The final Saturday Night Live of 2025 opened with Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) delivering a national address, warning Americans to be vigilant during the Christmas season against 'arctic immigrants' stealing milk and cookies. Johnson's portrayal leaned into the president's cognitive decline, but the cold open avoided referencing Trump's remarks on the murder of Rob and Michele Reiner, a missed opportunity given Reiner's history with the show.
Ariana Grande returned for her third stint as host, quickly showcasing her vocals in a song about Christmas gift indecision, set to the tune of Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. Joined by cast members including Wicked co-star Bowen Yang—who announced his departure from SNL after this episode—Grande's musical number served more as a showcase for her singing than for comedy.
In a sketch set at the North Pole, an Elf on the Shelf support group saw the silent helpers discussing workplace trauma, from getting lost in couch cushions to witnessing elderly family members suffer strokes. Grande earned laughs by crying gumdrop tears and lamenting her inability to die. Another highlight featured Grande as Kevin McCallister in a bloody Home Alone parody, where the family reunion turned gruesome due to forgotten booby traps, with Colin Jost appearing as Buzz.
A Dance 101 class sketch with Grande and Marcello Hernández as demanding instructors felt scattershot, though both impressed with their dancing. The Peacock's Random Duet Christmas Spectacular recreated the iconic Bowie-Bing Crosby duet by pairing unlikely artists, with Grande nailing impersonations of Katy Perry and Celine Dion, while Johnson stood out as Bob Dylan.
