Josh Groban Tried to Recreate His LA Family Christmas in NYC Last Year (Exclusive)

While Los Angeles and New York may have completely 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 and shared his favorite recent 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 title role in Sweeney Todd on Broadway.

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

Overall, Groban’s favorite part of Christmas is the “togetherness.” During his childhood, he says, he had “really fun Christmases,” partly because of his mother’s penchant for decorating. Most important to him, however, is the opportunity the holidays provide for his family to get together.

“When we are children, it is as if we get breaks from 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 where we can all sit around a table and we can all just be together and let the world go away for a little bit ,” he tells PEOPLE.

The multi-hyphenate also has other holiday plans this year. His CBS holiday special Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidayswhich is broadcast on December 20 at 9 p.m., features performances from him, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, James Bay and The War and Treaty.

The thesis will also focus on the American 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,” Groban wrote in a statement. “It is especially important because it will spread the meaning of adoption and will feature the most incredible children.”

“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 in need,” he said.

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

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