Gwen Stefani performs new holiday song Hot Cocoa at Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Gwen Stefani performed her new holiday song Hot Cocoa at the Rockefeller Center tree lighting on Dec. 3

Gwen Stefani brought festive cheer to Rockefeller Center on December 3 with a performance of her new holiday song, “Hot Cocoa,” during NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center special. The singer appeared in a lace and sequin-encrusted mini dress as she delivered the seasonal track to the holiday crowd.

Hosted by Reba McEntire, the special also featured performances from Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenoweth, Laufey, New Edition, Brad Paisley, and Carly Pearce. The Radio City Rockettes performed as part of their 100th anniversary season, adding to the festive celebrations.

The Christmas tree itself, a Norway spruce from East Greenbush, New York, stood 75 feet tall with a diameter of 45 feet. Decorated with 50,000 LED lights and topped with a 900-pound Swarovski star, the tree was described as the highlight of the evening by NBC.

Stefani recently released a deluxe edition of her 2017 holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, which included “Hot Cocoa” and another new track, “Shake the Snow Globe.”

In an interview with KOST 103.5, she explained that “Shake the Snow Globe” was inspired by the idea of creating a fresh Christmas song perspective. Stefani added that she values the nostalgic impact of holiday music, noting, “When Christmas comes around, you feel so nostalgic… it makes it even more special.”

Looking beyond the holidays, Stefani is preparing for a six-show residency in Las Vegas with No Doubt at The Sphere in May 2026. Fans attending the Rockefeller Center lighting received an early glimpse of her festive new music, highlighting her continued presence in the holiday music scene.