Bowen Yang recently shared an inside look into the holiday traditions at Saturday Night Live, revealing the quirky and fun “garbage party” that has become a staple among the cast. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Yang explained how the party, masterminded by fellow cast members Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant, replaced the usual gift exchanges with a chaotic potluck of random contributions. The tradition has become a cherished moment for the hard-working SNL cast to unwind and celebrate the season together.
SNL’s “Garbage Party” Tradition: A Holiday Chaos
Bowen Yang recently shared with PEOPLE how the SNL cast celebrates the holidays with a unique and chaotic tradition known as the “garbage party.” He credits Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant for creating the event, which replaced the traditional Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange.
Yang explains: “Because people were like, ‘Oh, I ended up with a bad one and this person got a good one.’ And so, Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon in their early days did away with that.” Instead of exchanging gifts, the cast now participates in a “potluck” where they contribute random items like 20 cheeseburgers from Shake Shack, Jello shots, or Funko Pops. “People will buy 20 cheeseburgers from Shake Shack, or you bring Jello shots from home, or you bring 30 little Funko Pops for people to take home,” Yang says.
This “chaotic potluck” is a rare chance for the cast to relax and enjoy the holiday season together. It’s our one moment of letting loose beyond the afterparties, which they’re hard to come by,” Yang adds. Since not everyone attends the afterparties, the garbage party is a chance for the hard-working SNL team to congregate, let go, and have fun.” But I think the garbage party is our big tradition that we uphold, and that’s all thanks to Kate and Aidy,” Yang notes.
The ceremony takes place in the writers’ room at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Center headquarters in New York City, with party lights and contributions like a karaoke machine providing a festive, fun feel.
Lorne Michaels Holiday Gift Tradition: Jam from the Farm
As part of the SNL holiday tradition, Bowen Yang also spoke about the thoughtful gifting tradition of SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels. Yang says Michaels loves playing Santa Claus to his family and gives everybody presents like homemade preserves and jams from his farm.
“I think part of his love language is gifting, gifting everything. He’ll have a birthday present for you every year. And Christmas, he will give you preserves and jams from his farm, and it’s the most delicious raspberry jam you’ve ever eaten,” Yang shares. The cast eagerly looks forward to getting these homemade gifts; it is a tradition that is loved during the holiday. “I look forward to it every year. My mouth is watering just thinking about it,” he adds.
The gifts are a special part of the holiday experience at SNL, according to Yang. “That’s the lovely group gift that he gives everybody, and everyone’s thrilled, truly,” he says. The raspberry jam is one of the favorites among the cast, which Yang prefers for bringing an excitement that suits the occasion.
“Everyone’s really psyched to get the jams every year.” For Yang, it is moments of gifting and celebration that make the SNL holiday season his favorite time of the year as it emits a warm, festive feeling. “I love SNL during the holidays. It’s a good vibe, and I hope people feel that way, he concludes.”.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings