On Christmas Day 2025, as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings battled it out at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the real magic unfolded during halftime. Snoop Dogg, the iconic West Coast rapper, headlined “Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party,” turning the NFL’s mid-game break into a vibrant, cinematic celebration that blended hip-hop swagger, country twang, K-pop energy, soulful vibes, and operatic elegance. Draped in twinkling festive lights, the stadium became a holiday universe where every note resonated with joy, warmth, and unexpected delight. Streamed live globally on Netflix to millions, the performance was a masterful mix of classic hits, Christmas favorites, and surprise collaborations—no overproduced theatrics, just pure musical legacy and heartfelt celebration.
The show kicked off with a delightful twist: lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, Snoop’s longtime friend and collaborator from their hit cooking series, appeared to narrate a reimagined version of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” With her signature poise, she wove in playful Snoop-isms, like references to “gin and juice” filling the air, setting a whimsical tone that had the crowd roaring with laughter. It was the perfect setup for Snoop to emerge, dressed in a festive red ensemble complete with a furry-trimmed coat, exuding his trademark cool as he launched into a medley of his timeless tracks.
Snoop wasted no time bringing the heat, flowing seamlessly through staples like “The Next Episode,” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”. Backed by a lively choir, drummer boys, and energetic dancers, he infused each song with holiday flair, turning the football field into a massive party zone. His charisma was infectious, dancing across the stage and engaging the packed stadium, reminding everyone why he’s a cultural juggernaut who’s transcended generations.
The surprises kept coming. Rising Southern soul artist Tonio Armani, a fresh signee to Snoop’s Death Row Records, joined for a soul-stirring segment, adding smooth vocals and emotional depth that bridged the gap between rap and heartfelt melody. Then, in a high-energy shift, the singing voices behind HUNTR/X—the fictional K-pop girl group from Netflix’s blockbuster animated film KPOP Demon Hunters—took the stage. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami delivered a pulsating, bass-heavy rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” complete with intricate choreography and nods to their viral hit “Golden.” Their performance brought a modern, global pop edge, with dazzling visuals and fierce energy that electrified the younger crowd.
Next came country superstar Lainey Wilson, who made a grand entrance gliding onto the field in a luxurious white sleigh—dubbed the “Snoopmobile”—wearing a stunning winter-white jumpsuit and cowboy hat. The reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year belted out a spirited, twang-infused version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” her powerful voice soaring as Snoop grooved alongside her. It was a perfect fusion of genres, highlighting Wilson’s breakout year and her ability to command a massive stage with authentic charm.
But the most breathtaking moment arrived as a true surprise: world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo stepped into the spotlight for a serene, goosebump-inducing duet of “White Christmas.” As faux snow gently fell from above, their crystalline voices filled the stadium, creating a moment of pure emotional transcendence. The father-son duo was soon joined by Snoop, Wilson, HUNTR/X, and Tonio Armani on a central platform, uniting all performers in a grand finale that felt like a classic holiday special come to life. Snoop closed with a warm Merry Christmas message to families worldwide, emphasizing love and good vibes.
This eclectic lineup wasn’t random; it reflected Snoop’s boundless collaborative spirit and Netflix’s ambition to make Christmas Day football a global entertainment event. Following Beyoncé’s acclaimed performance the previous year, Snoop elevated the tradition with a show that defied expectations. Fans and critics alike hailed it as one of the most dynamic halftime spectacles in recent memory—some even declaring it superior to several Super Bowl shows for its organic flow and genre-whiplash joy. Social media erupted with praise, from Elmo tweeting about Snoop’s outfit to viewers marveling at the seamless transitions from rap to opera.
Behind the scenes, the production by Jesse Collins Entertainment shone through in the seamless execution, despite the challenges of a live stadium broadcast. The stage design featured massive holiday decorations, pyrotechnics, and immersive lighting that transformed U.S. Bank Stadium into a winter wonderland. Snoop, a lifelong football fan who’s coached youth leagues and even served as an honorary Olympics coach, was in his element, blending his love for the game with his musical prowess.
Netflix’s second annual Christmas Gameday doubleheader—featuring the Cowboys-Commanders earlier and this Lions-Vikings matchup—drew record viewership, with the halftime show now available as a standalone special on the platform. It capped a day that started with Kelly Clarkson’s uplifting performance of “Underneath the Tree” before the first game.
In an era where halftime shows often chase viral moments through elaborate productions, Snoop’s approach stood out for its authenticity. There were no forced narratives or gimmicks—just incredible artists sharing the stage, celebrating the holidays through music. From the playful banter with Martha Stewart to the soaring finale with the Bocellis, every element carried warmth and spectacle. It wasn’t just a halftime break; it was a gift that made Christmas feel alive, uniting diverse audiences in shared joy.
As the second half kicked off and the Vikings ultimately triumphed 23-10, the echoes of the performance lingered. Snoop Dogg didn’t just headline—he created a holiday memory that will be replayed for years, proving once again that music has the power to bridge worlds, spread cheer, and turn a football game into something truly magical.
