Country music fans can officially start counting down to one of television’s most festive traditions. “CMA Country Christmas” returns in 2025 with new hosts, a fresh lineup of performers, and several ways for viewers without cable to stream the special. The show airs Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 9 p.m. Eastern on ABC, according to ABC’s official listings.
The annual broadcast brings together some of the genre’s biggest artists for an evening of holiday standards and original performances. The Country Music Association launched the program in 2010, and each year it aims to create a warm, classic Christmas atmosphere that reflects Nashville’s musical roots.
How to Watch and Stream
Viewers in the United States can watch the 2025 edition live on ABC when it premieres on Dec. 2. ABC confirmed that the special will stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+, which makes the program accessible to those who have moved away from cable. Variety reported that both platforms will host the full special beginning Dec. 3.
Rolling Stone reported that several live TV streaming services, including YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream, will also carry the ABC broadcast for subscribers who want to watch without a cable package. Many of these services offer free trials for new users.
People watching from outside the United States should check their local streaming catalogs. Availability can vary by region. Some international viewers use a VPN to access U.S. platforms. Rolling Stone reported that access is not guaranteed and depends on each service’s policies.
Who Is Performing
Lauren Daigle and Jordan Davis will co-host the special for the first time. Both artists will also perform during the broadcast. The full 2025 lineup includes Lady A, Little Big Town, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The CMA confirmed the performer list in its program announcement.
The special films in Nashville with a live audience are typically a mix of country, pop, gospel, and Americana styles. The format often highlights artists performing holiday favorites in stripped-down arrangements or with full orchestral backing.
What Makes the Special Stand Out
“CMA Country Christmas” has grown into an unofficial marker of the holiday season for many viewers. The show pairs the emotional storytelling of country music with the nostalgia of Christmas classics, which has helped it maintain a loyal audience. The special consistently ranks as a popular December broadcast for ABC.
This year’s edition introduces new hosts and a wide variety of performers, but it continues to embrace the familiar themes that have defined it for more than a decade. For fans, it is a chance to settle in with a warm drink, hear their favorite artists welcome the season, and enjoy a holiday tradition that blends modern country energy with timeless Christmas spirit.
