Kate McKinnon’s Christmas Wish to Host SNL Comes True — Thanks to the Iconic Rockefeller Tree!

Kate McKinnon channels the magic of Christmas and Homecoming Saturday night live!

In a promotional video for this week’s episode of the late-night sketch show, Barbie actress, 39, is making a wish on the Rockefeller Christmas tree in hopes of hosting a late-night comedy sketch with musical guest Billie Eilish.

“Hey Tree, are you? I haven’t seen you in a long time,” he begins while looking at the legendary holiday symbol. “I know you probably have a lot of Christmas wishes right now, but I’d like to add one if that’s okay.”

Kate McKinnon wants a Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Saturday Night Live/Youtube

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

“I cleaned my cat food cans very thoroughly before I recycled them. I was in Barbie — I played hot. But mostly I want to host because I really miss it,” she continues. “I miss the stage. I miss Lorne, I miss Giuliani’s teeth.”

Kate McKinnon in her ‘SNL’ promotional 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’d be…” she said before Kenan Thompson cut her off with a loud, “Kate!”

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

When Thompson tells her that the cast is waiting to start rehearsals for this week’s play, she can’t believe that the tree’s magic is “actually working.”

Kenan Thompson interrupts Kate McKinnon in front of 30 Rockefeller.

Saturday Night Live/Youtube

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He turns to the throngs of fans lined up outside 30 Rockefeller, telling them, “Guys, I’m the host Saturday night live!” In response, the fans cheer and clap.

Then McKinnon and Thompson hold hands and head to rehearsals. “Kate, no one told you, you were the host?” – asks a confused Thompson.

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

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

Kate McKinnon in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Saturday Night Live/Youtube

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McKinnon previously joined the cast SNL during season 37 in 2012. At the time, she was the first openly lesbian cast member to join the series. She appeared in her last episode as a cast member in May 2022.

The actress currently holds the record for the longest tenure by a female in the cast of the series, according to Entertainment Weekly.

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Saturday night live airs Saturdays at 11:30 PM ET on NBC.

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Source: HIS Education