Josh Groban Says He Tried to Recreate His L.A. Family Christmas in N.Y.C. Last Year: ‘A Fun Memory’ (Exclusive)

While Los Angeles and New York may have totally different December climates, wherever the Groban family gathers for the holidays brings magic.

Josh Groban chatted with PEOPLE at Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry event on Oct. 4, sharing his favorite recent holiday memory.

Groban says he always celebrates Christmas at his parents’ house in Los Angeles. Last year, however, his family had to make an adjustment while the 43-year-old played his Tony-nominated titular role in Sweeney Todd on Broadway. 

“Everybody came to New York, and we kind of tried to recreate that in my apartment,” he says. “That was a fun memory because we were all together in a new location, and it was snowing.” 

In general, Groban’s favorite part of Christmas is the “togetherness.” During his childhood, he says, he had “really fun Christmases,” due in part to his mother’s penchant for decorating. Most important to him, however, is the opportunity the holiday offers for his family to gather.

“When we’re kids, it’s like we get breaks off school, but then as adults . . . my brother and I both, we travel so much as part of our jobs that [Christmas] represents a time of year we can all sit at one table, and we can all just kind of be together and let the world fade away for a little bit,” he tells PEOPLE.

The multi-hyphenate has other holiday plans this year as well. His CBS holiday special Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays, which airs on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m., will feature performances from him, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, James Bay and The War and Treaty. 

The special will also spotlight the American foster care system. Included in the show will be a family adopting a child on-air.

“I am honored and excited to host a show with friends old and new to celebrate the unity and togetherness of the holidays,” wrote Groban in a statement. “It’s especially important because it will spread the importance of adoption and will feature the most incredible kids.”

“I can’t wait for everyone to watch with their families, sing along and hopefully make room in their hearts and homes for a child who needs one,” he said. 

The Noël singer also has work-related plans for the new year.

The Grammy-nominated singer tells PEOPLE he has been doing “a lot of recording.” From new songs to a “best-of” retrospective, Groban fans seem to have a lot to look forward to.