CMA Country Christmas 2026 Announces Star-Studded Lineup — Here’s When to Watch

Christmas is coming a little early for country music fans! The Country Music Association has announced the return of CMA Country Christmas, the beloved holiday tradition that brings country music’s biggest voices together for a night of festive performances, Christmas classics, and plenty of holiday spirit.

Now celebrating its 17th year, the annual special has become a favorite for families who love spending the holiday season with their favorite country artists. And this year’s lineup promises a mix of familiar faces, exciting collaborations, and performers ready to put their own spin on the songs that make Christmas special.

Which Country Stars Are Performing This Year?

Although the CMA has not yet shared every detail about the show, the official CMA Country Christmas website lists an impressive group of performers for the 2026 special.

The announced lineup includes:

• Bebe Winans
• Dan + Shay
• Debbie Winans
• Grace Bowers
• Jordan Davis
• Lady A
• Lindsey Stirling
• Russell Dickerson
• Trisha Yearwood

The lineup brings together artists with different musical styles, from country favorites and vocal harmonies to gospel influences and instrumental performances. That variety is part of what makes CMA Country Christmas feel different from an ordinary concert.

Trisha Yearwood’s inclusion is especially interesting given her history with the special. She has previously hosted the event and has been part of some memorable holiday performances over the years.

For now, fans are waiting to learn which Christmas songs the performers will choose and whether any surprise collaborations are planned.

The Show Has Already Been Taped — But One Big Detail Remains a Mystery

The 2026 edition was taped on October 14 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville.

However, the CMA has kept some important details under wraps, including the complete set list and who will host this year’s broadcast.

That mystery has given fans another reason to look forward to the premiere. With such a varied lineup, viewers will be curious to see how the artists come together to celebrate the season.

Will Jordan Davis return as host? Could Trisha Yearwood take on the role again? Or will the CMA introduce a new face to lead this year’s festivities?

Until an official announcement arrives, those questions remain unanswered.

A Holiday Tradition That Has Lasted for 17 Years

CMA Country Christmas first premiered in 2010, quickly establishing itself as a seasonal favorite for country music fans.

Jennifer Nettles hosted the first seven editions, helping shape the show’s early identity. Reba McEntire later took over hosting duties in 2017 and 2018, followed by Trisha Yearwood in 2019.

The hosting lineup continued to evolve. Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins co-hosted in 2020, while Carly Pearce and Gabby Barrett shared the role in 2021. Pearce returned as the sole host in 2022, and Amy Grant teamed up with Yearwood in 2023 and 2024.

In 2025, Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle hosted the special, continuing the tradition of bringing different voices and personalities to the holiday celebration.

Over the years, the stage has welcomed artists including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles, and Dan + Shay.

Their performances have helped make the program a regular part of the holiday season for country music lovers.

Who Will Host CMA Country Christmas 2026?

That may be the biggest question fans have right now.

With the performer lineup taking shape but the hosting announcement still pending, there is plenty of room for speculation. Trisha Yearwood already has a strong connection to the show, while Jordan Davis recently helped lead the 2025 edition.

The CMA could also choose someone new, adding another chapter to the special’s long history of hosts.

Whatever the decision, fans can expect an evening built around Christmas music, country talent, and the warmth that has kept this program going for nearly two decades.

 

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When Does CMA Country Christmas Air?

Fans won’t have to wait until Christmas Eve to enjoy the holiday celebration.

CMA Country Christmas will air Tuesday, December 1, on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans, many of whom are eager to make the special part of their holiday traditions once again.

“Calendar is marked 🎅,” one fan wrote after hearing the news.

Another shared, “Calender is booked only for THIS!!!”

And one more fan simply said they were looking forward to watching in December.

With Christmas music, familiar country voices, and a festive atmosphere, it is easy to understand why viewers look forward to this special every year.

Mark your calendar for December 1, when CMA Country Christmas returns to ABC. The special will stream on Disney+ and Hulu the following day.

The performers have been announced, but the host and song list are still part of the anticipation. And for country fans, that makes this year’s holiday celebration one to look forward to.