December 17, 2025 offered a vivid reflection of American holiday culture as communities across the country engaged in two of the season’s most beloved traditions: festive music broadcasts and college football bowl games. As the year approached its close, viewers and fans alike found themselves immersed in a blend of entertainment experiences that highlighted the diversity of holiday celebrations in the United States.
In living rooms nationwide, millions tuned into ABC’s nationally televised iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 Holiday Special, an energetic two-hour music event that captured the excitement and spectacle of one of the year’s most talked-about concert series. The special, recorded at major tour stops in New York City and Los Angeles, featured a star-studded lineup of artists performing their latest hits and holiday renditions. With performances from global stars such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie Murph, Conan Gray, and Laufey, the broadcast brought the atmosphere of a live music festival into homes, complete with behind-the-scenes footage, celebrity cameos, and high-production value. It was a celebration of both musical achievement and seasonal joy, offering audiences a dynamic and accessible holiday experience that resonated across generations.
The Jingle Ball, a touring event that annually showcases top-charting artists in a series of major cities, has become a hallmark of December entertainment. The televised version allowed viewers who could not attend in person to feel part of the experience, reinforcing the evolving role of broadcast television as a medium for national cultural moments. Beyond its musical impact, the special also carried a sense of togetherness and celebration that matched the broader mood of the season, making it more than just a concert—it was a shared event that brought families and friends together during a festive time of year.
Meanwhile, in Orlando, Florida, a different kind of celebration unfolded at Camping World Stadium, where thousands of college football fans gathered for the 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl. The matchup featured the Old Dominion Monarchs and the South Florida Bulls, two programs with strong local followings and a growing national presence. On the field, Old Dominion emerged victorious with a commanding 24–10 win, marking a significant achievement for the program. The victory secured the Monarchs’ second-ever 10-win season since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision, signaling continued growth and competitiveness for the Virginia-based university.
Leading the charge was redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Henicle, whose performance drew praise from fans and analysts alike. Henicle rushed for over 100 yards and scored multiple touchdowns, combining athleticism with composure in a performance that anchored Old Dominion’s offense. The Monarchs’ defense was equally effective, applying consistent pressure and holding South Florida to a single touchdown, shutting down drives and forcing turnovers at key moments. The win added a celebratory note to the team’s season and gave fans a reason to cheer well into the winter holidays.
The Cure Bowl, beyond its on-field significance, plays an important role in the larger college football postseason ecosystem. As one of many bowl games that mark the end of the NCAA football season, it provides programs that fall outside the major playoff picture a valuable platform to showcase talent, reward student-athletes, and engage alumni and supporters. The atmosphere in Orlando on December 17 was electric, with tailgating, school spirit, and community pride all on full display. For the players, coaches, and fans in attendance, the game offered both a competitive contest and a joyful holiday gathering.
Together, these two events—the televised music special and the college bowl game—offered a snapshot of American life during the holidays. They showed how entertainment in its many forms can bring people together, whether through music that resonates with shared memories and new beginnings, or through sports that embody teamwork, perseverance, and school pride. The events of December 17 reflected the layered nature of holiday traditions in the U.S., where public celebrations and private rituals coexist in ways that connect people across distance and difference.
Importantly, both the Jingle Ball special and the Cure Bowl carried meanings beyond the performances themselves. For ABC, the music special was not just a seasonal program but also a strategic broadcast that bolstered network viewership and advertiser engagement during a competitive time of year. For the institutions involved in the Cure Bowl, the game offered visibility and momentum, particularly for Old Dominion University, whose athletic department continues to rise in prominence.
As the nation moves further into the holiday season, more such events—from festive concerts to playoff games—will continue to populate the cultural landscape. They serve not only as entertainment but as moments of unity in a season defined by reflection, gratitude, and celebration. December 17, 2025 will be remembered as a day when music and football came together to illuminate the holiday spirit in full, creating lasting memories for audiences at home and fans in the stands.