CMA Country Christmas 2025: Date, Time, Hosts, Full Lineup, Setlist Hints, and How to Watch the Holiday Special

The holiday season’s coziest country tradition returns with CMA Country Christmas 2025, a star-packed celebration taped in Nashville and premiering in prime time just as December hits full sparkle. This year features new hosts, first-time collaborations, and a blend of classics and modern holiday tunes designed for sing-along TV.

When is CMA Country Christmas 2025?

Air date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 9/8c in the U.S. (live-to-tape special)
Replay/streaming: Available the day after broadcast on the network’s official streaming platforms and authenticated apps.

Tip: If you miss the premiere, check your TV provider’s on-demand library and the network’s app for the full special and performance clips.

Who’s hosting CMA Country Christmas 2025?

Two first-time hosts share the reins this year: Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis. Both also perform during the show, weaving in and out of the set list with short interludes, behind-the-scenes moments, and audience banter.

CMA Country Christmas 2025 performers

Expect an all-star mix of country staples, rising voices, and a few genre-crossing guests:

• Lauren Daigle

• Jordan Davis

• Lady A

• Little Big Town

• Riley Green

• Parker McCollum

• Megan Moroney

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band

• Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks

• BeBe Winans

The house band leans into warm brass, brushed snare, and string flourishes—classic holiday textures that let vocal harmonies take the spotlight.

Setlist vibes: classics, countrified

While the full running order isn’t published, you can bank on a core of evergreens—think “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and mid-tempo sleigh-bell swingers—plus a few modern favorites. One featured moment ties a Texas-bred voice to “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” while the roots guests add New Orleans color to a carol medley. Expect at least one gospel-grounded finale with choir backing.

Where it was filmed

This year’s special was taped October 8, 2025, at the Fisher Center in Nashville, a concert hall known for cinematic acoustics and elegant camera angles. The staging leans candlelit—velvet reds, winter greens, and warm golds—with wide shots that feel like a postcard from a classic holiday LP.

Why this edition stands out

• Dual-host chemistry: A country hitmaker and a powerhouse pop-inspired vocalist share emcee duties, keeping the pacing brisk between songs.

• Cross-genre threads: Jazz, gospel, and roots slide naturally alongside mainstream country, broadening the sound without losing the show’s down-home feel.

• Family-watch friendly: Arranged for harmony and melody first, with camera blocking designed so at-home viewers can see the full band (and the kids can follow along).

How to watch or stream

• Broadcast: Tune in at 9/8c on the network that carries the CMA holiday special in your market.

• Next-day streaming: Look for the episode on the network’s official apps and associated subscription platforms the day after it airs.

• International viewers: Local partners typically carry the special within a week; check regional listings.

Pro tip: Performance clips often appear as individual segments shortly after the premiere—perfect for sharing a favorite duet without spoilers.

Quick guide (at a glance)

• Title: CMA Country Christmas 2025

• Premiere: Tue., Dec. 2, 2025 — 9/8c

• Hosts: Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis

• Taping: Fisher Center, Nashville (Oct. 8, 2025)

• Featured artists: Lady A; Little Big Town; Riley Green; Parker McCollum; Megan Moroney; Preservation Hall Jazz Band; Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks; BeBe Winans

• Watch later: Next-day via the network’s streaming and on-demand channels

What to listen for

• Harmonies: Little Big Town and Lady A are built for stacked vocals—expect candlelit ballads that showcase blend and breath.

• Roots detours: Preservation Hall brass lines and slide-guitar hues from Tedeschi/Trucks bring spice to familiar melodies.

• Sing-along choruses: Mid-show arrangements keep families engaged—easy refrains, hand-bell cues, and big final modulations.

If your holiday tradition includes cocoa, comfy socks, and country carols, this year’s CMA Country Christmas checks every box—new hosts, timeless songs, and a stage that looks as warm as it sounds.