New Holiday Music for 2025

As the leaves turn and the first hints of winter appear, the holiday music season kicks into high gear. 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year, with both longtime favorites and fresh voices bringing new albums, deluxe editions, and festive soundtracks to fans everywhere. From classic Christmas standards to inventive originals, there’s something to suit every holiday playlist—whether you’re streaming at home, hunting for vinyl treasures, or planning a festive night out on tour.

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, on November 21, 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.

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.

Mickey Guyton – Feels Like Christmas

Mickey Guyton brings her powerful vocals to the 2025 holiday season with Feels Like Christmas, released on October 24, 2025, via MCA Nashville. The eight-track album blends beloved classics and fresh originals, including standout songs like “O Holy Night,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman,” “Sugar Cookie,” and the duet with Michael Bolton, “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.” Guyton also contributed the festive anthem “Joy to Your World” with Drew Baldridge for Hallmark’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas, debuting during live performances at the Grand Ole Opry. Fans can stream the album on Spotify and Apple Music, and catch her live in Nashville at City Winery on November 11, 2025. This collection highlights Guyton’s signature warmth and country-pop style, making it a must-add to any 2025 holiday playlist.

Capitol Records – A Capitol Christmas Volume 2

Capitol Records is bringing back a beloved treasure for 2025 with A Capitol Christmas Volume 2, a collection of 24 timeless holiday songs from legends like Wayne Newton, Glen Campbell, Nancy Wilson, and The Beach Boys. This deluxe compilation—available digitally, on double CD, and as a gatefold double LP—launches on or about December 1, 2025, featuring rare tracks, rich liner notes by Jay Landers, and nostalgic charm that spans decades.

James A. Norkawich – This Christmas is Forever and Norkawich Family Christmas

Pianist and composer James A. Norkawich will release not one but two Christmas albums on October 29, 2025. The first, This Christmas Is Forever, blends jazz, pop, gospel, and soul into a lush, genre-spanning holiday soundtrack. The second, A Norkawich Family Christmas, takes a more personal approach, combining spoken-word stories of family traditions with piano and choral arrangements. Together, the albums offer both a grand seasonal celebration and an intimate, nostalgic look at Christmas memories.

JJ Heller – JJ Heller Christmas

JJ Heller returns in 2025 with her fourth holiday collection, JJ Heller Christmas. The album will stream on November 14, but vinyl copies are already shipping, with the first 200 orders signed by the artist. The release follows her previous Christmas albums, Unto Us, I Dream of You: Christmas, and The More the Merrier, continuing her tradition of thoughtful and heartfelt holiday music.

The 13-song tracklist blends new originals like “Born In Me” and “Christmas Every Day” with classics such as “O Holy Night,” “Home for the Holidays,” and “Grown-Up Christmas List.” With its mix of reflective originals and beloved carols, JJ Heller Christmas is designed to bring warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to the holiday season and is shaping up to be one of the standout Christmas releases of 2025.

David Archuleta – My Only Wish (EP)

David Archuleta returns to the holiday season with My Only Wish, a five-track Christmas EP arriving November 14, 2025. The project features three brand-new originals alongside Archuleta’s warm, soulful takes on “O Holy Night” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).” Written during a year of personal growth and reflection, the album explores themes of faith, family, and belonging, with Archuleta describing it as “the most honest holiday music I’ve ever made.” Fans can expect a mix of heartfelt pop ballads and uplifting seasonal joy, reflecting the spirit that made his earlier Christmas releases fan favorites.

Connie Francis – Christmas In My Heart (Vinyl Reissue)

Connie Francis’ 1959 holiday album, Christmas In My Heart, is receiving a special vinyl reissue this season. The album, originally produced by Arnold Maxin, features a blend of festive classics and reverent hymns. Side A includes tracks like “White Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” while Side B offers more solemn pieces such as “Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful)” and “Ave Maria.”

This reissue is available in two formats: standard black vinyl and a limited edition lipstick red vinyl.

Matthew West – Come Home for Christmas

Matthew West’s Christmas album, Come Home for Christmas, was released on October 10, 2025. It features a blend of original songs and classic holiday favorites delivered in West’s signature storytelling style. The album includes tracks like “Come Home for Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Joy to the World,” “Because of Bethlehem,” “White Christmas,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Dysfunctional Family Christmas,” and a kids’ version of “Gobble Gobble.” Alongside the album, Matthew West also released a companion book titled Come Home for Christmas, which includes Bible readings, discussion questions, and an Advent challenge to help readers focus on the true meaning of the season.

LeAnn Rimes – Greatest Hits Christmas

LeAnn Rimes is celebrating her long career in holiday music with the release of Greatest Hits Christmas. Out November 7, 2025, the collection spans her most beloved seasonal recordings, from her early takes on classics like “O Holy Night” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to later fan favorites including “Celebrate Me Home” and “I Still Believe in Christmas.”

The album also features two new songs: “When the Snow Falls” and “Christmas Is Love,” giving longtime listeners something fresh to enjoy. Available on digital, CD, and a festive snow-white vinyl, Greatest Hits Christmas is both a career retrospective and a warm holiday soundtrack for new fans and longtime admirers alike.

Trisha Yearwood – Christmastime

Country icon Trisha Yearwood adds to the holiday magic with her brand-new album, Christmastime, arriving November 1, 2025. The collection mixes heartfelt originals with rich, classic arrangements of beloved carols, highlighting Yearwood’s warm, soulful vocals. Early previews hint at standout tracks like “Light a Candle” and a duet with husband Garth Brooks on “The Christmas Song.”

Produced by longtime collaborator Garth Fundis, the album brings a lush Nashville sound with strings, piano, and acoustic touches that evoke the cozy glow of the season. Yearwood also introduces a few upbeat tunes—including the title track, a lively, big-band-inspired number that’s destined to become a holiday party favorite—while delivering intimate ballads perfect for a quiet winter evening. With its blend of tradition, heartfelt storytelling, and Trisha’s signature polish, Christmastime feels both timeless and refreshingly new, making it a must-have for any 2025 holiday playlist.

Natalie Grant – Christmas

Natalie Grant returns to the holiday fold with Christmas, set for release October 3, 2025. Issued on her new label home at Capitol CMG, the album is her first full Christmas collection in nearly two decades and mixes classic carols with a couple of new originals.

Early details tease fresh arrangements of standards like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and an Ella Fitzgerald–inspired spin on “Jingle Bells,” alongside originals including the sweeping ballad “God’s Gift” and the playful “Christmas Looks Good on You.”

Darius de Haas – Let Me Carry You This Christmas

Broadway and jazz powerhouse Darius de Haas will release Let Me Carry You This Christmas digitally on October 24, 2025, with a vinyl edition arriving December 5 through Concord Theatricals Recordings. The project blends theatrical flair and jazz elegance, featuring musicians Matthew Whitaker, George Farmer, Mark McLean, Larry Saltzman, and Armand Hirsch, with production by Stewart Lerman, James Frazee, and Sean Patrick Flahaven. The tracklist moves seamlessly from classics to inspired medleys, including “Silent Night,” “Cool Yule,” and a fresh original title track. De Haas’s earlier single “Cold,” an Annie Lennox cover, hints at the sophisticated and soulful direction of the album.

Herb Alpert – Christmas Time Is Here

Trumpet legend Herb Alpert is back with a new holiday set titled Christmas Time Is Here, slated for November 7, 2025, according to retailer listings. Fans can expect his signature smooth trumpet sound across favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Winter Wonderland,” and a re-imagined “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” While the full tracklist isn’t officially confirmed, the buzz suggests a polished mix of classic and contemporary holiday gems.

Brad Paisley – Snow Globe

Country superstar Brad Paisley returns to holiday music with Snow Globe, his first Christmas album since 2006. Set for release on November 7, 2025, the 16-track collection blends eight original songs with festive classics. The lead single, “Counting Down the Days,” serves as the official anthem for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas, while two additional tracks tie into the upcoming Hallmark movie A Grand Ole Opry Christmas. With his signature storytelling, warmth, and nostalgia, Paisley’s album promises to be a festive favorite for country and holiday fans alike.

Mark & Maggie O’Connor – A Christmas Duo

For a warm Appalachian touch, watch for Mark and Maggie O’Connor’s A Christmas Duo, highlighted in early holiday release roundups for November 14, 2025. The pair’s renowned fiddle and acoustic arrangements promise an intimate, folk-infused Christmas sound.

Pentatonix – Christmas in the City

The a cappella superstars return this season with Christmas in the City, their first new holiday album in two years. Arriving October 24, 2025 on Republic Records, the release highlights Pentatonix’s signature harmonies and inventive arrangements that have made them a modern Christmas favorite.

The lead single “Bah Humbug” sets the tone with a playful, jazzy swing, while the rest of the album mixes reimagined classics with a handful of striking originals. Fans can look forward to lush layered vocals and unexpected twists on beloved holiday tunes, ensuring Christmas in the City becomes another essential addition to festive playlists.

Celtic Woman – Nollaig – A Christmas Journey

Celtic Woman brings their signature mix of ethereal vocals and lush instrumentation to the season with Nollaig – A Christmas Journey. Arriving November 8, 2025 via Manhattan Records, the album features sweeping new arrangements of carols such as “O Holy Night,” “The Wexford Carol,” and “Carol of the Bells,” alongside fresh original pieces celebrating Irish winter traditions. Recorded with full orchestra and traditional Celtic instruments, it’s a festive journey through ancient and contemporary sounds that fans of the group’s past Christmas albums will love.

Jake Shimabukuro – Tis the Season

Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is releasing his first-ever holiday album, Tis the Season, on October 17. The album features special appearances by Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers and the late Jimmy Buffett. Buffett’s voice appears on Jake’s version of the classic Hawaiian Christmas song “Mele Kalikimaka,” while McDonald joins Jake on a cover of the holiday classic “Winter Wonderland,” with both playing ukulele on the tune.

Eric Benét – It’s Christmas

R&B icon Eric Benét returns to the holiday scene with It’s Christmas, set for release on October 10, 2025. The album blends smooth, soulful renditions of beloved holiday classics with Benét’s signature contemporary style. Fans can expect warm, romantic arrangements of songs like “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” alongside fresh interpretations that make the season feel both timeless and personal. This release is perfect for listeners who love sophisticated R&B takes on Christmas music, ideal for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or simply setting a mellow holiday mood.

Brad Paisley – Snow Globe

Country superstar Brad Paisley is back for the holidays with Snow Globe, arriving November 7, 2025. The 16-track album features eight original songs alongside classic festive favorites. Some tracks tie into Hallmark holiday movies, giving fans both familiar tunes and fresh seasonal stories. With Paisley’s signature guitar work and warm vocals, Snow Globe is a must-have for 2025 holiday playlists.

Chris Rea – The Christmas Album

Chris Rea returns this holiday season with The Christmas Album, set for release on November 7, 2025. The collection features a mix of beloved classics and new originals, all delivered with Rea’s signature husky vocals and melodic guitar. Highlights include his iconic “Driving Home for Christmas” along with other fan favorites and freshly written seasonal tracks. The album captures the cozy, reflective spirit of the holidays, making it perfect for quiet winter evenings, festive gatherings, or adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any holiday playlist.

Kylie Minogue – Kylie Christmas (2025 Edition)

Pop icon Kylie Minogue returns to the holiday spotlight with a brand-new edition of her beloved Christmas album, arriving November 29, 2025. This updated version of Kylie Christmas includes four new songs that blend shimmering pop originals with warm, nostalgic covers, led by the infectious new single “Xmas.” The reissue builds on the charm of Minogue’s original 2015 album, which featured duets with Iggy Pop and James Corden and quickly became a modern holiday staple. A decade later, this expanded edition feels like a joyful encore—full of sparkle, warmth, and that unmistakable Kylie magic that makes her one of pop’s most enduring voices of the season.

Bryan Adams – The Christmas Last Waltz

Bryan Adams brings his signature rock-and-roll energy to the holidays with The Christmas Last Waltz, a new holiday TV special and companion soundtrack. Inspired by The Last Waltz’s legendary concert style, the special was filmed in Vancouver with an all-star lineup of Canadian musicians joining Adams for reimagined holiday classics and fresh originals. Fans can expect plenty of live-band spirit, guitar-driven cheer, and Adams’ unmistakable vocals across songs like “Merry Christmas All the Way,” “Peace on Earth,” and the title track “The Christmas Last Waltz.” With its mix of nostalgia and rock warmth, it’s one of 2025’s most anticipated festive releases.

Emerging and Niche Holiday Releases

Several artists have recently unveiled their 2025 holiday projects, adding fresh sounds and unique styles to the festive season:

Bill & Gloria Gaither – Let’s Celebrate Christmas

The Gaithers return with a new holiday album, Let’s Celebrate Christmas, released on October 3, 2025. This collection continues their tradition of blending gospel and holiday music, offering a festive soundtrack for fans of their uplifting style.

Sarah Willis & The Sarahbanda – Cuban Christmas

Flute virtuoso Sarah Willis and The Sarahbanda bring a vibrant fusion of classical and Latin jazz to the holiday season with Cuban Christmas. The album, released on October 3, 2025, features festive arrangements of traditional carols infused with Cuban rhythms and melodies.

Wycliffe Gordon – Holiday Fun

Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon offers a lively big-band jazz experience with Holiday Fun, released on November 7, 2025. The album includes classic holiday tunes reimagined with Gordon’s signature brass arrangements and playful energy.

Emmaline – The Christmas Album

Jazz vocalist Emmaline presents The Christmas Album, set for release on November 21, 2025. The album features a blend of traditional carols and original compositions, showcasing Emmaline’s soulful voice and modern jazz style.

April Varner – Winter Songs Vol. 2

Jazz vocalist April Varner is set to release Winter Songs Vol. 2 on November 21, 2025. The album features reimagined holiday classics, showcasing Varner’s rich vocal style and jazz sensibilities.

Gold City – Hope in a Manger

Gold City is back with Hope in a Manger, their first Christmas album in over 20 years, set for release on November 14, 2025. The album cover and title have been publicly shared on their Facebook page, giving fans a first glimpse of what’s to come. In support of the release, a concert has been scheduled—or at least planned—featuring songs from Hope in a Manger. This long-awaited holiday collection promises the group’s signature harmonies, blending nostalgia with fresh arrangements for 2025 listeners.

Harp Twins – Nordic Nights

The Harp Twins are enchanting fans once again with their upcoming Christmas album, Nordic Nights, available for pre-order now, with a release date of November 21, 2025. Described as a “magical duet harp and vocal album of Christmas songs: Nordic Celtic originals and re-imagined classics,” the album brings a fresh, ethereal sound to holiday music, perfect for listeners who enjoy both traditional and inventive seasonal arrangements.

These albums and soundtracks are just the start of what promises to be a rich and exciting holiday season. Whether you’re discovering new artists, revisiting cherished classics, or curating the perfect playlist for family and friends, 2025 has plenty to offer. Keep an eye out for more releases as the season progresses, and let the music bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to your holidays.

These albums and soundtracks are just the start of what promises to be a rich and exciting holiday season. Whether you’re discovering new artists, revisiting cherished classics, or curating the perfect playlist for family and friends, 2025 has plenty to offer. Keep an eye out for more releases as the season progresses, and let the music bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to your holidays.