Which Country Christmas Song Tops Your Holiday List?

By: Brian Zwerner

Dec 22, 2025

Country music fans know that Christmas songs from Nashville often carry a little more weight than their pop counterparts. While many holiday hits focus on sleigh bells and mistletoe, country Christmas songs tend to reflect real life, blending hope, hardship, and heartfelt tradition. A recent ranking of the best country Christmas songs highlights exactly why these tracks continue to resonate, especially with longtime country listeners.

Coming in at number three is Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” Originally featured in the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the song is far from a standard holiday singalong. Instead, Parton delivers a message of resilience, focusing on people who are struggling but determined to keep going. Its quiet optimism has made it a staple for listeners who know the holidays are not always easy.

Number two on the list is “Christmas in Dixie” by Alabama. Released in 1982, the song quickly became one of the most beloved Southern Christmas anthems. With its references to familiar places and heartfelt wishes, it captures the longing for home that many feel during the season. For fans raised on country radio, it remains a powerful reminder of family, roots, and tradition.

Topping the ranking at number one is Alan Jackson’s “Let It Be Christmas.” Unlike flashier holiday tracks, Jackson’s song is simple and sincere, offering a universal message of peace, love, and goodwill. With lyrics that wish for kindness “everywhere,” the song has become a quiet favorite for those who appreciate country music at its most honest.

Together, these three songs show why country Christmas music continues to endure, offering comfort, reflection, and a sense of home during the holidays.

© Country Bios 2025

© Country Bios 2025

© Country Bios 2025