CMA Country Christmas is officially returning for its 17th annual celebration, bringing together some of country and gospel music’s most recognizable performers for an evening of festive entertainment. The popular holiday television special has confirmed its December broadcast date, giving viewers another opportunity to enjoy Christmas classics, seasonal favorites, and performances from talented artists across different musical genres.
The 2026 edition will air on Tuesday, December 1, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. The broadcast is scheduled to run until 10:01 p.m., providing approximately one hour of holiday entertainment. Viewers who cannot watch the television premiere will also have the opportunity to stream the special on Disney+ and Hulu starting Wednesday, December 2.
The annual celebration has become a familiar holiday tradition since making its debut in 2010. Over the years, CMA Country Christmas has welcomed some of country music’s most celebrated performers, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, and Carly Pearce. The event continues to attract audiences who enjoy hearing familiar Christmas songs performed by their favorite artists.
Following the announcement of this year’s broadcast date, viewers began sharing their excitement on social media. Several fans expressed enthusiasm about adding the special to their December viewing plans, while others celebrated the return of a program they have watched for years. The positive reactions reflect the event’s continuing popularity among country music listeners and families who enjoy seasonal entertainment.
This year’s performer lineup features an impressive collection of established country stars, including Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Russell Dickerson, and Trisha Yearwood. Each artist brings a distinctive musical background, creating opportunities for different interpretations of holiday favorites. With several familiar voices returning to the celebration, the upcoming broadcast promises a variety of performances.
The special will also feature gospel performers BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans, adding another musical dimension to the holiday celebration. Guitarist Grace Bowers and violinist Lindsey Stirling are also included in the lineup, bringing instrumental talent alongside the vocal performances. Their participation creates an interesting combination of country, gospel, and instrumental music, offering viewers a broader selection of seasonal entertainment.
The 2026 special was recorded on October 14 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The performances were filmed before a live audience, allowing the production to capture the atmosphere of a festive concert. Nashville has long been closely associated with the country music community, making it a fitting location for an event that celebrates the genre alongside traditional Christmas music.
Although the official broadcast date and performer lineup have been revealed, several important details remain unannounced. Organizers have not yet confirmed the complete list of songs that will be featured during the special. The identity of this year’s host also remains unknown, leaving viewers anticipating whether a familiar television personality or another country music star will guide the celebration.
CMA Country Christmas has featured several well-known hosts throughout its history. Jennifer Nettles presented the first seven editions before Reba McEntire hosted in 2017 and 2018. Trisha Yearwood took over in 2019, followed by Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins in 2020. Carly Pearce and Gabby Barrett hosted together in 2021, with Pearce returning alone in 2022. Amy Grant and Yearwood shared hosting duties in 2023 and 2024, while Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle presented the 2025 celebration.
With its December premiere approaching, CMA Country Christmas 2026 is preparing to deliver another evening of holiday music featuring established country stars, celebrated gospel performers, and accomplished instrumentalists. Although the host and complete setlist have not yet been announced, the confirmed lineup has already given audiences plenty to anticipate. Fans can watch the special on ABC on December 1 or stream it on Disney+ and Hulu beginning December 2, continuing a holiday television tradition that has entertained viewers for more than a decade.
