If there was ever a moment that perfectly bridged the gap between childhood wonder and rock ‘n’ roll resilience, it happened today. The Pretty Reckless has officially released the music video for “Where Are You Christmas?” today, December 1, delivering a visual experience that is equal parts heartwarming and haunting. For fans of the band—and anyone who grew up watching the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas—this release is a massive emotional payoff 25 years in the making.
The video opens with a touch of archival magic: a clip of a 7-year-old Taylor Momsen appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, fresh from her breakout role as Cindy Lou Who. It sets the stage for a “duet” that defies time, as the video seamlessly transitions between Momsen’s innocent childhood vocals and the powerhouse, grit-filled delivery she is known for today. Visually, the video is stunning. Momsen commands the screen in a bright red Christian Siriano dress, performing on a stage decked out in holiday decor that feels more “rock elegance” than “department store.” It’s a sophisticated, grounded take on the holiday aesthetic that perfectly matches the band’s sonic evolution.
The track is the centerpiece of the band’s new holiday EP, Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, which dropped digitally earlier this season. However, seeing the visual accompaniment today brings a new weight to the recording. Momsen has been open about what this song means to her, stating recently that revisiting the track feels like “coming home.” In a press statement regarding the release, she noted, “It’s about wonder, hope, and holding on to the magic—something I think we all need more than ever.”
In a clever artistic choice, the video doesn’t just stick to the single track. It includes the touching interlude “When We Were Young,” where Momsen sings, “If you know the words, won’t you sing with me?”—weaving a narrative thread through the band’s holiday offerings. This release caps off a busy week for Momsen, who just brought the house down with a performance of the song at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But while that performance was a massive public spectacle, this music video feels intimate—a personal letter to the fans and to the little girl who first asked, “Where are you, Christmas?”
If you haven’t watched it yet, take four minutes to witness this beautiful collision of past and present. It’s a reminder that while we all grow up, we don’t have to let go of the magic.