Upcoming Christmas Albums and Holiday Music Releases for 2025
The 2025 holiday music season is shaping up to be a strong one. From long-awaited sequels to fresh takes on festive classics, artists are embracing the Christmas spirit and giving fans plenty to enjoy.
Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about holiday albums, soundtracks, and tours confirmed so far:
Lady A – On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2
It’s been more than a decade since Lady A’s original holiday album became a seasonal favorite. Now they’re finally following it up. On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2 arrives September 26, 2025, with a mix of holiday standards and new songs. To celebrate, they’re launching their first Christmas tour, starting December 5 in Atlanta and ending December 23 in Nashville. Fans of their warm harmonies and classic country style will want this on their playlist—and maybe on their concert calendar.
CeCe Winans – Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album
CeCe Winans brings her gospel roots back to the holiday season with Joyful, Joyful, a collection of Christmas classics and original tracks. The lead single, “It’s Christmas,” has a vintage Motown sound. Her national Christmas tour begins December 4, giving fans a chance to hear her powerhouse vocals in person. This one’s for listeners who like their holiday music filled with heart and soul.
Jonas Brothers – A Very Jonas Christmas (Soundtrack)
The Jonas Brothers are starring in their own Disney+ holiday movie this December, and there’s a soundtrack to match. A Very Jonas Christmas features original songs and playful spins on holiday favorites, all performed by the band in the movie. Full details are still under wraps, but if you enjoy pop-infused holiday tunes with a touch of humor, this could become a new seasonal favorite.
Critical Role – Winter’s Crest: A Holiday Album
The cast of Critical Role steps into holiday music with Winter’s Crest, inspired by the show’s world and characters. The album has 11 original songs blending seasonal emotion with fantasy storytelling. It’s available digitally and on vinyl, with a limited run of signed editions. Whether you’re deep into Exandria lore or curious about a more creative take on Christmas music, this one stands out.
The Carpenters – A Christmas Portrait: Legacy Edition
This release is a gift for fans of classic holiday music. A Christmas Portrait: Legacy Edition offers newly remastered recordings, alternate takes, rare mixes, and previously unreleased material. It’s a chance to hear Karen Carpenter’s timeless voice and the duo’s signature arrangements in a fresh way. For many, it’s not truly Christmas without The Carpenters, and this edition adds new depth to a holiday favorite.
Stryper – Still the Night: A Stryper Christmas
Stryper releases their first full Christmas album, Still the Night: A Stryper Christmas, later in 2025 via Frontiers Music. The record includes five new originals—among them the lead single “Still The Light,” already available—and five reimagined classics like “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “The Little Drummer Boy.” The originals range from melodic metal to punk-pop, while the covers keep tradition but add a heavier edge. Michael Sweet calls it “uplifting, powerful, and Christ-centered,” with trademark harmonies and plenty of guitar solos. It’s Christmas music turned up loud.
Straight No Chaser – Holiday Road
Straight No Chaser, the popular a cappella group, returns with their first full holiday album since 2020. Holiday Road launches alongside their nationwide tour, beginning October 17 in Ohio and ending December 31 in Florida. Tour stops include the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on October 28, Boston on December 4, and Mohegan Sun Arena on December 6. Named after the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation theme song, the album and tour promise festive harmonies and seasonal favorites.
Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas (Deluxe Edition)
Ella Fitzgerald’s classic 1960 holiday album, Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, gets a deluxe reissue. This edition includes a second LP with six tracks making their vinyl debut, bringing together all her holiday recordings for Verve and Decca Records. It also features an essay by journalist Will Friedwald and a sheet of collectible cut-out ornaments. Available as a translucent gold 2LP, it offers Ella’s jazzy renditions of “Jingle Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland,” and more.
These releases are only the beginning. As the season picks up, more artists—both familiar and new—will announce holiday albums, singles, deluxe editions, and soundtracks. Whether you’re building your December playlist or hunting for something special on vinyl, 2025 looks ready to deliver. We’ll be updating this page as more holiday music is announced, so check back often. The season’s just getting started.
Chris Young – I Didn’t Come Here To Leave
Chris Young is set to release a brand-new holiday album this year, his first since It Must Be Christmas (2016). I Didn’t Come Here To Leave arrives on October 17, 2025, and marks his tenth studio album.
The record features 14 tracks, with 11 co-written by Young himself. It blends upbeat, relatable songs with heartfelt ballads, and is described as his most complete and authentic project yet. Fans have already heard the lead single “Til The Last One Dies,” which is climbing the charts, and the title track, which is also available now.
Young will support the release with his first holiday tour—“It Must Be Christmas – An Acoustic Evening with Chris Young”—a short, intimate run from November 20 to December 20.
