The Best Country Music Christmas Songs
No genre appreciates the true meaning of Christmas more than country music! Artists of today and old have been covering traditional holiday songs and creating original ones based on their experiences now and growing up. Here are ones we think are done the best!
Best Christmas Covers
“The First Noel” – Gabby Barrett
This is a hard song to sing, but it seems as though Barrett had no trouble reaching those extended notes at the end of the song.
“Silver Bells” – Brett Young
Young’s soft vocals capture all the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
“Sleigh Ride” – Runaway June
The girls do a mostly A cappella version of this classic country hit, adding in some sleigh bells, fiddle, and steel guitar, giving it a unique sound.
“Run Run Rudolph” – Luke Bryan
Not a commonly covered song, Luke Bryan mimics the original’s rock-n-roll spirit.
“Santa Baby” – Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson gives this seductive song a whole new feel in her recently released Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around.
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” – Rascal Flatts
The three harmonies make a beautiful ballad about returning home to your loved ones on Christmas.
“Mary, Did You Know” – Carly Pearce
A beautifully covered version of this religious anthem about our savior.
“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Darius Rucker
Rucker released a full-length Christmas album in 2014. His cover of the classic Dr. Seuss jingle stands out.
“Last Christmas” – Taylor Swift
It’s fitting that Taylor Swift covers this breakup Christmas song so well. Did she choose this one because she sounded great on it or for another specific reason?
“Little Drummer Boy” – Carrie Underwood
Underwood’s vocal never cease to amaze, but her son Isaiah steals the show when he adorably joins his mom after the first verse.
Best Original Songs
“Take Me Home for Christmas” – Dan + Shay
The boys beg their girls to take bring them home and show them their Christmas traditions; it’s the only thing wish on their list.
“We Need Christmas” – Maddie & Tae
Written last year during the pandemic, the girls describe the importance of Christmas and how it gives us hope and reminds us of the most important part of the year: spending time with family.
“Christmas in Blue Chair Bay” – Kenny Chesney
Only Chesney can make singing about island life during Christmas sound so wonderful.
“Glittery” – Kacey Musgraves ft. Troye Sivan
Kacey Musgraves showcases her gentle vocals as she compares Christmas decorations to the feeling she gets with this particular person.
“I’ll Be Your Santa Tonight” – Keith Urban
In this cleverly written song by Urban and Shane McAnally, he sings about how being alone on Christmas can feel extra lonely, but he can come over and make everything alright.
“Christmas Always Finds Me” – Ingrid Andress
In this piano ballad, Andress mentions no matter where or how old she is, the holiday spirit will never leave her.
“Christmas in the County” – Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett describes the simplicity behind a Christmas celebration in the country as compared to the big city.
“Naughty List” – Mitchell Tenpenny
Mitchell Tenpenny released a whole Christmas album this year, but this one may be the most unique. He describes a Christmas spent at his girlfriend’s parent’s house, and after sneaking into her room at night, he knows he is bound for Santa’s naughty list.
“Lit This Year”- Florida Georgia Line
In this fun track, the boys discuss what Christmas was like at their house; lit lights and lit family members.
“Mr. Christmas” – Brett Eldredge
Eldredge has embodied the holiday spirit more than any other country artist. He’s currently in the middle of yet another Holiday Tour, stopping in Vegas, Nashville, Boston, New York, and Chicago. On top of his 18-track Glow album in 2016, he released eleven new songs on October 22.
For more holiday songs, check out our Country Christmas Songs playlist below on Spotify!
Want to hear more about country music news and release? Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here.
