere.
The *Saturday Night Live* Christmas Special with Ariana Grande and Cher was a powerful finale to 2025, delivering the perfect mix of celebrity star power, viral comedy, and significant cast news. Though there is no *new SNL tonight*, viewers can stream the Dec 20th episode's highlights on Peacock and YouTube, reliving the sketches that have already defined the season. The show's return in January promises to keep the momentum going with a fresh host and the continuation of the show's iconic run.
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