The 2021 Country Music Christmas Playlist
Scroll down to see the full playlist.
There is just something that makes the elements of country music exceptionally complimentary to Christmas carols and Holiday music. The sense of comfort and home that is conferred by country music is similar to the one many feel listening to Christmas songs. They’re both very hearth-like, and when combined together, they can result in some real magic.
The release of Holiday music has also become a good way for up-and-coming artists to garner attention, making it a critical period in the music calendar. You see that reflected in Saving Country Music’s Holiday playlist for 2021. Independent artists such as Drake Milligan, Mary Sarah, and Mikayla Lane who turns in an excellent steel-guitar drenched version of “O Holy Night” are examples of how this is a great way to discover some of the names you might be hearing much more from in the future.
The same goes for more mainstream names, with Lainey Wilson turning in a version of “Christmas Cookies” everyone is raving about, Morgan Wade and William Michael Morgan chiming in with their own selections, and Cody Johnson releasing an entire album of Christmas music. Even when it comes to more pop country-style performers, when they take a crack at Christmas standards, they country it up, like JD Shelburne’s version of “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy.”
Below you can find Saving Country Music’s aggressively curated playlist of Christmas music specifically for 2021. All of these songs were just released this year. Some of them are originals, many of them are excellent takes on old standards.
Searching for that one album that may become a Christmas classic for years to come similar to JD McPherson’s Socks from a few years ago, I’m not sure we’ll be blessed with a similar title this year. The Pistol Annies released a Christmas album called Hell of a Holiday, but it’s a little unfocused and light on actual Christmas themes. But there is a really good song from it called “Joy” that makes the playlist.
Josh Turner’s new Christmas album King Size Manger is a much more valiant effort, even if it’s heavy on the religious side, just like an EP Allison Moorer released called Five Holiday Favorites. In fact most of the Christmas music released in 2021 comes from the more religious side, as opposed to the secular, silly, or kitschy angles like in previous years.
For my money, the guy who released the must-have country music Christmas album of 2021 is Eric Strickland. Christmas Time Again landed three selections in the playlist. Below the playlist, you can also see a rundown of (most) all of the country Christmas album releases.
The playlist is available on Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, via the embedded players below. Or, you can find a master list of all the songs below.
- Lainey Wilson – “Christmas Cookies”
- Randall King – “I Only Want You For Christmas”
- Drake Milligan – “Cowgirl for Christmas”
- Mary Sarah – “Take Me Home, Country Roads (Christmas)”
- David Adam Byrnes – “Honky Tonk Christmas”
- Mikayla Lane – “O Holy Night”
- Josh Turner w/ Rhonda Vincent – “Joy To The World”
- Morgan Wade – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
- Skip Ewing – “Christmas Carol”
- Eric Strickland – “Christmas Time Again”
- Cody Johnson – “Hat Made of Mistletoe”
- Tammy Rogers (of The SteelDrivers) and Thomm Jutz – “Dancing in the Snow”
- Holly Tucker w/ Darryl Worley – “With Bells On”
- Reba McEntire – “I Needed Christmas”
- Steve Warnier – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
- William Michael Morgan – “Home At Christmas”
- Eric Strickland – “The Christmas Song”
- Jordan Robert Kirk – “Go Tell It On The Mountain”
- We Banjo 3 – “Driving Home for Christmas”
- Nashvillains – “Christmas in a Bottle”
- Curtis Grimes w/ Doug Stone – “Pretty Paper”
- Pistol Annies – “Joy”
- India Ramey – “Cocktail for Christmas”
- Randy Travis – “There’s A New Kid In Town”
- Cody Webb – “It’s Christmas”
- Tami Neilson – “River” (Joni Mitchell cover)
- Joe Newberry, April Verch – “Breaking Up Christmas”
- Erin Enderlin w/ Chris Canterbury – “Christmas Whiskey”
- JD Shelburne – “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy”
- Nefesh Mountain – “Hanukkah’s Flame”
- Lori McKenna – “Still Christmas in Nashville”
- Jay Bragg – “Drama Free Christmas”
- Makenzie Phipps – “Christmas Snow”
- Cowboy Mouth – “Jingle Bells”
- Eric Strickland – “Too Bad for Me”
- Jamie O’Neal – “Christmas You”
- Brian Callihan, Jenee Fleenor – “There’s A New Kid In Town”
Albums
- Josh Turner – King Size Manger
- Randy Travis – Old Time Christmas (Deluxe Edition)
- Eric Strickland – Christmas Time Again
- Steve Wariner – Feels Like Christmas Time
- Cody Johnson – A Cody Johnson Christmas
- Allison Moorer – Five Holiday Favorites
- We Banjo 3 – A Winter Wonderful
- Skip Ewing – Christmas
- Joe Newberry, April Verch – On This Christmas Day
- Pistol Annies – Hell of a Holiday
- Hiss Golden Messenger – O Come All Ye Faithful
- Amanda Shires – For Christmas
- Brian Fallon – Night Divine
- Paul Kelly – Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train
- Nefesh Mountain – Live From Levon Helm Studios: A Hanukkah Holiday Concert
- Jeremiah Lockwood – The Great Miracle: Guitar Soli Chanukah Record
- Tim O’Connell – Silent Nights (original songs)
- Lucas Hoge – 12.25
- Brett Young – Brett Young and Friends Sing the Christmas Classics
- Brett Eldredge – Mr. Christmas
- Timmy Brown – A Very Timmy Brown Christmas
- A Honky Tonk Christmas EP (Various Artists)
- Lori McKenna – Christmas Is Right Here EP
- Jordan Robert Kirk – Yulegrass (Volume 1) EP
- Jay Bragg – Wonderland with You EP
- Tenille Townes – Songs For Christmas EP
- American Standard Time Records Holiday Rambler 2021 (Bandcamp)
- Crystal Gayle – A Crystal Christmas (Reissue)
- Johnny Lee – Santa Claus is Lookin’ For Love (Reissue)
Some Additional Songs
- Caylee Hammack – “Hard Candy Christmas” (Spotify Only)
- Carly Pearce – “Mary, Did You Know?”
- Drew Cooper, Cody Canada, Dierks Canada – “Please Come Home For Christmas”
- The Braun Brothers with Jeff Crosby – “The Kids Are Coming Home”
This article has been updated.
December 8, 2021 @ 9:04 am
No mention of Lori McKenna’s Christmas EP at all?
December 8, 2021 @ 9:17 am
It’s been added.
December 8, 2021 @ 9:43 am
I would assume it was an oversite with the amount of material he covered. I thoroughly enjoyed her EP- especially “Grateful”
December 9, 2021 @ 8:47 am
Beautiful EP, my favourite this year.
Curious how Christmas music is almost a “only in America” thing.
December 9, 2021 @ 2:33 pm
It’s not at all. Any country with Christians in it has domestic Christmas music.
December 10, 2021 @ 9:28 am
well i’m from Italy and it’s pretty much christian/catholic down here as you can imagine and practically noone releases xmas albums.
December 8, 2021 @ 9:08 am
Gotta add one to the list — “Krismastofferson” from the Royal Hounds off the “A Whole Lot of Nothin'” album. Great story of how a janitor named Kris in Nashville helped out a guy with the same name on Christmas Eve.
December 8, 2021 @ 9:32 am
My .02, but country Christmas music should completely disappear. Supposed to be a magical time of year and country Christmas tunes are beyond suicidal. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. Now go listen to Dropkick Murphy’s ” The Season’s Upon Us”.
December 8, 2021 @ 10:16 am
You should place your .02 on a train track and watch them get flattened by a train cause country Christmas is awesome! Merry Christmas Brad!
December 9, 2021 @ 2:33 pm
It’s not at all. Any country with Christians in it has domestic Christmas music. I
March 18, 2023 @ 9:44 pm
William Michael Morgan is an exceptional musical talent. His gift of voice along with his charismatic presence and sincere smile will take this young man higher than other country music singers have only ever dreamed of. Sometimes a performer just has that X-factor that will catapult them over the top. William Michael Morgan has exactly that, so sooner or later, he will outshine the rest in Nashville and across the golbe and his many fans who recognize his exceptionalism will enjoy every moment of his songs and outstanding entertainment. He’s the REAL DEAL! Rising star if I ever saw or heard one!!
December 8, 2021 @ 10:17 am
”The Season’s Upon Us” A Christmas classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTx-sdR6Yzk&ab_channel=DropkickMurphys
December 8, 2021 @ 11:52 am
Haha, I agree entirely. Love The Season’s Upon Us.
Also Terry Allen ‘Xmas on the Ismuth’
But “Fairytale of New York” is the best Christmas song. Or rather, a great song set at Christmas
December 9, 2021 @ 9:50 am
@Blackh4t Yes it is. Not even close for me.
I always wonder why there ain’t more Pogues/country music fans crossover. Seems like they’d be right up the alley of anyone into the dirty roots scene or the literary singer-songwriter type stuff.
December 8, 2021 @ 12:53 pm
I’ll keep this the OT thread.
IMO, there is only one good Christmas album.
1. Twisted Sister’s “Twisted Christmas”
That’s it. That’s the list.
If you haven’t heard it, YouTube “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, and if it puts a smile on your face, give the full album a spin.
December 9, 2021 @ 7:38 am
No one should ever listen to the Dropkick Murphy’s My .02
December 8, 2021 @ 9:35 am
Robert Earl Keen’s “Merry Christmas from the Family”?
December 8, 2021 @ 9:41 am
This playlist was for music released in 2021. That’s a good song, but released in 2004.
December 8, 2021 @ 10:19 am
I like the song and am not saying it doesn’t deserve to be on a playlist, but wasn’t Christmas Carol released by Skip Ewing back in the 90’s?
December 8, 2021 @ 10:24 am
Skip released a new version on a new album this year, and it’s such a good song I just couldn’t not include it here. It qualifies on a technicality.
December 8, 2021 @ 11:34 am
Oh I didn’t know he released a new version. And it is a very good song
December 9, 2021 @ 6:58 am
The Caleb Daugherty Band just release a bluegrass version of Christmas Carol
December 8, 2021 @ 11:51 am
The song appeared on 1994’s Gringo Honeymoon album, Trigger
Seems like a prolific year for Christmas music. I guess fewer live shows and more time to write/record.
December 8, 2021 @ 1:26 pm
Okay well, I stand corrected. Either way, it wasn’t released in 2021.
And you’re right, there was an insane amount of Christmas music released this year, and more so, and insane amount of music released in the 2nd half of 2021 as all the projects recorded during the pandemic are coming due at once. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to publish this article, to try an at least give people a place to start, and put eyes and ears on some of these releases, especially since so many of them are coming from independent and up-and-coming artists. I appreciate that folks have piped in about omissions, but please understand nothing was purposely ignored, it’s just there is so much stuff out there, and nobody has the God-like power of omniscience, there’s just no possible way you’re going to include absolutely positively everything.
December 8, 2021 @ 1:12 pm
I like that this list is all current songs. Maybe another list of songs over a few decades would be cool too.
December 8, 2021 @ 10:37 am
Someone needs to write “Mistletoe On My Belt Buckle.”
December 8, 2021 @ 11:07 am
I love the pistol Annies… will definitely have to check out their Christmas album.
December 8, 2021 @ 11:29 am
“Josh Turner’s new Christmas album King Size Manger is a much more valiant effort, even if it’s heavy on the religious side,”
With all due respect to Trigger…how can a Christmas album be too heavy on religion?
December 8, 2021 @ 11:42 am
There is definitely secular Christmas music, and religious Christmas music. There’s “Jingle Bells” and “Away in a Manger.” Not criticizing or passing judgement on either one as a whole, but sometimes an album release focuses mostly on the more religious side, like Josh Turner’s. Some listener’s prefer that, other are deterred by that. I’m just giving folks a heads up for what they can expect as they try to navigate through the very big pile of Christmas music released this year.
December 8, 2021 @ 1:10 pm
I’m glad “valiant” and “religious” were included in the same description. Better to be valiant than “tired money grab.” Almost every major country artists of the 70’s released some religious album. Turner’s faith seems sincere.
December 8, 2021 @ 1:22 pm
Thanks for your reply. I understand what your saying. My comment was more in the realm of Devil’s advocate.
If you think about it, it is somewhat bizarre that it is common to celebrate a holiday based on the birth of Christ without actually celebrating the birth of Christ. I ponder what would happen if a significant anniversary for a different religion was hijacked and used for the retail sales industry without ever really acknowledging the actual religious anniversary and what it stands for.
December 9, 2021 @ 7:22 am
You mean like how christianity kind of highjacked pagan holidays so that the locals would be cool with it?
August 7, 2022 @ 7:38 pm
False.
GotQuestions disproven that popular falsehood.
December 8, 2021 @ 11:31 am
“Hat Made of Mistletoe” by Cody Johnson is one of my favorite original Christmas songs in years. Just a great song, both funny and warm.
December 8, 2021 @ 11:39 am
Tenille Townes came out with a Christmas EP, Songs for Christmas, this year.
December 8, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
I’m 100% on board for anything that Eric Strickland does
December 8, 2021 @ 1:05 pm
Off topic, but I wish there was a good country rendition of the Tom Waits song “Christmas Card from a hooker in Minneapolis”
December 9, 2021 @ 7:41 am
Love that song. And agree that a country version would fit those lyrics
December 8, 2021 @ 1:08 pm
Goodness Gracious.
Smokey, bluesy, wonderful Christmas songs from Eric Strickland. GOODNESS …
Smiling remembering when the fbi guy came into the kitchen, did something with a big smile – and an adorable, very hopeful look on his face. Had to be lightning fast, so that Christmas sugar cookie frosting would not get all over the brand new berber carpeting in the kitchen.
You’re welcome, Baby (a***ole)
Will be getting the Eric Strickland Christmas album.
December 8, 2021 @ 4:49 pm
Thanks so much. Means a lot that folks enjoy it as much as I did making it.
December 9, 2021 @ 5:41 pm
: D You’re welcome!
Love the cadence & rhythm in your Christmas songs.
December 8, 2021 @ 1:35 pm
It is hard to fathom that it took this long for Turner to release a Christmas album. I cannot believe his label never tried to release one past during his commercial prime.
December 8, 2021 @ 2:33 pm
No.
December 8, 2021 @ 4:13 pm
Where did the bromance comments go you two? ❤️
December 9, 2021 @ 5:42 am
You shut your putrid mouth, Moonie!
December 8, 2021 @ 3:22 pm
I think Josh Turner’s is my favorite new Christmas cd. The song “What He’s Given Me” has a real bluegrass feel to it, making me think Josh could do a great bluegrass album!
As a collector of Christmas music (over 3,100 songs collected from all genres) I love it because the music makes the season special. So many songs that have so many memories connected to them.
Thanks for the playlist Trigger and Merry Christmas to all!
December 8, 2021 @ 6:48 pm
I know you weren’t so hot on Sam Williams debut album but he just released a cover of Blue Christmas that I think everyone should take the three minutes and listen to. He makes it uniquely his and for a song that’s been covered by so many people that’s tough to do. It’s been on repeat for me. Happy Holidays yall and enjoy the seasonal music!
December 8, 2021 @ 7:34 pm
Wow – this is Really good!
Thank you for the recommendation for Sam William’s version.
Here is the link
https://youtu.be/k4JpVB1XwLU
December 8, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
*&, not to take Anything away from Sam’s version, because his is EXCELLENT.
but, Porky’s version is a guilty pleasure this time of year.
https://youtu.be/pg7HvF3a_Iw
December 8, 2021 @ 10:39 pm
I’ve really been digging the Brian Fallon album.
December 9, 2021 @ 12:01 am
Asleep at The Wheels Christmas album is one of the most unique: Christmas in Jail. Album selection an expanded view of Christmas
December 9, 2021 @ 5:11 am
Ive never been big on newer Christmas stuff whether it’s covers or brand new stuff. It’s just doesn’t generally sound like the stuff I grew upon even if same songs. It’s why I have a playlist of older stuff on Spotify, country Christmas radio is hard to listen to currently anyway. Old toy trains by Roger Miller is my all time fave though the Statler bros. did a great version as well as Toby Keith. O holy night is another one I really love and I listened to the version here and I think it’s ok. I think it sounds better in a deeper male voice I guess. There was a version by someone a good number of years ago I liked but I can’t remember his name, he’s no longer popular. Little drummer boy is my favorite traditional though the version in the actual Christmas special will always be my favorite. I’ve never really heard a great country version though Joan Jett did an awesome rockin version.
December 9, 2021 @ 6:52 am
Hey Trig –
Not sure how tuned in to the Wisconsin music scene, but there was a huge announcement the other day where Sarah Vos of Dead Horses and Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades announced they were combining to form Rucksack Revolution and relesasing an album on Feb 11. Can’t wait for this.
December 9, 2021 @ 7:27 am
Great list, definitely some songs that I’ve missed. The Pistol Annies album is really growing on me the more I listen. At first it seemed a little all over the place but then I started realizing it kind of takes you through all the real emotions of the season – excitement, stress, dysfunction, sadness, hope, love, joy, peace. I actually love that it doesn’t focus exclusively on Christmas but more of the real life moments throughout the season.
December 9, 2021 @ 8:02 am
Good grief!
It’s like Sam Williams has come streaking across the sky like an RPG.
This guy is explosive.
https://youtu.be/A9LtD8gI7GQ
Snow Angels
December 9, 2021 @ 6:23 pm
What? No Kenny Chesney and his good tan?
December 10, 2021 @ 2:44 am
There I was looking forward to coming down to the comments section to complain that it wouldn’t kill Kinky Friedman to write one country Hannukah song when I look down the list and find an entire concert album about the holiday by a Jewish Bluegrass band!
Apparently they do songs in Hebrew, which makes me wonder if the vocalist was a cantor? That’s a job in a synagogue, the congregation hires a professional singer to lead hymns and prayers as well as performing them solo. Pretty much the only way to get experienced singing in Hebrew outside of Israel.
Anyway thanks for bringing them to my attention, I’ll have to check them out. I hope they’re not just a semi-novelty group who will quickly move on from the genre. A musician named Matisyahu did basically that with reggae a few years ago and while he had his reasons to leave the genre and the religion I fear it left an impression that people who do “Jewish” versions of established musical styles are mostly dabblers and dilettantes, cultural tourists. Here’s hoping that’s not the case.
December 10, 2021 @ 8:18 am
Nefesh Mountain isn’t just a Jewish bluegrass band, it a good one. I had their song “Wanderlust” in the Top 25 Playlist earlier this year as well. Hope to do a dedicated feature on them at some point.
December 10, 2021 @ 8:44 am
Merle Haggard – Little Toy Trains is the ultimate Christmas song. The Possum doing Silent Night closely follows. Merry Christmas Strait to You as well of course.
December 15, 2021 @ 2:03 am
Ever considered doing a country music holiday gift guide? Trying to figure out what to buy my parents
December 15, 2021 @ 6:46 am
Have done some specific gift ideas over the years such as handwritten lyrics from artists, but nothing like a gift guide. Might be a good idea, maybe for next year.
March 24, 2022 @ 1:46 pm
Next year, check out Clark Ford’s “My Mrs. Claus” which is a fun, sentimental, and romantic country Christmas song: https://soundcloud.com/cfford/my-mrs-claus?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing