Kate McKinnon’s Christmas Wish to HostSNLComes True — Thanks to the Iconic Rockefeller Tree!

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate McKinnonis channeling the magic of Christmas and coming home toSaturday Night Live!In a promo video for this week’s episode of the late night sketch show, theBarbieactress, 39, places a wish upon the Rockefeller Christmas tree in hopes of hosting the late night sketch comedy show alongside musical guestBillie Eilish.“Hey, Tree, sup? I haven’t seen you in a while,” she begins as she gazes up at the iconic holiday symbol. “I know you’re probably fielding a lot of Christmas wishes right now, but I’d like to add one myself if that’s okay.”Kate McKinnon wishes upon the Rockefeller Christmas tree.Saturday Night Live/YoutubeAfter wishing for her turn to host, McKinnon recognizes it’s a “big ask” and lists all the ways she’s been nice, and not naughty this year.“I’ve been very thoroughly cleaning my cat food cans before I recycle them. I was inBarbie— I played the hot one. But mostly I want to host because I really miss it,” she continues. “I miss the stage. I miss Lorne, I miss wearing Giuliani teeth.”Kate McKinnon in her ‘SNL’ promo video.Saturday Night Live/Youtube"So if you could see it in your little tree heart to grant your old friend Kate this one wish I would be…” she gushes beforeKenan Thompsoninterrupts with a loud, “Kate!”“Kenan! Hey, what’s up?” McKinnon says as she whirls around.When Thompson informs her that the cast is waiting to begin rehearsal for this week’s show, she can’t believe the magic of the tree “actually f—ing works.”Kenan Thompson interrupts Kate McKinnon in front of 30 Rockefeller.Saturday Night Live/YoutubeShe turns to face a crowd of fans standing in line in front of 30 Rockefeller, telling them, “You guys, I’m hostingSaturday Night Live!” In response, the fans cheer and applaud.Then, McKinnon and Thompson grab each other’s hands and head into rehearsals. “Kate, did nobody tell you, you were hosting?” a puzzled Thompson asks.McKinnon shrugs, “Oh I wouldn’t know, I dropped my phone in the toilet in September.”“That’s classic Kate,” he says, shaking his head.Kate McKinnon in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.Saturday Night Live/YoutubeMcKinnon previously joined the cast ofSNLduring season 37 in 2012. At the time, she was the first openly lesbian cast member to join the series. She appeared onher final episodeas a cast member in May 2022.The actress currently holds the record for the longest a woman has stayed on the show’s lineup, according toEntertainment Weekly.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Saturday Night Liveairs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

Kate McKinnonis channeling the magic of Christmas and coming home toSaturday Night Live!

In a promo video for this week’s episode of the late night sketch show, theBarbieactress, 39, places a wish upon the Rockefeller Christmas tree in hopes of hosting the late night sketch comedy show alongside musical guestBillie Eilish.

“Hey, Tree, sup? I haven’t seen you in a while,” she begins as she gazes up at the iconic holiday symbol. “I know you’re probably fielding a lot of Christmas wishes right now, but I’d like to add one myself if that’s okay.”

Kate McKinnon wishes upon the Rockefeller Christmas tree.Saturday Night Live/Youtube

Saturday Night Live/Youtube

After wishing for her turn to host, McKinnon recognizes it’s a “big ask” and lists all the ways she’s been nice, and not naughty this year.

“I’ve been very thoroughly cleaning my cat food cans before I recycle them. I was inBarbie— I played the hot one. But mostly I want to host because I really miss it,” she continues. “I miss the stage. I miss Lorne, I miss wearing Giuliani teeth.”

Kate McKinnon in her ‘SNL’ promo video.Saturday Night Live/Youtube

“So if you could see it in your little tree heart to grant your old friend Kate this one wish I would be…” she gushes beforeKenan Thompsoninterrupts with a loud, “Kate!”

“Kenan! Hey, what’s up?” McKinnon says as she whirls around.

When Thompson informs her that the cast is waiting to begin rehearsal for this week’s show, she can’t believe the magic of the tree “actually f—ing works.”

Kenan Thompson interrupts Kate McKinnon in front of 30 Rockefeller.Saturday Night Live/Youtube

She turns to face a crowd of fans standing in line in front of 30 Rockefeller, telling them, “You guys, I’m hostingSaturday Night Live!” In response, the fans cheer and applaud.

Then, McKinnon and Thompson grab each other’s hands and head into rehearsals. “Kate, did nobody tell you, you were hosting?” a puzzled Thompson asks.

McKinnon shrugs, “Oh I wouldn’t know, I dropped my phone in the toilet in September.”

“That’s classic Kate,” he says, shaking his head.

Kate McKinnon in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.Saturday Night Live/Youtube

McKinnon previously joined the cast ofSNLduring season 37 in 2012. At the time, she was the first openly lesbian cast member to join the series. She appeared onher final episodeas a cast member in May 2022.

The actress currently holds the record for the longest a woman has stayed on the show’s lineup, according toEntertainment Weekly.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Saturday Night Liveairs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

source: people.com