Cher Performs ‘DJ Play a Christmas Song’ & ‘Run Rudolph Run’

Cher brought holiday magic to Saturday Night Live.

The pop icon, 79, made her highly anticipated return as musical guest on Dec. 20, marking her first appearance in 38 years. She appeared on the final episode of 2025, hosted by Wicked star Ariana Grande.

Cher didn’t disappoint, delivering a spirited performance of “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and a rocking cover of Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run.” Both tracks appear on her 2023 holiday album, Christmas, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart that year.

The 13-song album, her 27th overall, blends classic holiday tunes with original tracks, featuring guest appearances from Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper, Darlene Love, Tyga and Stevie Wonder.

“They’re not ‘Christmas Christmas’ songs, OK, they’re just great songs,” Cher told Billboard in 2023. “And I never say that because I almost never like what I do. But I mean people love it and I’m happy. I’m so particular, but I love the songs and everyone who hears them loves them.”

Cher’s last SNL appearance as a musical guest was on Nov. 21, 1987. The Oscar-winning Moonstruck actress has also made two cameos on the show: once during a Nicolas Cage–hosted episode in 1992 and again earlier this year for the program’s 50th-anniversary special.

She also recently released a new holiday single, “Christmas Is Here.”

In addition to her festive musical performances, Cher joined Bowen Yang for a special moment in his final SNL sketch. The comedian portrayed a Delta Sky Club employee working his last shift, quietly reflecting on what’s ending. What followed was a stripped-back rendition of the Eagles’ “Please Come Home for Christmas,” with Grande joining in before Cher made a surprise appearance.

Earlier that day, Yang confirmed on Instagram that the Dec. 20 episode would be his last on SNL. “I’m grateful for every minute of my time there,” he wrote. “I learned about myself (bad with wigs). i learned about others (generous, vulnerable, hot). i learned that human error can be nothing but correct.”

After the holiday break, SNL will return in 2026 with an episode hosted by Stranger Things star and musical guest A$AP Rocky on Jan. 17.

Watch Cher’s SNL performances below, and find all the ways to stream the full episode here.