holidays
Page: 2
All the Lambily wants for Christmas is Mariah Carey — and they’re getting it again. The Queen of Christmas announced on Friday (Aug. 2) that her annual Christmas Time tour is coming back for 2024, but with a little extra to celebrate. “It’s not time yet, but I have exciting news‼️” the five-time Grammy winner […]
HipHopWired Featured Video
Happy holidays to the Hip-Hop Wired readership, and thanks to all of you who have supported us throughout the year. We’re back with another hefty holiday gift guide to assist any of the last-minute shoppers out there like us.
We’d like to apologize for just getting this guide up as this has been a pretty busy month at HHW. That said, let’s get into it.
This year’s holiday gift guide covers a lot of areas from products for the outdoors, apparel, tech, gaming, and much more. Some of these companies are shipping out goods all week so be sure to peruse the list below and snag that one item that will make the day of your loved ones. If you can’t make the shipping deadlines, put those gift cards to use!
Once again, happy holidays to all of the Hip-Hop Wired massive an’ crew out there. We’ll see you all on the flipside in 2024 with more gift guides!
Airscape
Coffee storage is a serious business and keeping one’s precious beans fresh is the first step in a proper cup. Airscape provides a solution in that regard via its innovative, airtight canisters that will also look good on your kitchen counter.
Learn more here.
Banana Phone
The Banana Phone might take some people back to the days of Lancelot Link, Secret Chimo (D.L. is showing his age here). The device is a Bluetooth-enabled handset that also works as a speaker. But beyond its wacky look, the Banana Phone has a bigger mission. A percentage of its annual sales goes toward gorilla conservation.
Learn more here.
Blvck Paris
We featured Blvck Paris last month for our Black Friday guide and they’re back again with a series of new streetwear fashion drops for men and women. Whether you’re going for the understated or the expressive, Blvck Paris doesn’t miss.
Learn more here.
Blackthorn Denim
Blackthorn Denim, founded by John Gallagher, has fit at the top of its mind. With three styles for varying body styles from slim fit to relaxed, Blackthorn Denim aims to bring quality jeans back to the forefront with its limited but tightly curated offerings.
Learn more here.
Can I Remix You A Drink?
[Image Forthcoming]
From the minds of legendary “Rappa Ternt Sanga” T-Pain and veteran music journalist Kathy Iandoli, Can I Remix You A Drink? is a drinking card game that comes on the heels of the T-Pain’s cocktail book, Can I Mix You A Drink? The concept of Remix is clever as it gives players the objective of ending with no cards in their hands via mixing, remixing, and drinking.
Learn more here.
Caribbrew
Founded by Beverly Malbranche, Caribbrew specializes in coffee and cacao sourced from Haiti with gift sets, individual bags of ground and whole-bean coffee, body scrubs, and more.
Learn more here.
Culture Kings
We’re always down to feature Culture Kings, a leader in streetwear fashion. Boasting a number of high-profile collaborations with the likes of Nas, J. Cole, and more, there isn’t a lane that the company doesn’t cover.
Learn more here.
DOROTHY
DOROTHY is a one-stop shop that offers music-themed blueprints, posters, tote bags, mugs, notebooks, you name it. The designs are eye-catching conversation pieces and the price point is beyond approachable. As they are across the pond, order now to get your wares by the holiday.
Learn more here.
Flexispot
is a leader in functional office equipment in the form of its innovative standing desks and office chairs, among other offerings. We love the fact that Flexispot is always offering great sales throughout the year and this period of time is no different. We’ve used their Comhar table, and we love it! We can’t recommend Flexispot enough.
Learn more here.
FRESH by Houston White
Designer and businessman Houston White Jr. is on a mission to provide fashion, hair, and skincare products to the masses. The Minneapolis native has an exceptional product in his FRESH line of body washes, lotions, and more. He also has a product line that can be found in Target stores.
Learn more here.
High Camp Flasks
If you’re someone who likes to schlep their drinks handily when enjoying the outdoors, High Camp Flasks is the brand for you. Coming in various sizes, and colors, along with customizable engraving, this is the flask or tumbler for the nature lovers in your family or crew.
Learn more here.
Hippy Feet
Any time we can feature Hippy Feet in our gift guides is a mood boost. Beyond its wide selection of socks and apparel pieces, what warms the heart is that a significant portion of sales goes towards helping homeless youth.
Learn more here.
It’s A Date
[Image Forthcoming]
Whether you’re a new couple still getting to know one another, or you’ve been together for years, dates are a way to keep the flames stoked. It’s A Date, a fun scratch-off card set that gives over three dozen date ideas, offers a number of ideas to bring you and your loved one closer.
Learn more here.
Jigsaw Surf Co
Founded by former college athletes Charlie and Victoria Fennell, Jigsaw Surf Co combines the pair’s love of surfing and jigsaw puzzles. So when you can’t get to the waves, why not build a board until the conditions improve?
Learn more here.
Lee
Lee is much more than just a brand that makes jeans as the company has expanded to casual and work wear, streetwear apparel, collaborations with other brands, and more. They’ve got a handy gift section on their site so check it out!
Learn more here.
Lyrically Correct
Lyrically Correct is a card game that tests players on their knowledge of lyrics of their favorite Hip-Hop and R&B songs of the 1990s and 2000s. Paired with good vibes and someone on the aux, this has all the makings of an epic game night.
Learn more here.
Meta Quest
Meta Quest, the leading VR headset in the game, is still going strong with its Meta Quest 2 headset with plenty of games and experiences for the whole family. With the addition of the beefed-up Meta Quest 3 headset, the Metaverse graciously awaits all willing to explore the various worlds within.
Learn more here.
Moonbird
Founded by Stephanie Broes and Michael Broes, moonbird (stylized spelling) is a device that helps its users learn the benefits of deep, controlled breathing. We’ve been using moonbird ourselves for the past few weeks and already can tell the difference in our temperament, outlook on life, and ability to focus. It’s truly miraculous.
Learn more here.
Nokia
Nokia is still in the digital devices game despite other companies taking big strides over the years. The Finnish company offers a selection of affordable smartphones and tablets that run on the Android operating system, including its flagship Nokia XR21 rugged phone.
Learn more here.
Old Trapper
Old Trapper is the beef jerky and beef snacks line for people not afraid of big, bold flavors. This is premium stuff, trust us on that.
Learn more here.
PaddleSmash
PaddleSmash combines Pickleball and Roundnet into a fun backyard game the whole family can play.
Learn more here.
PDP
PDP specializes in high-end gaming controllers and accessories for the Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This is for the serious gamers out there and with branded collaborations, you’re sure to find your next pair of sticks and headset.
Learn more here.
PURPLE
PURPLE, founded in 2017, offers comfortable but luxurious streetwear and denim offerings. While its wares are designed to be high in quality, the price point isn’t going to deter anyone who might be looking to invest in their fashion journey.
Learn more here.
Ray-Ban Stories
Improving on already impressive tech, Ray-Ban and Meta connect once more for its Ray-Ban Stories smartglasses. Style and function never looked this good.
Learn more here.
SMMT Outdoor
Learn more here.
Tillys
Tillys is a retail destination for several top fashion and apparel brands for men, women, and children. The company has a handy gift guide section that will take some of the fuss out of finding the perfect gift.
Learn more here.
Wacom
Wacom specializes in an array of graphics tablets and display devices that are essential for graphic designers and sketch artists to form their creations. The Wacom experience is boosted with its Wacom One tablet and pen series with seamless integration via Mac, PC, or Android devices.
Learn more here.
Well Gifted
Well Gifted, founded by longtime friends Heather Pittman and Andi Longsworth, takes the fuzz out of creating a thoughtful gift box with its customizable selections, themed gift sets, and more. Coffee, sweets, and more are all artfully selected to create the gift boxes.
Learn more here.
Yoursy
Founded by NAHA-certified aromatherapist and aromatic perfumer Melike Atilgan, Yoursy created a line of essential oils for productivity, calming, and even rest. The oils can either be used in a diffuser or applied via a handy roll-on applicator.
Learn more here.
Zojirushi
Zojirushi is a brand that’s new to us but the Japanese manufacturer has been a leader in kitchen and home appliances unbeknownst to us. You can shop their rice cookers, coffee makers, and more here in the States. Everything appears to be high-quality stuff too!
Learn more here.
—
Photo: Getty
Barry Manilow turned 80 this year, but don’t think for a second that he’s slowing down. He’s too booked to even consider it. Tonight (Dec. 11) at 10 p.m. ET/PT, NBC will air Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas.
The show was filmed about five weeks ago at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino where he performs his long-running show, Manilow: Las Vegas – The Hits Come Home! The special consists of half holiday songs (“Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Feliz Navidad” and “White Christmas”) and half Manilow hits (his three Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits – “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs” and “Looks Like We Made It” – and what is probably his most famous song “Copacabana”). The special was directed by Matt Askew, who directed Weekends With Adele.
A Very Barry Christmas is Manilow’s third Christmas-themed TV special. He has also released three Christmas albums and was planning to record another one this year, but didn’t get it done. “I started to lay out all the songs that I was going to do, and then this year happened,” Manilow told Billboard. “This year was like the craziest year ever.”
Manilow was honored by the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall in May. He played five consecutive nights (there are no nights off for this trouper) at Radio City Music Hall in May and June – and he’s already booked for five more shows at the legendary venue in April 2024. He was a presenter on the Tony Awards in June. Harmony, the stage musical he wrote with longtime collaborator Bruce Sussman, which had spent decades in development hell, finally opened on Broadway in November.
Manilow has probably done more TV – and used it more effectively – than just about any other pop music performer. He won a Primetime Emmy in 1977 for his first special, The Barry Manilow Special. The show, which featured Laverne & Shirley star Penny Marshall, was seen by 34 million viewers. He won his second in 2006, for the PBS show Manilow: Music and Passion.
He won that first Emmy, at least in part, because he was hot as a pistol in 1977, with a No. 1 single on the Hot 100 (“Looks Like We Made It”) and a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 (Barry Manilow/Live). He won his second, at least in part, because his fellow professionals respected the way he had survived the ups and downs of a long career. He had “made it through the rain,” to borrow the title of one of his best songs – one that a longtime Fanilow (that would be me) ranked No. 6 on this list of his 25 top 40 hits on the Hot 100 that we posted in June to coincide with his reaching the big 8-0.
Manilow talked to Billboard on the eve of tonight’s special. This conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
How did this new special for NBC come about?
NBC executives came to see my regular [non-holiday] show at the Westgate and we were talking afterwards, and they were saying they were looking for Christmas product because everybody was on strike. And I said, “I have a Christmas show. We’ve been doing it for the last four years, and everybody seems to love it.” We sent them a video of it and they loved it. Before we knew it, we were taping the show.
You’ve taken this Christmas show on the road too.
It’s always received really well. I figured out a way of not only doing Christmas songs but my hits. It goes back and forth. It still always feels like a Christmas show, even when I’m singing “Copacabana.”
Christmas songs are right in your wheelhouse because so many of them are filled with yearning and emotion.
Even the [up-tempo] ones feel emotional because we’ve heard them all of our lives. That’s the only way I write, arrange or perform. If it doesn’t make me feel something, and if it doesn’t make the audience feel something, whether it’s sad or happy, then I’ve missed; then I haven’t done it right.
When did you tape the special?
About four or five weeks ago. We did two tapings. When I did my first batch of specials back in the ’70s and ’80s, there were about five cameras. [On this one,] they brought in 12 cameras. They had every angle they possibly could. It’s a beautiful-looking special. It looks otherworldly.
Any guests?
No, but we have Santa, little children, loads of Christmas trees — and it snows on the audience.
Why do you think TV works so well for you?
I try to be as genuine and as honest with every word and everything I say as I possibly can. If I’m right, that works to the camera, just like it works to an audience. If I can’t feel that I am being truthful in every lyric that I sing, then I shouldn’t be on the stage.
Last night I watched your 2019 interview for the Television Academy’s The Interviews series. You talked about how that first special in March 1977 took you to another level of fame and recognition – which is saying something, because you had had two No. 1 hits by that point.
The next morning [after the special aired], I went to the airport and everybody was yelling at me, “Barry! Barry! Barry!” The day before that, nobody paid any attention, but after that, it changed.
Did ABC ever offer you a summer replacement TV show, like a lot of music stars did back did back then?
They did, but I turned it down. I didn’t think it was the right thing to do — but I told them I would love to do one special a year, and they were OK with that. I didn’t think summer replacement [series] were helping the artist, and I didn’t want to be the guy that introduced people and did comedy sketches. That’s really not what I do. I would be terrible at that.
I didn’t realize the term “Fanilow” came from your 2003 appearance on Will & Grace.
One of the characters [played by guest star Sara Gilbert] was waiting [in line with Will, played by Eric McCormack] for tickets to a show of mine and said she was a Fanilow. It was a joke. It was clever and people picked up on it.
That phrase was a gift to you, because it’s catchy and affectionate.
I didn’t like it in the beginning. I thought it was kind of a put-down. But people would come up to me and say, ‘I’m a Fanilow,’ and they’d be so proud that I began to like it. And now I do like it.
I’m impressed that, 50 years into your career, you played five nights at Radio City.
For a New York guy like me, just to do [one night at] Radio City would have been enough — but to sell out five nights, that was really a thrill.
I’m also impressed that you played five consecutive nights. Artists half your age take nights off.
Oh please. I don’t even worry about that. I never get tired. I don’t sleep and I don’t eat. That’s my secret.
Harmony finally opened on Broadway this year. When did you and Bruce first write it?
We got the idea in 1997. It took awhile for us to put it together. And then the producer couldn’t get [it to Broadway] so we’d put it back in the drawer. Then there was another producer waiting to try it. Most of the time, we signed with a production company for three years. Every time we had to wait [until the previous deal was up]. Most of the time they just couldn’t get it to New York.
Dionne Warwick [whose 1979 comeback album Manilow produced] got the Kennedy Center Honors last week. The ceremony will air on TV later this month. It seems to me that if they base their selections on artists who have risen to the top in many different fields of entertainment, you should have gotten it by now. You went to the top in recordings, TV and live performances. If you ever do get that call, what would it mean to you?
Well, it’s quite an honor. No, they’ve never called and asked, and I don’t think they ever will. Maybe I just don’t do the kind of thing they want their honorees to do. I don’t understand why. If they did, would it be the top of the line? It would be pretty close to the top of the line to get an honor like that.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and Jordin Sparks wants to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. The American Idol alum will share gifts ideas from Walmart for Billboard Live Shopping Week with talkshoplive tonight at 7 p.m. ET.
Whether you’re a last-minute shopper, early-bird shopper or somewhere in between, finding the right gift can be time-consuming and maybe a little frustrating, but Sparks is here to help ease some of your holiday anxiety and spark a little joy with an array of the coolest (and cutest) items from Walmart, including gear from top brands like Xbox, Cannon and Tracfone or toys from Melissa & Doug.
Billboard Live Shopping Week with talkshoplive launched Monday with a special merch drop from Garth Brooks, followed by The Bachelorette’s Tayshia Adams on Tuesday — and we’re doubling up for Wednesday.
First, Angela Simmons will let viewers inside the world of Angela’s Cakes with sweet deals on her cake mix and apparel at 6 p.m. ET tonight. Then, Sparks will showcase her top gifts from Walmart at 7 p.m. ET.
The fun continues with Sammy Wilk and Akon sharing brand-new merch drops on Thursday. On Friday, country singer Priscilla Block will team with Hooche podcast host, Demps, to offer merch bundles featuring her Hey Jack T-shirt, Hooche trucker hat and more.
Billboard Live Shopping Week will include a special bonus livestream with Jared Leto on Wednesday, Dec. 13 — and you don’t want to miss it. The Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman will be offering a holiday collection, exclusive tour merch, tour tickets and special VIP packages in honor of his band’s latest studio album, It’s the End of the World But It’s a Beautiful Day.
talkshoplive is the first live streaming platform offers live streaming and home shopping shows with a built-in buying experience that anyone can use.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The holidays are fast approaching! While some might see the holidays as a time for magic, wonder and joy, others might need a little help getting into the holiday spirit. No matter how you might feel about the holiday season, we can all agree that advent calendars are a fun way to put a smile on someone’s face.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
There’s something wholesome and even a little bit exciting about opening a gift each day. Plus, it’s pretty hard to be a Scrooge when you have a daily gift to look forward to.
In the spirit of unwrapping the magic of the holidays, and with Christmas less than a month away, we’ve rounded up a list of the 23 best advent calendars for 2023.
Music, Movie & TV-Themed Advent Calendars
Looking for a White Elephant gift, stocking stuffers, Christmas gift or Hanukah present? Get an advent calendar!
From music to movies, beauty, candy, booze and more, check below for a mixture of thoughtful, affordable and useful advent calendars starting at just $5.
25 Day Advent Calendar Playlist
$4.99
$25
80% off
On a budget? Count down to the holidays with this music-themed holiday scratch off Advent Calendar, which is on sale for just $5. Each day has a scratch off that unveils a QR code to download a holiday song.
Pokemon Holiday Calendar
$49.99
$47.45
$49.99
5% off
A holiday calendar for Pokemon lovers! This advent calendar includes special foil cards, booster packs and more to help you celebrate 25 days of Pokémon TCG surprises.
Funko Pop! Advent Calendar – Horror 13 Day Spooky Countdown 2023, 13 Pocket Pop! Vinyl Figures
Feeling spooky this holiday season? Countdown with the Horror 13-Day Spooky Advent Calendar featuring 13 Funko Pop! minis of classic horror characters.
Paladone Central Perk 12 Days of Bath Advent Calendar 2023
$29.99
$34.99
14% off
Relive the joys of one of TV’s most popular sitcoms with this Friends-themed advent calendar. Instead of keepsakes ornaments and booklets, this self-care calendar features 12 days of bath and body items such as honeysuckle and rose body washes and hand creams; golden raspberry and honeysuckle bath salts; strawberry lip balm and vanilla lip balm.
Men’s Harry Potter 15 Days Socks Advent Calendar
Calling all Potterheads! Celebrate the holidays wizard style with this Harry Potter advent calendar containing 15 Potter-themed socks.
Crystal Advent Calendar 2023
For gem lovers! This crystal advent calendar unearths 24 gorgeous gems to align your chakras and add to your stone collection.
Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Christmas Advent Calendar
$24.99
$39.99
38% off
A cute gift for kids — and maybe even adults. This Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary Advent Calendar includes a colorful array of 24 mini Squishies measuring 3 inches tall.
Super Mario Advent Calendar 2023 Limited Christmas Edition!
$49.99
$55.00
9% off
The Super Mario Bros. Limited-Edition Advent Calendar includes Santa Mario, Snowman Mario, Snowman, Luigi, Princess Peach and more.
Food & Beverage Advent Calendars: Chocolate, Booze & More
Chocolate and booze pretty much reign over the holidays, which is why we couldn’t make a list without a few beverages and tasty treats to enjoy.
Godiva Chocolatier 2023 Deluxe Snowglobe Advent Calendar
For chocolate lovers, Godiva’s 2023 advent calendar is packed with a delectable assortment of 24 signature chocolates, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate and chocolate with almonds, caramel and mousse.
24 Nights of Wine Advent Calendar
Chocolate pairs perfectly with wine. For the vino drinkers, the 12 Nights of Wine Chill Collection includes a mix of reds, whites and roses. The Cozy Night collection features 12 delicious red wines and the 24 Nights of Wine box combines the two.
Tequila Advent Calendar 2023
Tequila drinkers will appreciate this advent calendar. It features 12 mini bottles of Casamigos, Don Julio, 1800 and other tequila.
Bean Box 12 Mornings of Coffee 2023 Specialty Advent Calendar
For coffee drinkers, the Bean Box Advent Calendar lets you enjoy 12 holiday coffees curated by coffee experts.
24 Day of Tea Advent Calendar
$28.99
$38
24% off
If tea is preferred, this 24-day advent features two dozen teas including Chinese black tea to Scandinavian tea with cranberry and elderflower.
Jewelry Advent Calendars
Jewelry is always a safe bet! Keep reading for a rondup of jewelry-themed advent boxes ranging in price from $39.99 and up.
HOPEMATE Jewelry Advent Calendar 2023
The Hopemate jewelry advent calendar contains 24 pairs of jewelry: 11 earrings, five necklaces, four charm bracelets and four rings.
Pura Vida 8-Night Advent Box
Pura Vida’s limited-edition 8-Night Advent Box features delightful designs to help you celebrate the holidays. The box is valued at more than $220 (over 50% in savings).
Abott Lyon Advent Calendar
$330
$570
42% off
Add a personal touch this holiday with this advent calendar from Abbott Lyon. The set comes with personalize the jewelry pieces including a signature initial pendant, birthstone pendant, ring and stud earrings.
Beauty & Wellness Advent Calendars
Beauty advent calendars are a dime a dozen, but we managed to narrow down our list to a handful of calendar options featuring makeup, skincare products and other must-haves.
2023 George & Viv Beauty Advent Calendar
The George & Viv Beauty Advent Calendar features more than $350 worth of treats and treasures from Phur, Elemis, Sunday Riley and other brands.
Ulta Beauty 24-Days of Self Care Advent Calendar
Ulta Beauty’s 24-Days of Self Care Advent Calendar is packed with tons of great items including a sleeping mask, conditioning mask, retinol cream, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturize, Origins Plantscription Multi-Powered Youth Serum, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Spf 40, Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Gloss, Peace Out Skincare 10-Dot Acne Dots, Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment and Tula Skincare Purifying Face Cleanser.
Lovehoney Dream Wand Sex Toy Advent Calendar (12 Piece)
$119
$254.99
53% off
Spice up the holidays with this 12-piece sex toy calendar. The advent calendar includes the Lovehoney Dream Wand and other toys, bondage accessories and games.
Alo Advent Calendar
The limited-edition Alo Advent Calendar includes 24 beauty and wellness gifts such as Alo Yoga branded scented deodorant, Lipo C Gel pack, mini body wash, mini body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, socks, face moisturizer, a cosmetic pouch, hand towel, claw clip and a $25 Alo gift card.
Luxury Advent Calendars: $500+
If you’re holiday shopping without a budget in mind, we’ve collected a few of the higher-priced advent calendars that haven’t sold out yet. The list below starts at $500.
The World of La Mer Advent Calendar
The ultimate in luxury skincare. The World of La Mer Advent Calendar includes La Mer Cleansing Micellar Water, Treatment Lotion 30, Regenerating Serum, Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, Intensive Revitalizing Mask, Eye Concentrate, Hand Treatment, Lip Polish, Lip Balm 9gr, Body Cream, Moisturizing Soft Cream, and Crème de la Mer 15.
Diptyque Holiday Advent Calendar
Diptyque’s advent calendar includes festive fragrances: Sapin (Pine Tree), Délice (Delight) and Coton (Cotton) and 25 festive finds including scented candles, lotion, perfume and more.
Disney100 Advent Calendar 2023
The Disney100 Advent Calendar includes 22 colorful Swarovski ornaments, two necklaces and a set of stickers.
Demi Lovato is bringing together some of their celebrities friends for a night of festive fun in their upcoming Roku special titled A Very Demi Holiday Special, and the latest trailer shared on Wednesday (Nov. 29) gives a peek into jolly ol’ time. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The […]
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. The holiday season is officially here, and with it comes hunting for special gifts for everyone on your list. Cyber Monday […]
For Hannah Waddingham, Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
“I am like a child at Christmas. I love it,” the Ted Lasso superstar tells Billboard. “I don’t like acknowledging the fact that I’m nearly 50. I like to pretend that I’m still a little girl because I just find this time of the year totally magical.”
That’s why it was a no-brainer for the Emmy Award-winning actress to put on her own holiday special. In her upcoming AppleTV+ musical event, Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas, the star will welcome a slew of special guests for a “musical extravaganza” at the London Coliseum, which was recorded live in front of an audience.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In an exclusive clip above shared with Billboard on Friday (Nov. 17), Waddingham and her longtime friend and fellow actor Luke Evans perform a stunning duet of the festive classic, “Winter Wonderland.”
“How long have we known each other, darling? 20 years?” Evans asks Waddingham in the clip, before she says, “20 years! God, did you ever think we’d be on a stage like this?”
“Yup,” Evans hilariously replies, and Waddingham agrees, “Yeah, I did too.” The duo then break into a sweet slow dance before the final chorus.
“I wanted the special to be something for everyone,” Waddingham explains to Billboard. “I wanted a little boy or a little girl to go look at the background and go, ‘Wow.’ I want people to fall in love with the band. I want people to fall in love when they do a wide shot of the theater. I want people to shut their front doors, sit in front of the TV and feel hugged and loved and feel like they can smile and share something with a family, at any age, from four to 94.”
In her own home, Waddingham says Christmas is just as exciting, especially with her eight-year-old daughter Kitty. “I’ve had a resurgence when it comes to Christmas, thanks to my daughter,” she shares. “I mean, I go in with all of it, like the whole Elf on the Shelf and the snowy footprints, the half eaten carrot and all of that. So, until she proves to me otherwise that Father Christmas doesn’t exist, I will be doing the most and then some.”
She adds with a laugh, “My daughter knows that Christmas throws up in my house come December.”
Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas debuts globally on AppleTV+ on November 22.
‘Tis the season of Kelce! Jason Kelce recruited his brother, Travis Kelce, to take part in the Philadelphia Eagles‘ upcoming holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Special, on Wednesday (Nov. 15) with a fitting tribute to the City of Brotherly Love, “Fairytale of Philadelphia.” Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “Fairytale of Philadelphia” […]
11/15/2023
From classic tree ornaments to bold styles, you won’t want to stop looking at your tree even after the holidays are over.
11/15/2023