CMA Country Christmas is officially returning in December 2026, bringing together some of country and gospel music’s most recognizable performers for another festive television celebration. The beloved annual special has confirmed its broadcast date and musical lineup, giving viewers a preview of what to expect from this year’s holiday event. With familiar country stars, celebrated gospel singers, and talented instrumentalists participating, the 17th annual celebration promises an entertaining evening filled with seasonal music.
The 2026 edition of CMA Country Christmas will air on Tuesday, December 1, beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC. The special is scheduled to continue until 10:01 p.m., providing approximately one hour of musical entertainment. The broadcast will follow Dancing with the Holidays, another seasonal television event, making December 1 an evening dedicated to festive performances and celebrations.
For viewers who cannot watch the television broadcast, CMA Country Christmas will also be available through streaming services. Disney+ and Hulu will begin offering the special on Wednesday, December 2, allowing audiences to enjoy the performances on demand. This gives fans additional flexibility to watch the event after its original airing, particularly those who prefer streaming their favorite television programs.
This year’s musical lineup includes several established country performers, with Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Russell Dickerson, and Trisha Yearwood confirmed to take the stage. Each artist brings a distinctive musical style and extensive performing experience, creating opportunities for a varied collection of holiday songs. Their participation continues the event’s tradition of featuring successful country musicians alongside performers from different musical backgrounds.
The celebration will also welcome gospel artists BeBe Winans and Debbie Winans, adding another dimension to the evening’s musical performances. Their involvement brings gospel influences to a program traditionally associated with country music, highlighting the wide appeal of Christmas songs across musical genres. The combination of country and gospel performers is expected to create a varied and memorable holiday atmosphere.
Two accomplished instrumentalists are also included in the official lineup. Guitarist Grace Bowers will join the celebration alongside violinist Lindsey Stirling, whose distinctive performance style has earned her international recognition. Their participation introduces additional musical variety to the television special, offering audiences the possibility of instrumental arrangements alongside performances from the featured vocalists.
Although the special will not air until December, the performances have already been recorded. Filming took place on October 14, 2026, at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was recorded before a live audience, allowing performers to capture the energy of a concert while preparing the production for its national television broadcast. Nashville remains an appropriate setting for the celebration because of its close association with the country music industry.
One important detail that has not yet been announced is the identity of this year’s host. Previous editions have featured familiar country and gospel personalities guiding viewers through the evening’s performances. Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle hosted the 2025 celebration, while Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood shared presenting duties in 2024. Organizers have not confirmed whether any former hosts will return or whether the 2026 edition will introduce a different hosting arrangement.
The complete list of songs scheduled for the 2026 broadcast also remains undisclosed. Traditionally, CMA Country Christmas features performances of familiar Christmas classics alongside original holiday recordings and distinctive musical arrangements. Since debuting in 2010, the annual program has welcomed numerous celebrated artists, including Vince Gill, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Carly Pearce, and Jennifer Nettles.
With its December 1 premiere approaching, CMA Country Christmas 2026 is preparing to continue a holiday tradition that has entertained audiences for more than a decade. The combination of country music favorites, gospel performers, and talented instrumentalists offers viewers a broad selection of musical styles. Fans can watch the special on ABC at 9 p.m. Eastern Time or stream it through Disney+ and Hulu beginning December 2, while additional performance clips and updates are expected to become available through the event’s official website.
