Overview
- Several Austrian and German outlets reported on August 3–4 that Melissa Naschenweng is set to take over hosting duties for Zauberhafte Weihnacht in December 2026 and that Dominik Glöbl would join as the Bayerischer Rundfunk co‑host.
- The ORF has officially confirmed to at least one news agency that Gerry 'DJ Ötzi' Friedle will not return as moderator, while Naschenweng’s appointment itself has not been formally announced by the broadcaster.
- Reports say negotiations between ORF and Naschenweng began early in 2026 and that her consistently stronger TV ratings helped drive interest in bringing her back to major ORF events.
- The production is reported to be handled by IP Media and is expected to be recorded in Flachau, Salzburg, in early December, though recording dates and final contracts have not been publicly confirmed.
- Last year’s co-hosting by DJ Ötzi’s daughter Lisa‑Marie Friedle drew public criticism for her rapid rise and limited experience, a controversy that coverage links to the personnel changes and that may shape viewers’ reactions.