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Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic late-night sketch comedy show, continues to delight audiences with its blend of humor, satire, and star-studded appearances. On March 22, 2025, NBC re-aired the December 21, 2024 episode, featuring the incomparable Martin Short as host and the soulful Hozier as the musical guest. This episode, originally a holiday special, provided viewers with a delightful mix of comedy sketches and musical performances.
In this post, we revisit the highlights of this memorable episode, celebrating the enduring charm of SNL’s festive specials.
Martin Short: A Legendary Host
Martin Short, a celebrated actor, comedian, and writer, brought his unique flair to the SNL stage. Known for his sharp wit and vibrant character work, Short’s tenure on SNL during the 1984-85 season introduced memorable characters like Ed Grimley and Nathan Thurm. His return to host the December 21, 2024 episode marked his induction into SNL’s prestigious Five-Timers Club, a testament to his lasting impact on the show.
Throughout the episode, Short’s comedic genius shone through various sketches, including:
- Parking Lot Altercation
- An Act of Kindness
- Christmas Airport Parade
- Peanuts Christmas
These sketches exemplified Short’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments, leaving a lasting impression on both the live audience and viewers at home.
Hozier: Musical Guest Extraordinaire
Hozier, the Irish singer-songwriter renowned for hits like “Take Me to Church,” graced the SNL stage with his powerful vocals and emotive performances. In this episode, he delivered renditions of:
- “Too Sweet”: A track from his album Unreal Unearth: Unending, showcasing his soulful style.
- “Fairytale of New York”: A beautiful cover of The Pogues’ 1988 Christmas classic, adding a unique touch to the holiday favorite.
Hozier’s performances added a melodic depth to the episode, perfectly complementing the festive atmosphere.
Celebrity Cameos and Special Moments
The episode was enriched by numerous celebrity appearances, including:
- Tom Hanks: Participated in the “Christmas Airport Parade” sketch, bringing his comedic timing to the holiday setting.
- Tina Fey: Joined Short in the “Christmas Airport Parade” sketch, enhancing the comedic dynamic.
- Paul Rudd: Appeared in the “Sábado Gigante Christmas Special” sketch, adding to the festive humor.
- Dana Carvey: Also featured in the “Sábado Gigante Christmas Special” sketch, contributing to the episode’s comedic variety.
These cameos, along with others from Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, John Mulaney, Scarlett Johansson, and Jimmy Fallon, created a lively and unpredictable viewing experience, embodying the spirit of SNL’s holiday specials.
A Timeless Holiday Special
Revisiting the December 21, 2024 episode of SNL on March 22, 2025, allowed both new and returning viewers to experience the magic of the show’s holiday tradition. Martin Short’s return as host, coupled with Hozier’s musical performances and the array of celebrity cameos, made this episode a standout in SNL’s legacy.
As SNL continues to evolve, episodes like this remind us of the show’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, delivering content that resonates with audiences across generations.
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