In lieu of a cold open, The New York Children's Chorus performed "Silent Night" in honor of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which had occurred the day before.
The show was originally going to cut the tribute to the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims and replace it with their usual comedic opening act. Paul McCartney refused to perform on "Saturday Night Live" unless they paid tribute to the ones who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. His request was granted and he went on as scheduled.
After New York City Children's Chorus performed "Silent Night" to honor the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting they joined Paul McCartney on stage to sing "Wonderful Christmastime".