The concept of the "friendly ex" is often a difficult needle to thread, particularly under the unforgiving glare of the Hollywood spotlight. However, Glen Powell and Nina Dobrev seem to have mastered the art of the platonic pivot. As the world ushered in a new year, the two stars proved that past romances don’t have to preclude future festivities. The pair, who briefly shared a romantic connection back in 2017, spent their New Year’s holiday together on the sun-drenched shores of St. Barts, joined by Powell’s rumored new flame, Michelle Randolph.
The Caribbean getaway served as a masterclass in modern social dynamics. Powell, whose career has reached a stratospheric trajectory following his breakout role in Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming Chad Powers, has become a fixture in the "Internet Boyfriend" pantheon. While fans have been buzzing about his relationship with Randolph since November, the inclusion of Dobrev in their holiday inner circle suggests a level of maturity and security that is refreshing to see in the often-volatile world of celebrity dating.
Dobrev, the Vampire Diaries alumna who recently navigated a high-profile transition of her own after ending her engagement to Olympic legend Shaun White in September, appeared to be in high spirits throughout the trip. In a series of social media updates that gave fans a window into the A-list excursion, Dobrev was seen beaming alongside Powell and Randolph. The trio wasn’t just lounging on the sand; they were fully immersed in a high-energy itinerary that included competitive games of pickleball, morning workouts, and late-night dancing.
According to Dobrev, the island experience "did not disappoint." Reflecting on the group’s chemistry, she shared a heartfelt sentiment with her followers, noting that the trip consisted of "some old friends, some new friends… now all best friends." Her words painted a picture of a seamless integration of social circles, one where the past is respected but doesn’t hinder the joy of the present. "Haven’t laughed, been in awe or smiled this much in my life," she added, concluding that it was the "perfect way to ring in the new year" and that she felt "beyond lucky and grateful."
The guest list for the St. Barts retreat read like a "Who’s Who" of current entertainment and sports culture. Joining the Powell-Dobrev-Randolph trifecta were Top Gun co-star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Teller, who have long been part of Powell’s tight-knit support system. Also in attendance was Glee alum Chord Overstreet and the reigning queen of TikTok, Alix Earle. Earle, who has become a focal point of cultural fascination over the last year, was spotted getting close with NFL icon Tom Brady during the trip, further fueling the speculative fires of the celebrity rumor mill. Earle echoed Dobrev’s enthusiasm for the vacation, commenting that it was "the best time everrrr" and noting on her own social media that "words can’t describe how amazing this trip was."
While the St. Barts crew was busy making memories in the tropics, the rest of the celebrity world was equally engaged in celebrating the holiday season through various lenses of love, family, and tradition. For many stars, the end of the year was a time to debut new chapters or celebrate hard-won milestones.
In the realm of new romance, Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner took a cozy approach to the holidays. The "Don’t Start Now" singer, who has had a banner year in both music and film, shared glimpses of a domestic holiday filled with culinary triumphs. Snuggled up with Turner, she expressed her joy at being back in the kitchen after a six-month hiatus, telling her fans that "all the stars aligned" for a season defined by love and good food. Similarly, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco opted for a more whimsical celebration, donning face masks to blend into the crowd while visiting a "winter wonderland" light display, proving that even the biggest stars enjoy the simple magic of the season.
For many in the Hollywood set, this holiday season was defined by the presence of new additions to the family. Lily Collins and husband Charlie McDowell celebrated their first Christmas with their 10-month-old daughter, Tove, while Hailie Jade, daughter of Eminem, marked her 30th birthday and her first Christmas as a mother to 9-month-old son Elliot. Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey also leaned into the "magic of the firsts," taking their 5-month-old daughter Colette to Disneyland for a festive introduction to the "happiest place on earth."
Perhaps the most touching family moments came from the Bieber household. Justin and Hailey Bieber, who have been remarkably private since the arrival of their son, Jack Blues Bieber, shared a rare and adorable glimpse of the 16-month-old. Dressed in a miniature Santa hat and a festive red sweater, the toddler was the centerpiece of a holiday that Hailey described simply as "Merry Christmas from the Biebers."
However, the holidays aren’t always about pristine photos and perfect moments. Chrissy Teigen, ever the relatable queen of social media, shared a hilarious mishap that occurred while she was trying to create "magic" for her children. The cookbook author revealed she had accidentally broken her veneer while using her teeth to open a package of candy canes. "This is what moms do for their kids," she joked, lamenting the fact that she had to face a winter school concert with a missing tooth.
The season also brought moments of resilience and graceful co-parenting. Hoda Kotb reunited with her former fiancé Joel Schiffman to provide a unified holiday for their daughters, Hope and Haley, proving that family structures can remain strong even after a romantic partnership ends. Similarly, Love is Blind stars Alexa and Brennon Lemieux put aside their ongoing divorce proceedings to spend Christmas morning with their 17-month-old daughter, Vienna, prioritizing their child’s joy over their personal legal complexities.
For some, the holidays were a time of profound reflection and sobriety milestones. Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino celebrated a full decade of sobriety, a monumental achievement he marked alongside his wife Lauren and their children, Romeo and Mia. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, Ryan Seacrest shared a bittersweet tribute to his late father, Gary, who passed away in October. Marking his first Christmas without his patriarch, Seacrest noted that his family was holding him "close in all the ways we can."
Tradition also took center stage for those celebrating Hanukkah. Jessica Seinfeld, Scott Disick, and Mayim Bialik all shared images of their menorahs, with Bialik noting that her family went "big" by lighting a slew of them for the first night of the festival. These glimpses into the private spiritual lives of stars added a layer of depth to the usual holiday glitz.
From the high-fashion parties in Sydney attended by a naturally curly-haired Nicole Kidman and her daughters, to Sofia Vergara’s cozy night in with her dog and a red velvet pajama set, the transition into the new year was as varied as the stars themselves. Yet, the common thread remained the same: a desire to connect, to reflect, and to celebrate the people who make the journey worthwhile. Whether it was Glen Powell navigating the waters of friendship with an ex or Mariah Carey posing with Santa and her twins, the message was clear—the best way to start a new chapter is with an open heart and a great group of friends.
