With the Christmas holiday rapidly approaching, here is a look at some of the most high-profile new holiday music titles of 2025 out now.
Title: Tis The Season (Jake Shimabukuro)
Tell me more: Celebrated ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is out with Tis The Season, a compelling collection of yuletide favorites — including many collaborations with top-tier musical greats. Highlights include a beautiful musical reading of "O Holy Night" featuring singer Justin Kawika Young, dazzling solo arrangements of "We Three Kings," "What Child Is This" and "Ave Maria" all showcasing his dynamic talents on the instrument, a bewitching cover of John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma, a wonderfully retro "Mele Kalikimaka" with the late Jimmy Buffett, and a jazzy "Winter Wonderland" featuring Michael McDonald. Information: jakeshimabukuro.com.
Title: OCMS XMAS (Hartland Records)
Tell me more: Two-time Grammy-winning troupe Old Crow Medicine Show has released an outstanding 13-track holiday collection (OCMS XMAS) that fully captures the spirit of the season via their signature Americana sound and original songcraft. Among the festive nuggets on the album are an emotional take on John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" featuring the choral harmonies from the children of the Episcopal School of Nashville (watch the video HERE), rousing New Orleans-flavored "Holly Jolly Christmas" bolstered by the talents of Brassville, spirited "Krampus Night," tender "Grandpa's Gone," infectious Appalachia-minded "Jinglin' Jack Guy," tuneful "North By Northeast," and the rollicking original "Corn Whiskey Christmas" (watch the official music video for "Corn Whiskey Christmas" HERE). Information: crowmedicine.com.
Title: Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition) [CD Maxi-Single] (BMG Nashville)
Tell me more: Acclaimed country music artist Lainey Wilson has released a four-song audio title, Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition), to helpful celebrate the holiday season. With a contemporary sound that is infused with rock and soul atop her country roots, Wilson's new title is sure to please her growing number of fans. The title includes the wistful "Peace, Love, and Cowboys," as well as a wondrous "Let It Snow! Let. It Snow! Let It Snow!" magically teaming Wilson's soprano with the voice of the late Bing Crosby; the physical title (CD or 7-inch vinyl) also includes instrumental versions of both aforementioned tracks. Information: laineywilson.com.
Title: On This Winter's Night (Volume 2)
Tell me more: Lady A's On This Winter's Night (Volume 2) marks the first full-length holiday music collection from the Nashville-forged trio in more than a decade. The 11-track album features a mix of originals and modern-take covers of Christmastime classics. The parade of memorable cuts includes the original harmonies-adorned opener "Wouldn't Be Christmas," sumptuous pop flavored "Winter Wonderland," infectious "Little Saint Nick," gorgeous original "Why We Sing Noel" featuring guest Ricky Skaggs, luxurious "O Holy Night," new wave-tinged take on Paul McCartney's melodic "Wonderful Christmastime," and reverent "Silent Night" featuring guest Chris Tomlin. Information: LadyAMusic.com.
Title: Christmas In Belfast (Capitol Christian Music Group)
Tell me more: Northern Ireland-based worship collective Rend Collective has released the aptly-titled Christmas In Belfast, an eight-track album that delivers a rich mix of holiday classics and enticing new originals. Highlights abound on the title including the faith-focused "The Reason," sparse "A Christmas Hymn (to the tune of 'Come Thous Fount')," the Celtic frolic "Christmas in Belfast (Sláinte!)," R&B foray "Room At The Inn," euphoric "A Spontaneous Outburst of Festive Joy" and powerful "Mary Did You Know." Information: rendcollective.com.
Robert Kinsler
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