The holiday season is approaching, and CMA Country Christmas is officially returning for its 17th annual celebration, bringing together some of country and gospel music’s most recognizable performers. The beloved television special has confirmed its broadcast date, giving viewers the opportunity to enjoy an evening filled with Christmas classics, memorable musical collaborations, and festive performances from talented artists across different musical genres.
The annual holiday tradition will air on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. The special is scheduled to run until 10:01 p.m., providing approximately one hour of seasonal entertainment. Viewers who cannot watch the television broadcast will have another opportunity to enjoy the performances when the program becomes available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu beginning Wednesday, December 2.
Since debuting in 2010, CMA Country Christmas has established itself as a popular holiday television tradition. Over the years, the celebration has featured some of the biggest names in country music, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce. Each year, the show brings performers together to celebrate Christmas through familiar seasonal songs and distinctive musical arrangements.
The 2026 celebration will feature an impressive lineup of performers, including Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Russell Dickerson, and Trisha Yearwood. Their participation brings together established country artists known for their memorable voices, successful recordings, and ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt performances. The combination of familiar favorites and different musical styles promises a festive experience for viewers.
Joining the country performers are gospel artists BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans, whose participation adds another musical dimension to the celebration. The lineup also includes talented guitarist Grace Bowers and violinist Lindsey Stirling, creating opportunities for performances that extend beyond traditional country music. With vocalists and instrumentalists representing different backgrounds, the special is expected to deliver a varied collection of holiday music.
The performances were recorded on October 14, 2026, at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was filmed before a live audience, allowing the participating artists to capture the atmosphere of a festive concert while preparing a television special for viewers across the country. Nashville has long played an important role in the annual celebration, providing a fitting setting for a program centered on country music and Christmas traditions.
Although the broadcast date and performers have been announced, several important details remain undisclosed. Organizers have not yet revealed the complete list of songs that will be performed during the special, leaving viewers anticipating which Christmas classics and original holiday recordings will appear. Another significant unanswered question involves the identity of this year’s host, as an official announcement has not yet been made.
Throughout its history, CMA Country Christmas has featured several well-known hosts. Jennifer Nettles presented the first seven editions before Reba McEntire took over in 2017 and 2018. Trisha Yearwood hosted the 2019 celebration, followed by Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins in 2020. Carly Pearce and Gabby Barrett shared hosting duties in 2021, while Pearce returned as the sole host the following year.
Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood later teamed up to host the 2023 and 2024 specials, continuing the tradition of bringing established musicians into the presenting roles. Most recently, Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle hosted the 2025 edition. With several former hosts also appearing among this year’s performers, viewers are awaiting confirmation of whether a familiar personality will return or an entirely different hosting arrangement will be introduced.
The announcement of CMA Country Christmas 2026 has already generated excitement among viewers looking forward to the annual holiday celebration. With an impressive combination of country stars, gospel performers, and instrumental musicians, the special promises another memorable evening of seasonal entertainment. Fans can watch the broadcast on ABC on December 1 or stream it on Disney+ and Hulu beginning December 2, making it easy to enjoy the performances as the Christmas season gets underway.
