Why You Need To Watch This Bonkers, Star-Studded Holiday Special

Kicking off the season with a star-studded, musical celebration, Empire star Taraji P. Henson returns to FOX to host her third annual White Hot Holidays special on Dec. 14. And let me just tell you, even the chimneys Santa slides down into every Christmas night don't get this lit. Full of festive cheer, goodwill, and hilarious holiday skits, Taraji's White Hot Holidays will be one you don't want to miss.

Per the New York Daily News, the special was already filmed, so fans know what kind of skits and performances to expect when Fox airs it. Standing out in a sea of seasonal TV specials, this family-friendly yuletide celebration is all about bringing the laughs and showcasing the Hidden Figures star's many talents. “What I love most about doing the White Hot Holidays special would be the comedy sketches, because a lot of people know me as this dramatic actress, so it’s a chance for me to play and have fun,” Henson said, according to The Philadelphia Tribune. “I just grew up watching variety shows, and I felt like there was a void on television. It’s a good time for me to have my friends come on and sing a song.”

Still not convinced of its brilliance? Here are five reasons why you'll definitely want to tune in to this dazzling and totally bonkers one-hour special.

Tituss Burgess As Baby Jesus

The show is making sure everyone knows the reason for the season with a rendition of the nativity story like you've never seen it before. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star will hilariously cameo as baby Jesus, with a mischievous smile and fancy manger to match. And with Henson as his mama Mary, the three wise men better come correct.

A Hamilton-eque Performance

Still sad you didn't snag tickets to one of Broadways's hottest productions? This is your chance to experience the action without leaving the comfort of your own home. Or dropping $200+ on tickets. Well, sort of. Bringing Prancer power to the period piece, Henson along with a few special celebrity guests perform a musical number inspired by the play. And there's good chance Henson's rapping will rival Alexander Hamilton's. She is a Lyon after all.

Mrs. Claus' Litty Girls' Night

Ever wondered what Mrs. Claus does when Santa is away delivering presents? She ain't at home baking cookies! Instead her Christmas Eve plans, according to this sneak peek, involve a Risky Business-style solo-dance party and a visit from Mrs. Easter Bunny. Free to get turnt without their men around, the two decided to push it real good with the help of Salt-N-Pepa, cocktails and a few sexy firefighters. Just hope Santa doesn't come home early!

The Battle of the Santas

Will the real St. Nick please stand up? Henson's holiday special has more than one Father Christmas gracing the stage, courtesy of Taye Diggs and DJ Khaled. But who's the jolliest of them all? Henson's betting her milk and cookies on DJ Khaled's performance. "You want your Santa to have a little weight on him. That’s how you’re used to seeing him," she told The New York Post. "Taye looks a little like he’s struggling, like Santa was a little hungry, you know? (laughs) But he made [the skit] funny, so that was the whole point."

The Twerk-tastic Musical Numbers

Let's face it. Sometimes holiday music can be a total snooze-fest. Fortunately this holiday special will serve up plenty of sounds that sleigh, according to the official Fox site. From the Ying Yang Twins rapping about decking the club with bags of money, to Ciara's 'Santa Baby' cover to an R&B beat, to Jussie Smollet and Fergie's soulful duet, you've never heard holiday hits like this.

Above all, the reason to tune into Taraji's White Hot Holidays special is simply because it's going to be a damn good time. Who doesn't love a good Christmas Cookie (Lyon) now and again?