Introduction
2021 American television special Michael Bublé's Christmas in the CityCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionExecutive producers Lorne Michaels Michael Bublé Bruce Allen Erin Doyle Tom Corson Production locationStudio 8H in Rockefeller CenterOriginal releaseNetworkNBCReleaseDecember 6, 2021 (2021-12-06) Michael Bublé's Christmas in the City is an American television special, which aired on NBC on December 6, 2021. Hosted by Michael Bublé, the program featured musical performances of songs from Bublé's 2011 album Christmas to celebrate its tenth anniversary.
Performances
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Performers & songs featured in Michael Bublé's Christmas in the City
Song(s)
"Blue Christmas"
"A Holly Jolly Christmas"
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" featuring Hannah Waddingham
"I'll Be Home for Christmas" featuring Camila Cabello
"Jingle Bells" featuring Kermit the Frog
"The Christmas Song" featuring Leon Bridges
"White Christmas"
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"
"Silent Night"
Why Bublé’s TV special feels like a holiday ritual
For many UK families, the annual airing of Michael Bublé’s Christmas music has become a quiet tradition, and the 2021 TV special builds on that habit. By staging the show in the iconic Rockefeller Center studio, the programme taps into the visual language of classic Christmas – glittering lights, ice‑skating rinks and a live audience that mirrors the festive crowds you’d find at a British department store during the season. This familiar backdrop, paired with Bublé’s relaxed crooning, gives viewers a sense of continuity amid the chaos of December. It’s not just a concert; it’s a visual cue that signals the start of the Christmas countdown, making it a comforting staple for households looking to mark the moment when the festive spirit officially arrives.
Buying guide: streaming or recording the special for repeat enjoyment
If you missed the NBC broadcast, don’t assume the special is lost forever. NBC typically makes its holiday programmes available on the Peacock streaming service for a limited period, and the clip‑by‑clip breakdown often appears on the network’s YouTube channel. For those who prefer a physical copy, keep an eye out for a DVD release later in the year – retailers such as Amazon UK or HMV occasionally stock seasonal TV specials as part of their Christmas catalogue. When choosing a format, consider your household’s viewing habits: streaming offers instant access for a quick festive boost, while a DVD can become a reusable piece of your holiday media library, perfect for playing on a television with a built‑in DVD player during future Christmases.
What viewers often miss: the ten‑year anniversary angle
The special isn’t just a showcase of Bublé’s holiday hits; it marks the decade‑long impact of his 2011 album, which reshaped modern Christmas playlists. While most audiences focus on the glitter and the guest appearances, the programme subtly nods to the album’s influence by revisiting original arrangements and highlighting how the songs have entered mainstream radio rotation. Recognising this context adds depth to the viewing experience, turning what could be background entertainment into a celebration of how a single record can redefine seasonal soundtracks. It also explains why the performances feel more reverent than typical pop‑star holiday shows.