Snoop Dogg Sets the Gridiron Ablaze with Star-Studded NFL Christmas Halftime Show
Holiday festivities reached a high-octane crescendo this year as Snoop Dogg took center stage for Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday Live. Performing during the intermission of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings matchup, the “Doggfather” delivered a high-energy spectacle that proved to be the ultimate gift for football fans and music lovers alike.
The event, titled “Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party,” was introduced by longtime friend and lifestyle icon Martha Stewart. What followed was a vibrant, genre-blurring celebration that seamlessly fused hip-hop, country, K-pop, and classical crossover into one cinematic experience.
Emerging at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Snoop looked every bit the holiday mogul in a striking crimson ensemble, featuring a fur-trimmed overcoat paired with a sharp double-breasted suit. He immediately tapped into his legendary catalog, igniting the crowd with the Dr. Dre-produced anthems “The Next Episode” and “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
The performance then took a playful turn with a reimagined “Twelve Days of Christmas.” Snoop was joined by the vocal powerhouse trio Huntr/x—comprising EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the group behind the animated Netflix sensation Kpop Demon Hunters.
Keeping the momentum high, Snoop revisited his solo hits “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” before shifting gears into the country realm. He welcomed reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson to the stage for a soulful, upbeat rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.”
In a sophisticated finale, the rap icon leaned into the elegance of the season. He stood alongside world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo Bocelli, for a breathtaking cover of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” adding a touch of timeless class to the Minneapolis skyline.
The holiday spirit was further bolstered by Kelly Clarkson, who appeared in a pre-recorded, football-themed visual for her modern classic “Underneath the Tree,” setting the festive tone early in the broadcast.
Netflix had been building anticipation for this star-studded lineup throughout December. Snoop Dogg himself teased the event earlier this month, stating, “NFL, Netflix, and your uncle Snoop on Christmas Day? We’re servin’ up music, love, and good vibes for the whole world to enjoy. That’s the kind of holiday magic Santa can’t fit in a bag.” The streaming giant even enlisted funk legend George Clinton to narrate the promotional teasers leading up to the big day.
This massive production follows the success of Netflix’s inaugural Christmas special last year, which featured Beyoncé. As the platform continues to cement itself as a destination for major live events, Snoop’s performance stands as a testament to the crossover appeal of sports and premium entertainment.
On the field, the day was equally eventful. The Dallas Cowboys claimed a 30-23 victory over the Washington Commanders, while the Minnesota Vikings secured a home-turf win against the Detroit Lions with a final score of 23-10.
