Whether you’re decorating gingerbread men in the kitchen or lounging in front of a crackling fire in the great room, we’ve got a playlist that will make the season sentimental.
Dolly Parton — “Mary, Did You Know?”
Dolly Parton put out her first Christmas album in 30 years with the release of A Holly Dolly Christmas in October 2020. Check out her powerful rendition of the contemporary Christmas song.
Kassi Ashton — “Hard Candy Christmas”
Rise above the barely-getting-through blues and bounce right back with Kassi Ashton’s jazzy new version of “Hard Candy Christmas.” Written by Carol Hall for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the song was memorably released in 1982 by the inimitable Dolly Parton.
Luke Bryan — “O Holy Night”
Luke Bryan’s moving rendition of “O Holy Night” is a staple for any country Christmas playlist and makes you wish he’d carol at your door. When he sings “Fall on your knees! Oh hear the angel voices! ” you just might.
Cody Belew — “Hang Your Hat on My Christmas Tree”
Cody Belew penned the festive new Christmas track “Hang Your Hat on My Christmas Tree” for Paramount’s brand-new holiday film Dashing in December. Pull on your ugly Christmas sweater (and, okay, your glittery pants, too), turn it up, and join in on the dancing.
Vince Gill — “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Performing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” 1993 with future wife Amy Grant, Michael McDonald, and Chet Atkins, this rare video will make you choke up. If it doesn’t hit you at “With God as our father / Brothers all are we / Let me walk with my brother / In perfect harmony,” the prayerful lyrics asking “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me” will surely get you.
Ingrid Andress — “Christmas Always Finds Me”
Ingrid Andress’ heartfelt, pensive “Christmas Always Finds Me” is a love letter to the season that will soften even the hardest hearts. Her sweet, breathy vocals and the colorful lights strung on the old iron headboard will definitely find you.
Chris Tomlin — “Miracle of Love”
Inspired by the upcoming birth of his third child, Chris Tomlin explores the parallels between his own family’s gift and the true reason for the season in “Miracle of Love,” from his latest EP of the same name.
Blake Shelton — “Oklahoma Christmas” feat. Reba
Fellow Oklahomans Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire team up for a supercharged “Oklahoma Christmas.” With the country stars’ shoutouts to chicken fried steak, Bob Wills, and a six-pack of 3.2, you’ll be having an old-fashioned time two-stepping around your little ol’ tree, too.
Liddy Clark — “Do You Hear What I Hear”
Liddy Clark puts a modern musical twist on the beloved Cold War Christmas classic “Do You Hear What I Hear.” Written in 1962 by then-married couple Noel Regney (lyrics) and Gloria Shayne (music) as a plea during the Cuban Missile Crisis, the poetic and haunting song sincerely asks “Pray for peace, people everywhere.”
Cam — “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
Cam’s melancholy cover of the wonderful old standard brings to mind the most famous version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, which became a Top 10 hit. We like Bing’s version a lot, and Cam’s, too.
We the Kingdom — “Light of the World”
This fiery new holiday single from Nashville-based contemporary Christian band We the Kingdom brings passionate vocals that stand out in the genre. Their “Light of the World” will bring you closer to the light of the world.
Brad Paisley — “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy”
The 1965 Buck Owens classic “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” — also memorably covered by Travis Tritt and Garth Brooks — sounds just right coming out of Brad Paisley’s mouth and guitar.
Joe Diffie — “Leroy the Redneck Reindeer”
How much do we miss this guy? You’ll really get it in the gut when you watch Joe Diffie sing his “Leroy the Redneck Reindeer” answer to Rudolph.
Joey Hendricks — “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
Joey Hendricks brings his smooth vocals to his rendition of the John Lennon-Yoko Ono classic “Happy Xmas” from 1971. The famous counterculture couple had rented billboards in major cities around the world in 1969 declaring “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It — Happy Christmas from John & Yoko.” Hendricks’ unpoliticized version is delivered just as earnestly but without all the fanfare.