Over the years, some of the biggest names in country music released songs celebrating Christmas.
For many of us, it’s not the holiday season until we hear some of these tunes on the radio. If you want to create a festive playlist, we’ve found great options we think you’ll love.
Today, we’re sharing seven of the greatest country songs to help you celebrate this special time of year.
Let’s deck the halls!
Welcome a Joyful Season With Country Christmas Songs
The weeks leading up to December 25 can be stressful and chaotic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with gifts to buy, meals to cook, and parties to attend. If you’re not careful, it can ruin the magic of the season.
One of the best ways to prepare yourself is to play country Christmas songs. Some of the biggest names in the industry put aside their cowboy boots and honky tonk vibes to create something new. You can easily find holiday songs from country icons like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and Alan Jackson.
These tracks make for the perfect soundtrack to get you in a festive mood. Whether baking cookies, wrapping presents, or sitting by the fire, they’ll get everyone in the right headspace.
So get ready to celebrate the upcoming magical time with some twang. Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, these country holiday songs will get you in the spirit.
#1 Willie Nelson – Pretty Paper
Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper is the story of a person preparing for the holidays and noticing a homeless person. At this moment, they have a choice of how to respond. Many people in this situation go on about their day. The pretty paper represents how we cover up our problems to avoid them.
Nelson wrote the lyrics in 1963. His producer, Fred Foster, pitched it to Roy Orbison who made it a hit with his smooth voice. A year later, Willie recorded his version, which has a grittier and more authentic sound.
Greatest Lyric
Crowded streets, busy feet hustle by you
Downtown shoppers Christmas is nigh
There he sits all alone on the sidewalk
Hoping that you won't pass him by
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#2 Alan Jackson – Let It Be Christmas
Country legend Alan Jackson recorded several albums full of holiday songs. His Let It Be Christmas album earned a Gold certification in January 2003, a little over a year after its initial release.
Jackson wrote the lyrics to the tune that peaked at #27 on the US Billboard 200 charts. In addition, the album was well received and reached #2 for the US Top Holiday Albums.
Like most of his songs, Let It Be Christmas showcases Jackson’s smooth, bassy voice. The climax is when it combines with a children’s chorus. It’s a powerful moment that packs quite a punch.
Greatest Lyric
Let it be Christmas everywhere In the hearts of all people Both near and afar Christmas everywhere
#3 Brooks and Dunn – Winter Wonderland
Brooks and Dunn put their country touch on the famous Winter Wonderland holiday song. With their recognizable voice and electric guitar and fiddle solos, they kick this one up a notch.
The original was written in 1934 by Richard B. Smith and Felix Bernard. Over the years, it’s been one of the most popular anthems for the season. Some notable artists to record it include Garth Brooks, Jewel, and Amy Grant.
Ironically, while recognized as a Christmas tune, it never mentions the holiday.
Greatest Lyric
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight Walking in a winter wonderland
#4 Dolly Parton – Hard Candy Christmas
Carol Hall wrote Hard Candy Christmas as a part of the musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Dolly Parton played the lead in the film version, which led to her releasing it as a single in 1982.
Despite not having an overly holiday theme or message, it received a tremendous amount of airplay during the 1980s and 1990s. Parton also performed it live on Bob Hope’s Christmas Special in 1988.
Many use the term “hard candy Christmas” to describe financial family struggles during the holidays. They may only be able to provide candies as presents. If you’re familiar with Parton’s upbringing, she experienced numerous holidays like this.
Greatest Lyric
Fine and dandy Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas I'm barely getting through tomorrow But still I won't let sorrow bring me way down
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#5 Reba McEntire – The Christmas Song
The Queen of Country, Reba McEntire, has had over 60 hits since hitting the music scene in 1975. Her ability to reach notes with precision is unlike other artists.
In 2016, McEntire released My Kind of Christmas, an album featuring 11 country versions of popular holiday songs. A year later, she reissued it with a few extra tracks and additional artists like Vince Gill, Lauren Daigle, and Darius Rucker.
Mel Torme and Bob Wells initially penned The Christmas Song. Nat King Cole recorded it in 1946, quickly making it a beloved piece. McEntire’s version offers a country twist but stays close to the original.
Greatest Lyric
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Helps to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow Will find it hard to sleep tonight
#6 Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
We mentioned the Queen, Reba McEntire, but now it’s time to talk about the King, Elvis Presley. He included Blue Christmas as a track on the 1957 Elvis’ Christmas Album.
The piece was initially recorded in 1948 by Doye O’Dell. A couple of years later, Ernest Tubb covered it, which helped it attract some attention.
However, Elvis took it to the next level. His country-style holiday song continues to get significant airplay almost 60 years later.
Greatest Lyric
I'll have a blue Christmas without you I'll be so blue just thinking about you Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won't be the same, dear, if you're not here with me
#7 Alabama – Christmas in Dixie
Christmas in Dixie was a part of Alabama’s first holiday album, Alabama Christmas. Despite the group’s great success, it’s the only track credited to the four band members. It’s a celebration of their heritage.
Over the years, superstars like Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean have also covered it. If you’re a Southerner or a big country music fan, this song likely has a special place in your heart each holiday season.
Greatest Lyric
By now in New York City, there's snow on the ground And out in California, the sunshine's falling down And maybe down in Memphis, Graceland's all in lights And in Atlanta, Georgia, there's peace on earth tonight
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Put Some Twang in Your Holidays
For many of us, Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. This list of great holiday country songs can help make the season more festive. Sometimes, during the chaos, you need a little reminder of what it’s all about, and these tunes can do just that. So, add them to your playlist and crank up the volume as you celebrate.
Did we miss your favorite country Christmas song? Tell us about it in the comments!