There are definite ways that we make the beginning of the Christmas season. Like firing up the 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire wagon and heading to Stanley Park with a chainsaw to cut down the family Xmas.

And making a 10-litre vat of Alton Brown recipe eggnog to be consumed during nightly viewings of Black Christmas, A Christmas Horror Story, and Better Watch Out. And watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, but not until you’ve popped two Prozac and hidden all of the razor blades.

But the best indicator that the most wonderful time of year is official here is the arrival of Christmas specials. And tonight hometown hero Michael Bublé gets the party started with Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City.

New York City is the backdrop for the hour-long special because, well, it’s a tad more well-known than the 46-year-old crooner’s hometown of Burnaby.

Hanging out by the fire, under the mistletoe, and by the punch bowl will be the likes of modern-day soulman Leon Bridges, talk-show giant Jimmy Fallon, Cuban pop star Camila Cabello, and—most exciting of all—Kermit the Frog.

As one might expect by the inclusion of the world’s most famous muppet—not to mention that Saturday Night Live’s Lorne Michaels is among the producers—comedy will be just as big a part of the night as music.

In addition to kicking off the 2021 holiday season, Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City will also mark the 10-year anniversary of the singer’s platinum-selling album Christmas. A new re-issue of the album features seven new bonus tracks, including a big-band version of “Let It Snow!” and a take on “Winter Wonderland” with Rod Stewart riding shotgun.

Tune into Michael Bublé’s Christmas in the City tonight on NBC from 7-8 p.m. on NBC. And don’t forget to make sure you have an extra-large bowl of Sailor Jerry rumballs on hand, Alton Brown eggnog optional.