The holiday season is approaching, and CMA Country Christmas is preparing to return with another celebration featuring some of the biggest names in country and gospel music. The annual television special has officially confirmed its 2026 broadcast date, bringing together established country stars, talented instrumentalists, and special musical guests for an evening of festive performances. Now in its 17th year, the program continues its tradition of celebrating Christmas through memorable songs and collaborations.
CMA Country Christmas 2026 will air on Tuesday, December 1, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. The broadcast is scheduled to continue until 10:01 p.m., giving viewers approximately one hour of holiday entertainment. The announcement comes as ABC reveals its seasonal television lineup, which includes several returning Christmas specials and festive programs throughout November and December.
For viewers who cannot watch the live television broadcast, the special will also be available through streaming services. Disney+ and Hulu will begin offering CMA Country Christmas on Wednesday, December 2, allowing audiences to watch the performances on demand. This provides another opportunity for fans to enjoy the celebration even if they miss its original broadcast.
The 2026 edition features an impressive collection of country performers, including Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Russell Dickerson, and Trisha Yearwood. These artists have established successful careers through their distinctive musical styles and memorable recordings. Their participation brings together a combination of familiar voices and musical personalities, offering viewers a varied selection of holiday performances.
The lineup also includes gospel singers BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans, adding another musical dimension to the Christmas celebration. Their participation introduces gospel influences alongside traditional country music, continuing the event’s history of welcoming performers from different backgrounds. The combination of country and gospel artists is expected to give the program a distinctive musical atmosphere.
Two talented instrumentalists will also appear during the special. Guitarist Grace Bowers joins the lineup alongside violinist Lindsey Stirling, whose energetic performances and distinctive musical arrangements have attracted audiences around the world. Their involvement provides opportunities for instrumental interpretations of holiday favorites, expanding the program beyond traditional vocal performances.
The special was recorded on October 14, 2026, at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Filming took place before a live audience, giving the performers an opportunity to capture the atmosphere of a concert while preparing the television broadcast. Nashville has long served as an important setting for the event, reflecting its close connection to the country music community.
Although the broadcast date and performer lineup have been confirmed, organizers have not yet announced who will host the 2026 celebration. In recent years, CMA Country Christmas has frequently featured two hosts guiding viewers through the performances. Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle hosted the 2025 edition, while Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood shared presenting duties in 2024.
The complete song list has also not been revealed, leaving viewers anticipating which Christmas classics and original holiday recordings will appear. Previous editions have featured artists performing familiar seasonal favorites alongside their own interpretations of Christmas music. Over the years, the celebration has welcomed performers such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce.
With its December 1 broadcast approaching, CMA Country Christmas 2026 promises another memorable evening for fans of holiday music. The combination of established country stars, celebrated gospel singers, and accomplished instrumentalists gives this year’s special a broad musical lineup. Viewers can watch the program on ABC beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time or stream it on Disney+ and Hulu starting December 2, making the annual celebration accessible throughout the holiday season.
