Grab the cookies and espresso: A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, a holiday variety music special premieres on Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. EST.
The holiday special showcases pop icon Carpenter performing songs from her holiday EP fruitcake and other chart-topping holiday covers, and features guest performing artists, comedic cameos, and unexpected duets.
“We all had such a great time on set,” Carpenter tells Tudum. “It was so fun to collaborate with such talented artists and friends of mine, and it was the first time I performed with all of our musical guests, and I’m such a fan of them all. It felt like we were making our own Christmas traditions together, so that was really fulfilling.”
The show will feature duets with Chappell Roan, Tyla, Shania Twain, and Kali Uchis, and will also include appearances from Nico Hiraga, Cara Delevingne, Kyle Mooney, Megan Stalter, Sean Astin, Owen Thiele, and Jillian Bell. Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson also makes an appearance as a ghost of holiday present who, well, gets ghosted. Watch the exclusive clip below.
No confirmation on whether Santa Claus will make an appearance, but fans can count on their No. 1 SC to be there with bells on. Carpenter is producing A Nonsense Christmas alongside OBB Pictures under her At Last Productions banner.
“The holidays have always been so special to me,” Carpenter told Netflix.
“I am excited to bring my take to a classic holiday variety show — infusing my love of music and comedy to make something that is uniquely me.”
“Sabrina’s vision to subvert the classic holiday special has been clear since day one,” said Michael D. Ratner, executive producer and founder/CEO of OBB Media. “At OBB, we partner with the world’s most captivating artists to reimagine the expected, and we’re proud of the work by our entire team and want to highlight Simone Spira, the Volara team, Sam Wrench, Nikki Boella and all involved that brought Sabrina’s vision to life on Netflix.”
Of course, long before the holidays, Carpenter had already established herself as the gift that keeps on giving. Just before the announcement of A Nonsense Christmas, Carpenter released her sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the third-biggest first week debut in 2024. The album was instantly met with an outpouring of critical acclaim from the likes of The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Variety, and many more.
As for the holiday special, Carpenter offered some inspiration for how best to enjoy it at home.
“I always loved watching Christmas movies with friends and family,” she says. “I would say get a crew together, maybe make your favorite holiday drink or treat and watch the special. Or if you want more of a cozy vibe, have a personal self-care night in and just relax and enjoy the show. Or, Netflix and chill.”
A Nonsense Christmas is produced by Sabrina Carpenter; Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Simone Spira, and Kfir Goldberg for OBB; Bill Perlman and Janelle Lopez Genzink. Check back for updates on surprise guests — and what will surely be the perfect nonsense holiday outro.
