JUST ANNOUNCED: Miranda Lambert Is Taking Over Thanksgiving at the Cowboys’ 30th Annual Halftime Show
Country music fans have a big reason to look forward to Thanksgiving this year! Miranda Lambert is heading to one of the biggest stages in American football, bringing her powerhouse country sound to the Dallas Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving Day halftime show — and the occasion marks a major milestone in a beloved holiday tradition.
The three-time Grammy Award winner will perform during the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26 at AT&T Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Her appearance will mark the 30th consecutive Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show, making this year’s performance especially meaningful.
And for Lambert, the event is more than just another major performance. It’s also a chance to return to her Texas roots and help support families who need assistance during the holiday season.
Miranda Lambert Is Bringing Her Texas Roots to Thanksgiving
Lambert grew up in East Texas, about an hour east of Dallas, making this year’s appearance a particularly personal moment for the country superstar.
Known for hits that blend country storytelling with a bold, unmistakable sound, Lambert has become one of the genre’s most celebrated artists. Now, she’ll add her name to a Thanksgiving halftime tradition that has welcomed some of the biggest performers in music.
“There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most,” Lambert said.
She also praised the partnership between the Cowboys and The Salvation Army, saying she was excited to be back home in Texas for Thanksgiving and help carry the tradition forward.
For fans, it’s an opportunity to see a hometown artist bring country music to a national audience on a day when millions of families gather around their televisions.
A 30-Year Thanksgiving Tradition Featuring Music’s Biggest Names
The Cowboys’ Red Kettle Kickoff began in 1997 at Texas Stadium, when country legend Reba McEntire performed during the Thanksgiving game.
Since then, the halftime stage has welcomed an impressive list of artists, including Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Post Malone, Kenny Chesney, and the Jonas Brothers.
Each performance has helped shine a national spotlight on The Salvation Army’s work, turning a football halftime show into an annual opportunity to raise awareness and support for people facing difficult circumstances.
Lambert now joins that distinguished lineup as the tradition reaches its 30th consecutive year.
It’s a milestone that connects generations of music fans, football viewers, and families who have come to recognize the Red Kettle Kickoff as part of their Thanksgiving celebration.
The Meaning Behind the Red Kettle Kickoff
While the halftime show brings star power to AT&T Stadium, its purpose goes far beyond entertainment.
The performance supports The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, which raises funds to help people and families in need. The campaign provides assistance through local programs and services, particularly during a season when many households face additional financial pressure.
This year’s show also coincides with the organization’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign.
Together, the campaign and the nationally televised halftime tradition have helped raise more than $3.4 billion for people in need, according to the announcement.
That impact is a major reason the event has remained an important part of the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving schedule for three decades.
The Cowboys Say the Tradition Is About More Than Football
Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys, described the Red Kettle Kickoff as one of the organization’s proudest traditions — and one her family and the team look forward to every Thanksgiving.
She noted that artists have spent 30 years using the halftime stage to help The Salvation Army bring hope to people in need.
Jones also expressed gratitude to Lambert for joining the legacy and helping continue a tradition that combines music, football, and charitable giving.
For the Cowboys, the event has become a way to make a familiar holiday spectacle mean something more to communities beyond the stadium.
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When Will Miranda Lambert Perform?
Lambert is scheduled to take the stage at halftime of the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The performance will celebrate the 30th consecutive Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show and continue a tradition that has featured some of music’s most recognizable names.
With Lambert’s Texas connection, celebrated country catalog, and enthusiasm for the cause, her appearance promises to be a meaningful part of this year’s Thanksgiving celebration.
A Thanksgiving Performance With a Purpose
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Miranda Lambert’s upcoming Cowboys halftime show brings together several things that have made her career so distinctive: country music, Texas pride, and a connection with audiences across generations.
But the biggest story may be the mission behind the music.
As the Red Kettle Kickoff reaches its 30th year, Lambert will help carry forward a tradition designed to turn a few minutes of halftime entertainment into support for families who need it.
This Thanksgiving, millions of viewers will tune in for football and music. For The Salvation Army, the hope is that the spotlight will also inspire generosity — and help make the holiday season a little brighter for people across the country.
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About The Author
John Simmon
John Simmon is a music journalist and entertainment writer with a passion for country music culture, artist stories, and the moments that happen off the stage. He has been following the country music scene for over a decade, covering everything from chart-breaking newcomers to the legends who shaped the genre. John believes the best stories in country music aren't always found in the music, they're found in the lives behind it.
