Actress Kat Graham is bringing pride, joy, and pure Black excellence to this year’s ESSENCE Holiday Celebration of Joy. As co-host of the 2025 special, she says the event is everything she has always wanted in a holiday program—bold, elegant, spiritual, and deeply rooted in Black culture. The special airs on Thanksgiving night on YouTube and ESSENCE.com, offering a vibrant mix of music, laughter, and heartwarming traditions.
A Holiday Special Filled With Black Joy and Powerful Performances
The 2025 Celebration of Joy brings together a strong lineup of Black talent. Graham co-hosts alongside comedian DC Young Fly, creating a fun and energetic duo for the evening. Viewers can expect unforgettable performances from stars like Chance the Rapper, Kierra Sheard, Amber Riley, and CeeLo Green. Even puppet artist Megan Piphus and young performer Heiress Harris help bring the show to life.
Graham says the performances “take you to church,” capturing the emotional and spiritual energy Black families feel during the holidays. Filmed in Atlanta, the set design, vocals, and children involved in the show helped her instantly feel the season’s magic. She described the entire shoot as “elegant, glamorous, joyful, and unapologetically Black.”
The actress believes this is the kind of holiday special Black audiences have long deserved. “I hope we do it every year,” she shared, reflecting on how the show blends timeless traditions with a modern style.
Kat Graham’s Own Holiday Traditions Bring Family and Fun Together
Although the Celebration of Joy is filled with celebrity moments, Graham’s personal holiday life is refreshingly grounded. At home in Georgia, she hosts Thanksgiving each year for family and friends. The day starts with competitive family games and ends with a beautiful dinner outdoors, surrounded by candles and fire pits.
Graham loves getting into the holiday spirit early. Even though she and her husband, Bryant Wood, spend Christmas at his mother’s home, she enjoys movies, light shows, and any activity that brings warm holiday vibes. For her, the season is about connection, tradition, and joy.
She and Bryant are playful during the holidays, and their biggest tradition is family competitions that include everyone—from grandparents to children. As a foodie, she also updates the holiday menu each year but keeps the nostalgic flavors alive.
Why the Celebration of Joy Matters for Black Audiences
Graham believes ESSENCE’s Celebration of Joy stands out because it centers Black culture in a proud and intentional way. She emphasizes that the show feels authentic, stylish, and spiritually uplifting. It honors Black families, Black traditions, and Black creativity without apology—something she thinks viewers will appreciate.
Alongside DC Young Fly, Graham brings charm, humor, and fresh energy to the hosting role. Together, they guide the show through moments of laughter, classic holiday imagery, and modern flair. The special blends the past and present, giving viewers a holiday show that feels familiar yet new.
Graham hopes audiences walk away feeling celebrated, represented, and inspired. With powerful music, strong cultural elements, and warm storytelling, the Celebration of Joy aims to become a yearly favorite.
