In a heartwarming fusion of holiday cheer and rock ‘n’ roll edge, The Pretty Reckless has unveiled the official music video for their reimagined take on “Where Are You Christmas?”—a track that hits especially close to home for frontwoman Taylor Momsen. Dropped on December 1, the visual serves as a poignant tribute to Momsen’s child-star roots, blending her iconic performance from the 2000 film Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas with the band’s signature gritty sound. It’s the kind of release that feels like unwrapping a long-forgotten gift under the tree: sentimental, surprising, and utterly captivating.
The video, directed with a keen eye for nostalgia, opens with a vintage clip of Jay Leno introducing a pint-sized Momsen on The Tonight Show during the film’s promotional whirlwind 25 years ago. This sets the stage for a full-circle moment as adult Momsen—now a rock powerhouse—steps back into the role of wide-eyed Cindy Lou Who. Decked out in festive attire on a stage adorned with twinkling lights and holiday garlands, she “duets” with archival footage of her younger self, harmonizing on the classic Faith Hill-penned ballad before seamlessly transitioning into The Pretty Reckless’ rock-infused rendition. The arrangement amps up the emotional stakes with driving guitars and raw vocals, transforming the wistful query—”Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you?”—into an anthem of grown-up reflection.
Midway through, the clip cleverly weaves in snippets of “When We Were Young,” another gem from the band’s new EP, creating a fluid medley that builds to a climactic solo performance. Momsen commands the screen in a bold, bright-red Christian Siriano gown, belting the song’s aching finale with a vulnerability that echoes her evolution from child actor to unapologetic rocker. It’s a visual feast that’s equal parts wholesome and wicked—think Grinch meets Death by Rock and Roll—ending on a high note of triumphant rediscovery.
This isn’t just a one-off holiday gimmick; it’s the crown jewel of Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, a six-track EP released digitally on October 31 and physically on November 14 via Fearless Records. The collection features four original holiday tunes alongside two Grinch-era classics, including this very track and another nod to Momsen’s formative years. “Where Are You Christmas?” first captivated audiences through her ethereal performance in the Jim Carrey-led holiday staple, where a seven-year-old Momsen stole scenes as the optimistic Who girl pleading for the spirit of the season. Fast-forward a quarter-century, and she’s reclaiming it on her terms, infusing the lyrics with the hard-won wisdom of adulthood.
The Pretty Reckless, formed in 2009, have long been trailblazers in the rock scene, amassing a devoted fanbase with albums like Light Me Up (2010), Going to Hell (2014), Who You Selling For (2016), and their most recent powerhouse, Death by Rock and Roll (2021). Momsen, who traded soap opera sets (Gossip Girl) for gritty stages, leads the charge alongside guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins. Their sound—raw, rebellious, and laced with dark romance—has earned them a string of milestones, including being the first rock band with four No. 1 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Tracks like “Heaven Knows,” “Follow Me Down,” “Take Me Down,” and the recent chart-topper “For I Am Death” showcase their knack for blending vulnerability with visceral power.
But Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas marks a playful detour into yuletide territory, proving the band can rock a Santa hat without losing their edge. Momsen recently brought the festive fire to this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, performing the single live amid balloons and floats—a performance that went viral for its blend of holiday whimsy and rock ferocity. Fans have flooded social media with reactions, from tearful nostalgia (“This is what Christmas needed!”) to outright awe at the production value.
As the holiday season ramps up, The Pretty Reckless’ video arrives like a perfectly timed gift, reminding us that Christmas—much like rock ‘n’ roll—evolves but never truly fades. Whether you’re a die-hard fan revisiting Momsen’s Grinch glory days or a newcomer discovering her vocal prowess, this release is a reminder: sometimes, the magic we’ve been searching for was right there all along, just waiting for a killer guitar riff to bring it home.
Stream Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas now on all major platforms, and catch the video here. Ho ho hopefully—with a side of distortion.
