The 12th annual CMA Country Christmas special returns to ABC on MONDAY, NOV. 29 at 8/7c. This holiday program pairs beloved seasonal standards with fresh material, presenting performances in a warm, intimate at-home format that emphasizes the spirit of the season. Co-hosted by American Idol alum Gabby Barrett and country star Carly Pearce, the broadcast brings together established country artists, emerging voices, and special guest contributors for an evening of music and festive celebration.
CMA Country Christmas has become a seasonal tradition, offering viewers a mix of classic carols and newer holiday songs performed in settings that feel personal and inviting. The show highlights both solo performances and collaborations, sometimes featuring young musicians and local students from Nashville-area schools. This blend of familiarity and surprise creates a varied musical program that appeals to country fans and holiday music lovers alike.
2021 CMA Country Christmas Song List
Below is the official 2021 song lineup, showcasing a mix of traditional hymns, time-honored carols, and contemporary holiday pieces performed by a diverse roster of country artists.
- Gabby Barrett – “Silent Night”
- Carly Pearce – “O Holy Night”
- Gabby Barrett & Carly Pearce – “Sleigh Ride” featuring Truman Eltringham, a 17-year-old student from Nashville School of the Arts, and Carter Hammonds, an 8-year-old student at FH Jenkins Preparatory School
- Jimmie Allen with Louis York and The Shindellas – “What Does Christmas Mean?”
- BRELAND – “The Christmas Song”
- Brett Eldredge – “Merry Christmas Baby”
- Lady A – “Christmas Through Your Eyes”
- Pistol Annies – “Snow Globe”
- Carrie Underwood – “Mary, Did You Know?”
- Lainey Wilson – “Christmas Cookies”
This selection reflects the special’s commitment to honoring classic holiday repertoire while introducing contemporary songs and unique collaborations. The participation of local Nashville students on “Sleigh Ride” underscores CMA Country Christmas’s connection to the Nashville community and its support for young musicians.
CMA partnered again with Balsam Hill, known for realistic artificial Christmas trees and seasonal décor, to design and dress the set for this year’s broadcast. Since its debut in 2010, CMA Country Christmas has become an annual fixture that ushers in the holiday season with heartfelt performances, thoughtful arrangements, and a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. Filmed in Nashville, the special airs each holiday season on ABC and brings together a range of country artists for an evening focused on family, tradition, and musical storytelling.
See a preview of Carly & Gabby performing “Sleigh Ride” with Nashville music students
Watch a preview of the duo’s performance below, which features the guest contributions from students and highlights the collaborative spirit of this year’s program.