Fresh Christmas and Holiday Hits for 2025
The 2025 holiday music season is shaping up to be a festive feast for the ears, blending brand-new albums, surprise collaborations, and a Hallmark movie-musical tie-in that’s bound to warm hearts. From Chris Young’s long-awaited return to Christmas recording, to Brad Paisley’s original songs for A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, to pop favorites like Ed Sheeran and Kelly Clarkson keeping last year’s hits alive, there’s a little something for every listener. Whether you love country charm, pop sparkle, or bittersweet ballads, this year’s Christmas soundtrack promises to make the season sound unforgettable.
Chris Young is stepping back into the holiday spotlight with I Didn’t Come Here to Leave, his first Christmas album in nearly a decade. Due out October 17, the record features 14 tracks, 11 of which he co-wrote, including the touching lead single “’Til The Last One Dies.” Young will also embark on an intimate acoustic Christmas tour from November 20 to December 20, making this both a listening and live event to look forward to.
Brett Eldredge’s Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), though technically released in late 2024, continues to make its mark on holiday playlists in 2025. Highlights include “Sweet December,” a duet with Kelly Clarkson, and the title track featuring the voices of Eldredge’s family. His annual Christmas concert series remains a seasonal tradition for many.
Several singles from late last year are still resonating with audiences. Ed Sheeran’s “Under the Tree,” created for the Netflix film That Christmas, captures the warmth and wistfulness of the season, while Kelly Clarkson’s “You for Christmas,” from the deluxe edition of When Christmas Comes Around…, blends her signature powerhouse vocals with romantic holiday nostalgia.
Adding depth to the season’s soundtrack, Australian songwriter Paul Kelly has released “Rita Wrote a Letter,” a sequel to his 1996 classic How to Make Gravy. Revisiting familiar characters and themes of family, longing, and reflection, it’s a reminder that Christmas music doesn’t always have to sparkle—it can also be grounded in life’s bittersweet realities.
Speculation is running high about potential new holiday releases this year. Rumors are swirling around artists like Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Madonna, Dove Cameron, Kesha, Tokio Hotel, Weezer, Whitecross, and Berlin. Some may remain wishful thinking, but the possibility of surprise albums or singles adds to the excitement of the season.
One of the most anticipated projects is Hallmark’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, premiering as part of the network’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas. Created to celebrate the Opry’s 100th anniversary, the movie stars Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha in a magical time-travel story. Gentry Woods, invited to represent her late songwriter father at the Opry’s centennial, finds herself transported back to 1995, reconnecting with her past and finishing a song decades in the making.
Brad Paisley, a Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy-winning country star, has written original music for the film and will perform in it. He is also creating the official anthem for Hallmark’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas campaign, ensuring the season’s festive feel extends beyond the screen. Filming takes place at the Opry House and other Nashville landmarks, with familiar Opry talent making appearances. Hallmark is further embracing the collaboration with a line of Opry-themed holiday merchandise, including greeting cards, apparel, jewelry, and keepsakes.
Taken together, these releases and events promise a rich and varied holiday soundtrack for 2025. From new Christmas albums and pop favorites to narrative-driven songs and a major Hallmark music event, this season offers something for everyone. Whether you’re curating your personal playlist with timeless classics, contemporary ballads, or cinematic tunes tied to the season’s biggest film, 2025 is shaping up to provide a holiday soundtrack you won’t want to miss.
