Various artists release new Christmas music every year, hoping one might “stick” and be replayed year after year. Many of the songs I have included in this article are from my Music Spotlight artists. Some covers are unique in their own right, but I am particularly drawn to the never-before-heard originals. For those on Spotify, here is my playlist with all the songs mentioned included. The songs are in random order.
Originals
When Carly Pearce joined Michael Bublé as a guest coach on NBC’s The Voice, they came up with the idea to record a Christmas song together – “Maybe This Christmas.” If you recently lost someone, this song can’t fix that, but at least you won’t feel as if you are alone while missing your loved one. Get your hanky ready. This original tune is sure to become a holiday staple.
Not a country artist per se, Jordon St. Cyr is one of the most popular Christian artists. The title track from his new album, “Our Christ is Here,” will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.
Kimberly Dawn loves the holiday season almost as much as our current Mr. Christmas, Michael Bublé. You’ve got to hear the title track from her new holiday album, Wishin’ For Christmas.
Tis the season of love!! “Merry Married Christmas,” Smithfield’s new holiday song, dropped one day before Jennifer Fielder’s wedding. This festive Christmas tune is for everyone celebrating being in love this season.
While I love Chapel Hart’s entire album, Hartfelt Family Christmas, the title track, “Hartfelt Family Christmas,” initially caught my attention. The girls teamed up with one of my favorites, Gretchen Wilson, to bring a festive and honest look at what Christmas is really like in the Hart’s Chapel neighborhood of Poplarville, Mississippi.
Country darling Mackenzie Carpenter is adding some cheeky festive flair to her previously released toe-tapper “Boots On” with the release of “Boots On (Santa’s Version).” Mackenzie shared, “I’m so excited to kick off the holiday season with ‘Boots On (Santa’s Version)’ – because even Santa has a Country side!”
A child’s vocals cannot be duplicated, and Hillary Scott and daughter Eisele Kaye bring us their new track, “Hard To Wait For Christmas.” Written by Scott, her husband Chris Tyrrell, and Eisele Kaye, the idea for the song was sparked by a family conversation about an Advent calendar and how – even for grownups – it’s hard to wait for Christmas.
Before I discovered country music, I loved jazz, and Staci Griesbach’s new playful original holiday single, “Be My Santa Tonight,” is a hat-tip for all my fellow jazz lovers.
Charley Reynolds’s A Little Christmas brings an extra dose of festive spirit to the holiday season. Co-written by Reynolds, Nicole Croteau, and Dave Mohr, the track is an upbeat, catchy anthem that captures the joy and playful chaos of the season.
Nashvillian and New Yorker Brooke Moriber spins an original song, “Feel The Magic Again,” that brings the sounds from the Big Band Era, which go hand in hand with classic Christmas music. Put the song on repeat to get in the Christmas mood.
Paige King Johnson’s “Boots Under My Tree” infuses the holiday season with a vibrant, rockin’ country sound that nods to the classic 90s era. It showcases Johnson’s unique blend of modern and nostalgic influences.
Texas Country Music Association Award-winning artist Trey Calloway releases his first-ever holiday single, “Christmas With You.” This heartfelt track showcases Calloway’s rich, resonant voice and knack for storytelling. He channels the traditional sounds of the season while capturing the timeless emotion of longing for a loved one during the holidays.
Where are my Jonas fans? Kevin Jonas, Sr., aka Papa Jonas, has a new EP, Let It Glow. He sings “Ready Set Glow” alongside his wife, Denise, and the song and album have all the feels of a traditional Christmas celebration.
Megan Moroney’s holiday EP “Blue Christmas …duh” is out now, and if you’re a fan of the country music’s newest queen, you’ll want to hear “All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy,”
As a child, Becca Bowen grew up singing in church, which ultimately shaped her life. “This Christmas” is a song about the foundation of faith and hope she clings to as an adult. This powerful song is for anyone who may be hurting or facing circumstances that are weighing on you. Also, Bowen’s “Small Town Christmas” is about remembering what was and what can be again.
Annie Vander’s “Ornamental Christmas” is a joyful tune that reminds us what the holidays are really about by reminiscing on fond family memories and bringing excitement for Christmas Day.
Riley Roth wrote “Marry Me Christmas” last year to drop him a hint, and it worked! She is recently married and hopes the cheerful song will help other couples who may need nudging this holiday season.
One of my favorite female country singers, MaRynn Taylor, has released her first Christmas EP, Christmas Is, with three originals and three covers. Check out the title track, “Christmas Is,” to get all the feels of this modern country Christmas song about missing someone during the holiday season.
Kassi Ashton – Kassi pulls no punches regarding the holiday season with her aching sad song “Your Angel.” With unmatched vocals, she sounds like a hurting Patsy Cline with a bit of modern production. She stated, “Now that it’s time for Christmas music, this is a song for the lonely, for those who feel like the magic doesn’t always touch them even after the stockings are hung.”
Feel the magic of the season with Dan Ashley’s new Christmas single, “Put Up the Lights.” This tune is about the excitement and anticipation of the approaching holiday season. He is so excited that he puts the lights up a little early.
Liz Kennedy’s “Lizzy’s Christmas Sleigh” self-penned song is a true story that a 6-year-old can remember during her pivotal years and beyond. The video has original footage filmed on a 16MM Kodak camera that you must see to appreciate fully.
Last year, Tigir Lily Gold released their original charming Christmas song, “Falalala Falling.” This year, they released the official music video featuring the sisters Krista, Kendra, and Kendra’s husband, Jared Olsen. The song is meant to be shared with your holiday honey when it’s too cold to be outside.
I’ve known Kennedy Newsome and her incredible musical family for as long as I can remember. When she and her talented husband (Kennedy and Jay) released several original Christmas songs, I knew I had to feature them. It’s not cliché; Kennedy really does have the voice of an angel. She is one of the best I know. Check out the contemporary track “Fall In Love With Christmas Again.”
It took Little Big Town 25 years to unwrap their first-ever holiday album, “The Christmas Record.” The eleven tracks are a magnificent mix of covers and originals. Check out “Believe in Christmas,” a stirring single you must add to your holiday playlists.
Covers
Scotty Hasting’s forthcoming track, “Silent Night,” details the remarkable role the hymn played in the World War I Christmas Truce, “Silent Night (Truce of 1914).” The combat-wounded army veteran’s heartfelt take on the classic carol is not to be missed.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Ian Flanigan (one of my favorite country voices) has released a brand-new acoustic version of the timeless holiday classic “Blue Christmas.” Initially written by Billy Hayes and Jay W. Johnson, this beloved Christmas song has been reimagined with Flanigan’s signature sound, combining his distinctive vocals with soulful guitar stylings.
There’s more than one Moriah who sings Christmas music. Introducing Moriah Smallbone, California native and wife of For King and Country’s Joel Smallbone. She adds a little island vibe to her bi-lingual version of “Winter Wonderland.” Moriah recalls ice skating on the beach in California and sweating in 99-degree Texas heat at Christmas time. Her version of the classic hit acknowledges everyone’s unique holiday experiences.
With a voice like velvet, country-pop artist Onoleigh dives into the holiday spirit with her cover of “Please Come Home For Christmas.” This performance video marks the first installment of Onoleigh’s Classic Christmas cover series, rolling out one video to fans every Friday until Christmas.
Singer-songwriter Kasey Tyndall releases a stunning acoustic cover of “O Come All Ye Faith Faithful.” While I initially thought the Christmas hymn was a little out of the box for the country rocker, I know how vital Tyndall’s faith is to her. Her smooth vocals fully display her natural talent on this stripped-down cover.
Dusty Black brings us “Jingle Bell On The Rocks” with his clever reworking of the holiday classic, “Jingle Bell Rock.” You’ll recognize the melody, but they’ve changed the lyrics for anyone needing a stiff drink this Christmas.
One of the most beloved Christmas hymns from last century, “Mary Did You Know,” has been covered by many who celebrate the birth of our savior. Led by the strong vocals of Runaway June’s Stevie Woodward, the trio does a magnificent job recreating this masterpiece of the song Mark Lowery wrote in 1984.
Country Crooner Nate Barnes brings us the stone-cold classic “Jingle Bell Rock.” Originally sung by Bobby Helms in 1957, Barnes is faithful to the original but adds his trademark swagger to make it his own.
Ben Gallaher’s “Carol of the Strings” is a take on the classic carol, “Carol of the Bells,” but it is done with strings. This version is one for guitar lovers and is an exciting instrumental tune for those looking for something extra special and unique this season.
Spencer Hatcher and Aubrie Sellers “Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus” is a giddy-up, Texas two-step. While Aubrie sounds just like her famous mama, Lee Ann Womack, the song was produced by Seller’s father, Jason Sellers. Originally made famous by George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Hatcher and Sellers do a stellar job covering the traditional country duo.
Country music singer-songwriter Makenzie Phipps brings the holiday spirit to life with her latest Christmas single, a modern twist on the classic “O Holy Night.” Beginning with the warm tones of a dobro, the song blends timeless Phipps’ country charm with a fresh, heartfelt style that breathes new life into the beloved carol.
Country music newcomer Billie Jo Jones is thrilled to release her new holiday single, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Showcasing her impressive vocal range and a knack for adding a personal touch to timeless classics, Jones puts her unique stamp on the beloved holiday tune with a Texas shuffle flair.
Cyndi Thomson has released an alluring rendition of the timeless classic “Silent Night.” Cyndi’s earnest take on the tune breathes new life into the enchanting Christmas hymn while preserving the traditional essence of the song.
Southern rocker Will Wesley is excited to release his latest Christmas single, “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Previously reimagined by legends like Josh Turner, Dolly Parton, and James Taylor, Wesley’s vibrant rendition breathes new life into this timeless classic, capturing the joy and celebration of the holiday season.
When Will Moseley’s team told him he needed a Christmas cover, he had one day to pick a tune. So he chose “All I Want For Christmas Is You” because it was the most iconic Christmas song he knew. The Season 22 American Idol runner-up is a bonafide country rocker. I guarantee that you’ve never heard anything like this before.
Now, as the mother of a beautiful baby boy herself, “Mary Did You Know” has always been one of Jenny Tolman’s favorite songs. Tolman stated, “Once I became a mom, it hit even more deeply. I can’t imagine having all the reality of postpartum coupled with, quite literally, birthing the Son of God.”
Annie Bosko covers “Silent Night” with an unhurried Texas twist. Introduced with a solemn slide guitar, Bosko’s clear vocals shine with the simply produced classic Christmas carol.
Warner Music Nashville recording artist Randall King lends his signature baritones to a new rendition of the holiday classic, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” With the fiddle sawing and keys tinkling, “It’s a little western Swing for Christmas this year,” the Texan confessed. You’ll love his unique take on the tune.
One of the most joyful people I have met or interviewed is Knoxville native Emily Ann Roberts. NBC’s The Voice, season nine runner-up, has a big, beautiful voice with a beloved Tennessee twang, and her fiddle-led “Joy to the World” is the perfect country Christmas medley to put on repeat.
Rebecca Lynn Howard powers through the majestic song, “O Holy Night,” with the county alto that she is famous for. It is one of the most challenging Christmas carols to sing, but Howard takes the hymn to the next level with her spot-on performance.
Jess Kellie Adam’s “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” gets a wild new twist in her rocking, chaotic rendition, which is equal parts rebellious energy and country charm. The words will sound familiar, but the melody is all new.
Even when it’s not Christmas, Sacha’s energy is contagious. She brings that dynamic vibe to her version of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which you won’t want to miss.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and X.
