What happens when Sabrina Carpenter throws out the rulebook and turns Christmas into a quirky, offbeat celebration of all things joyful and ridiculous? Netflix’s A Nonsense Christmas is the unexpected holiday special that might become your new festive obsession.
With her trademark charm and fearless sense of humor, Carpenter reimagines the classic Christmas special, blending heartwarming moments with absurdity, music, and a playful take on the season’s traditions. This isn’t your typical sugar-coated holiday fare—it’s a whirlwind of creativity that dares to be different. Prepare to be captivated by the nonsense only Carpenter could pull off. And it’s not just her special that shows off her artistry—Carpenter is genuinely bringing back the “OG popstar energy” we didn’t even realize we were missing.
From her electrifying stage presence to her boundless creativity, it’s clear she’s not just a performer—she’s a student of pop history, channeling the greats while making them entirely her own. The way she effortlessly blends showmanship, artistry, and personality is something we’ve been craving in pop music, and 2024 truly feels like her year.
That same magnetic energy pours into her musical performances in A Nonsense Christmas. Carpenter delivers memorable renditions of classic holiday hits, each made unique with her collaborations. Her rendition of “Last Christmas” alongside Chappell Roan is a playful and refreshing take, filled with infectious energy. The significance of Roan’s appearance here becomes evident, especially after teasing fans about collaboration following Carpenter’s viral BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge rendition of Roan’s “Good Luck Babe.” This moment bridges the anticipation built around the potential for their artistic synergy, showcasing how their unique energies complement each other in a way that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
Following almost a year of collaboration rumors on Short and Sweet, Carpenter teams up in the special with Tyla for a smooth, soulful cover of “This Christmas,” bringing a contemporary twist to the festive classic. The way they blended Tyla’s soulful depth with Carpenter’s pop sensibility was a brilliant fusion, giving the classic track a contemporary yet timeless vibe. What truly elevated the performance, though, was the stunning visual aspect. Tyla’s gift-wrap red bow-inspired two-piece outfit was absolutely on point, adding an extra layer of festive fun and flair to the performance. It felt like the perfect embodiment of the holiday spirit—bright, bold, and energetic. Their outfits and vocals meshed beautifully, creating a visually and musically captivating overall package.
The transition to Kali Uchis’ collaboration with Carpenter only further elevates the special’s dynamic, taking us into a more playful, yet equally enchanting, space. The pairing of Carpenter and Uchis on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” adds a cheeky, fun vibe, perfectly capturing the mischievous spirit of the season.
Carpenter’s Christmas wish came true in the most unforgettable way this year during her performance with the legendary Shania Twain. Perhaps the most iconic moment of the special, Carpenter’s rendition of “Santa Baby” alongside Twain is nothing short of magical. The duet blends Carpenter’s infectious charm with Shania’s signature country-pop influence, creating a performance that shines with holiday sparkle. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, as Carpenter seamlessly holds her own next to the queen of country pop. These covers highlight Carpenter’s vocal versatility and showcase her ability to make each track her own, bringing a fresh, unique spin to timeless holiday classics.
One of the most clever moments in A Nonsense Christmas comes early in the show when Carpenter delivers a witty line during the opening musical number. As she kicks off the special, she casually reminds viewers that it’s rated TV-14 and that she only has three F-bombs to use throughout the show. With playful confidence, she drops two right at the beginning, setting the tone for her irreverent sense of humor. The third one is saved for a perfectly timed moment after the end credits, adding an extra layer of fun to the already chaotic special. Moments like these highlight Carpenter’s knack for blending humor and music in a fresh, effortlessly entertaining way.
Another standout moment in A Nonsense Christmas comes from Kyle Mooney, whose sketch had me in stitches. His segment, blending absurdity with his signature quirky humor, was an absolute highlight of the special. The “Why’s everyone lying to me?” bit had me laughing out loud—Mooney’s delivery was spot-on, and his timing was perfect. It was one of those moments where you couldn’t help but laugh at how bizarrely relatable it was, especially with the holiday season’s chaotic energy. Mooney’s offbeat comedy perfectly complements Carpenter’s vibrant energy, creating an unforgettable comedic duo that had me wanting more.
A Nonsense Christmas proved to be a delightful surprise. While I initially didn’t expect to find much to laugh about, I chuckled more than anticipated. The singing was top-notch, and the playful twists on classic holiday songs brought fresh energy to well-known tracks. Often a hit-or-miss element in holiday specials, the sketches were genuinely funny, with Chappell Roan’s cameo as one of the most impressive moments. Her sharp wit and humor made it clear that she deserved more screen time—perhaps even her sketch. That said, the special’s quick cuts and lack of a cohesive storyline might leave some viewers wanting more structure, but considering it’s called A Nonsense Christmas, it’s easy to let that slide. Overall, the special was a fun, chaotic ride—an unexpected yet enjoyable holiday treat that’s both refreshing and undeniably entertaining.
Alongside the musical guests, A Nonsense Christmas also features a star-studded lineup of non-musical guests who bring their unique flair to the special. Nico Hiraga and Cara Delevingne bring their trademark charm and humor, adding a playful edge to the holiday madness. Megan Stalter’s offbeat humor leaves a lasting impression, while Hollywood icons like Sean Astin and Jillian Bell bring both heart and hilarity to the special. Owen Thiele rounds out the guest list, contributing his wit to the lighthearted chaos. This eclectic mix of actors, comedians, and stars makes A Nonsense Christmas even more entertaining, adding humor and excitement to the unforgettable experience.
Following the release of A Nonsense Christmas, I petition Carpenter and her team to be handed a couple of cameras and another unlimited budget. Let them loose in the world to create whatever wild, hilarious magic they can dream up next. Everything Carpenter touches is pure comedic gold, and it’s impossible not to want—no, need—more of this whimsical, offbeat sitcom world she’s crafted. The way she effortlessly blends humor, creativity, and pure fun is something truly special, and I’m ready for more episodes, more chaos, and more of her infectious energy.