Country Christmas songs add an extra special charm that makes the holidays all the more magical.
Dan + Shay have captured all of your holiday emotions perfectly in their new song. It will have you singing all season long!
1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Johnny Cash
If you’re creating a country Christmas music playlist, this classic must be part of it. The combination of angel choir voices, soft piano chords and Johnny Cash’s dulcet voice make for one of the greatest Christmas tunes ever composed – no doubt making you more festive as soon as it starts playing! If it hasn’t made you more festive yet after hearing it – we don’t know what else we can tell you.
Kacey Musgraves made this song even sweeter on her 2016 holiday album A Very Kacey Christmas – making for one of the finest country albums ever released! Her rendition is both traditional and upbeat with a bluegrass sound to warm your heart and bring smiles.
Kenny Rogers stands out as the ultimate example of country musicians taking an old classic and making it their own through use of simple guitar riffs to produce a soothing and relaxing tune, perfect for listening during the holiday season.
Since 1945, this song has become one of the most beloved and iconic Christmas tunes ever written. The timeless tune harkens back to wintery landscapes while telling the tale of Santa’s journey to the North Pole; not forgetting its iconic line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…”
The Pistol Annies’ rendition of this timeless classic is both humorous and touching, serving as a powerful reminder of its true significance when we become overwhelmed with material goods and gifts during Christmastime. Furthermore, it emphasizes our shared journey and how each moment should not be taken for granted.
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Brad Paisley
Country music’s holiday offerings this year are plentiful, featuring tracks by many of its top stars who have recruited friends and fellow vocalists for collaborations. Brett Young invited Maddie & Tae, Darius Rucker and pop-country singer Colbie Caillat for versions of classic Christmas songs on his new album that was released Oct 22. “Born on Christmas Day” by Paisley showcases her guitar skills while an instrumental take on “Jingle Bells” showcases him further.
This timeless love song written and performed by Elvis Presley for Christmas 1957 continues to be played today and even inspired a Porky Pig parody in 2021!
Although this country crooner’s rendition of this timeless Christmas classic may sound familiar, it has never been more beautiful. His soothing voice and warm lyrics create an inviting experience during even the coldest winter days.
This rising singer-songwriter delivers an emotive rendition of a timeless country song that will leave you smiling, making this track ideal to play while decorating for Christmas.
Holiday season can be both joyous and challenging for some; this playlist offers some moving country music Christmas songs to honor those experiencing difficulty during this festive period. These tracks include some of country music history’s finest talents as well as contemporary stars who may provide much-needed comfort during this difficult period.
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton
Country music superstars put their own spin on an iconic Christmas tune with this playful, upbeat number. The drum beat provides an infectious beat and its festive harmonies create the ideal holiday soundtrack.
One of the most beloved classic Christmas songs from the ’80s, this timeless tune remains a holiday favorite today. No matter what is going on around you, this tune always puts us in an upbeat frame of mind and puts a smile on our faces! Country singer Lorrie Morgan gives this version a sweet yet seductive vibe thanks to her deep, husky voice – making this track essential for holiday playlists everywhere!
This song has long been considered a holiday classic thanks to its simple lyrics and breathtaking melody. Furthermore, its refrain doesn’t get too sentimental or religious, making it ideal for anyone who appreciates listening to classic holiday tunes.
Another wonderful aspect of this song is that it stands out from its counterparts on this list by having an uptempo tempo suited for dancing, beautiful vocals and catchy guitar playing – making this version something special indeed!
Rarely can one find an enjoyable comedic rendition of a Christmas song, yet this rendition by an American Idol contestant stands out as being absolutely superb. Even though its tune may be terrible, there’s something about it that compels people to listen.
The Pistol Annies offer this song about being redneck during Christmas to illustrate their harsh reality. Lyrically, its lines include such gems as: “Rudolph is a pickup-driving, overalls-wearing rebel yellin’ down home party animal”. While not the only comedy on our list of country songs, this track may well qualify.
4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Brad Paisley & Garth Brooks
Country musicians bring something truly magical when recording Christmas songs: traditional tunes are given an additional twang that makes them sound even better. So whether it’s decorating the tree, skating with family or waiting impatiently by the fireplace for Santa to arrive – these albums from Country Christmas artists are sure to warm your heart and make you sing along!
Country artists owe it to themselves to record a Christmas album at some point during their career, from iconic stars to newcomers alike. From joyful, upbeat recordings to heartbreaking and sentimental ones – there’s sure to be something here that’ll get your listeners singing along in no time!
Faith Hill epitomized joy on her sole Christmas album with short blonde bob and strapless pink dress in tow. Offering both sacred and secular carols, including beautiful versions of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” as well as her cover of classic tune “Baby It’s Cold Outside”, Hill shined.
Rascal Flatts put their three-part harmony to work on this country Christmas hit from Rascal Flatts. A straightforward song, its simplicity highlights their exquisite vocal harmonies – we especially love this version by Rascal Flatts which showcases them brilliantly! Hopefully soon after they release a full Christmas album to commemorate such classic holiday songs!
Original recorded for Crank It Up: The Christmas Album in 1995, this track is an amusing ode to all those “rednecks” out there who leave Santa a hamper full of “cold beer and pickled eggs”. An authentic Top 40 hit at one point, and has since been covered by numerous artists.
5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by George Strait
Listening to this uplifting tune will put the holiday spirit in you! A timeless classic from George Strait uses his trademark country style for an emotionally charged performance that’s sure to put everyone into the holiday spirit.
Dolly Parton’s 1962 song “Lonely Christmas Call” will get you into the holiday spirit. This heartbreaking yet inspirational tale follows an elderly street vendor as he sells pencils and paper outside Leonard’s Department Store in Santo, Texas around Christmas time – sure to bring smiles this holiday season.
Country music stars are no strangers to creating Christmas tunes for their fans, sometimes even whole albums devoted to this holiday season. Thomas Rhett released his inaugural Christmas project this year titled, “Merry Christmas, Y’all”. His EP contains cover versions of holiday favorites such as Winter Wonderland and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas while remaining true to country roots by remaining authentic with each rendition.
John Prine’s country music holiday song, “If We Make It Through December”, strikes deep within the soul of Christmastime. Inspired by Frankie Brierton – an eccentric disabled street vendor who used rollers instead of wheelchair – its message is not to forget those in need this holiday season.
Interested in listening to country music during the holidays? Tune into CMT’s annual holiday special “CMA Country Christmas”, airing Thursday on ABC and streamed by Hulu and Disney+ the next day. Hosted by Carly Pearce, this year’s show will include performances by artists like Maren Morris, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion Scotty McCreery Runaway June and more!
Country music fans cannot get enough Christmas tunes. This year’s releases were especially impressive, including tracks from Pistol Annies’ debut holiday album.
Carrie Underwood’s latest song features her adorable young son Isaiah singing delightfully and is sure to stir all kinds of feels. In addition, it covers many grown-up issues!
1. “Hard Candy Christmas”
Country singers have an uncanny ability of filling us with holiday spirit through their music. From songs about simple Christmases to extravagant celebrations, country artists capture that feeling perfectly – whether wishing their loved ones a Merry Christmas or reminding themselves that home is where the heart lies, each tune brings special memories to us all.
Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” has become an enduring classic thanks to its message of appreciating what life gives us. Penned by Carol Hall for the Broadway musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and made famous by Dolly herself in 1983, Susannah B’s cover on her 2018 album Tinsel and Lights provides another perspective; Susannah B brings musical innovation and Marvin Gaye-influenced groove to help reinterpret Dolly Parton’s original poignant message for new generations of listeners.
Sugarland’s “Pretty Paper,” recorded for their 2014 album Gold and Green, remains one of the best country Christmas songs. Not only can it bring back fond holiday memories but its infectiously humorous tone will leave you laughing aloud as well!
Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire have released some phenomenal holiday country songs that will get you into the Christmas spirit. Miranda Lambert and her Pistol Annies also released some fantastic tunes that are sure to put you in an uplifting Christmas spirit!
So put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots and crank up these holiday tunes; they’ll soon have you singing out all your favorites in no time – perhaps they even provide inspiration for a Christmas card message or two!
2. “Pretty Paper”
“Pretty Paper,” Willie Nelson’s timeless Christmas classic written in 1963 and recorded for Monument Records producer Fred Foster became a hit that year after it was initially sent off to Roy Orbison who recorded it himself on his 1964 album. Since then it has become a holiday favorite, being covered by artists like Glen Campbell, Kenny Chesney and Freddy Fender among many others.
The lyrics in the song pay a moving tribute to Frankie Brierton, an incredible disabled street vendor from Santo who sold “pretty papers and pretty ribbons” outside Leonard’s department store in Fort Worth, Texas. According to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Frankie suffered from spinal meningitis but spent his days selling pencils and papers outside Leonard’s department store despite this great difficulty in life. This song honors him for his perseverance during tough times while paying homage to his amazing resilience while making ends meet against all odds despite circumstances – an indecent tribute which honors both his perseverance as well as his ability to make ends meet financially!
Orbison’s rendition is an emotional and beautiful tribute to Frankie and it can easily explain its popularity – Nelson even included it on his 1979 Christmas album! When heard without knowing its background it could easily be mistaken as just another lament from Orbison; but its deeper significance comes into focus upon learning about Frankie and life in the Stockyards.
Last year, Nelson and Dolly Parton united for an emotional duet performance of “A Holly Dolly Christmas” from Parton’s new album A Holly Dolly Christmas. Their animated music video for this song provides a heartwarming tale about these legendary figures coming back together in song and onstage.
Watch ABC for this year’s Country Music Association Christmas special on Thursday, December 14 at 8PM ET or stream it the next day via Hulu and Disney+ to view a list of performers here. The show will be taped in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium featuring country artists performing holiday classics. Presented by CMA and powered by Balsam Hill–leading retailer of artificial Christmas trees and themed holiday decor–Balsam Hill also fuels this event!
3. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)”
Country music purists know the holiday season is all about those beloved classic Christmas songs. From full-fledged albums to succinct EPs, country artists provide an abundance of tunes that fit any occasion or mood perfectly; each year you are bound to find something new you enjoy listening to from their repertoire of musicians offering holiday tunes.
One of the most beloved holiday classics is “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).” First recorded by Mel Torme and Robert Wells in 1942, it quickly became a top chart hit for Nat King Cole who even reached number one with it in 1946. Since then it has become an annual classic covered by artists including Frank Sinatra, Lou Rawls Ray Charles and Pentatonix among many others.
If you’re in search of an upbeat version of this timeless holiday classic, then country singer Darius Rucker’s rendition is sure to get your Christmas spirit going this holiday season! His rendition will put a great stamp of festiveness and festivity onto every listen.
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani offer another modern cover of holiday classic, “Invitation To Christmas,” featured on their 2012 album Cheers, It’s Christmas. The touching ode pays a touching tribute to Michael Buble who passed away in 2011 while featuring both of their voices singing along together makes for an engaging listen.
There’s nothing better than an emotionally stirring holiday song, and Loretta Lynn’s rendition of this timeless classic does just that. Loretta Lynn possesses a beautiful voice to deliver her rendition of this timeless tune.
This song is sure to put you into the Christmas spirit! For a good laugh, take a look at musician David Rakowski’s funny rendition of this timeless holiday tune: intervals, scales and cadences are covered as lyrics! This fun way of learning music theory should definitely give this version of “Hark The Herald Angels Sing!” a listen.
4. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
This timeless holiday tune, written for the 1944 film Neptune’s Daughter, quickly became one of the most beloved holiday songs ever. Sales quickly increased and it eventually earned over one billion spins on radio. Numerous country artists have recorded versions of this classic but none can match its mesmerizing original version; every generation knows and appreciates this song.
This timeless country song celebrates the true meaning of Christmas and makes an excellent holiday tradition. Brenda Lee originally recorded it, winning a Grammy. Garth Brooks has also recorded this classic, making for another great rendition.
Originaly recorded for Dolly Parton’s album Christmas in Dixie, this track became an instant classic after making an appearance in her musical movie of the same name. It made its way onto its soundtrack and has become a country music Christmas standard ever since.
Bobby Helms’ classic Christmas tune “White Christmas” has been covered by many artists over time; none has captured its spirit more perfectly than him. Be it its original version or Andy Williams’ remake version – both will give you something memorable to listen to this holiday season!
Loretta Lynn makes this Bing Crosby classic even more memorable, and any country playlist would benefit from including it on repeat. Her soothing voice lends itself perfectly to this timeless classic; be sure to add this track for optimal listening experience!
This classic country Christmas song is perfect for its humor and charming melody. Although this ode to hillbilly holidays might not appeal to everyone, its combination of humorous and touching moments make this a wonderful choice to sing with family members if cheesy holiday songs are not your cup of tea.