10 of the Best Country Christmas Standards

We've selected ten performances of Christmas standards that should be in put in a time capsule and treasured forever. 

Written by Chuck Dauphin
10 of the Best Country Christmas Standards
Martina McBride, Brett Eldredge, Reba; Publicity Photos

Recently, we took a look at 12 of the best “Original” Country Christmas songs of all time. This week, we took a different approach, by selecting ten performances of standards that should be in a time capsule and treasured forever. Here are some great tracks to trim the tree with that will bring back the holiday memories!

Away In A Manger,” Reba McEntire
One of the most touching songs of the holidays gets a very sweet treatment from Reba McEntire on her very first Christmas album from 1987.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” Darius Rucker & Sheryl Crow
Is it any coincidence that one of Popular Music’s top songs of the holiday season gets a bravado treatment from two artists who have conquered the Rock world? We don’t think so!

Here Comes Santa Claus,” Willie Nelson
This Gene Autry standard appeared on Nelson’s first Yuletide disc, 1979’s Pretty Paper. His trademark guitar helps to make this one a classic.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” Brett Eldredge
One of the most enticing holiday releases of 2016 is the new one from Brett Eldredge, Glow. The singer tries out his best Sinatra and Martin style on this evergreen standard, and knocked it out of the ballpark!

Jingle Bells,” The Statler Brothers
Many have recorded this sing-a-long gem, but few injected the artistic flair that The Statler Brothers infused this song with in 1978. The “rounds” approach was new and different – both then and now!

“Little Drummer Boy,” Hank Williams, Jr.
One might not necessarily think of “Bocephus” as a sensitive balladeer, but his approach to this Christmas standard might just surprise you….and then some!

O Come All Ye Faithful,” Sara Evans
The beautiful and angelic voice of Evans gave this oft- performed standard a warmth and vitality that helped to make her 2014 At Christmas album a standout of the season.

O Holy Night,” Martina McBride
To say that Martina nailed the song is putting it mildly. I don’t know if any female vocalist has ever taken this song to the stratosphere as she did in 1998. Whether you prefer her version or John Berry’s, I think most Country fans will agree that the standard got a very moving performance here!

Silent Night (Lord Of My Life),” Lady Antbellum
The number of acts that have recorded “Silent Night” likely numbers in the thousands – and that’s an understatement. But, Charles Kelley turned in a very moving vocal performance of the song from their On This Winter’s Night album.

We Three Kings,” Trace Adkins with Sonya Isaacs
Adkins turned in a very unique album with his 2013 disc The King’s Gift. His voice was as strong as ever, and the Celtic arrangements were definitely a sonic treat. This collaboration with the incredible Sonya Isaacs was very much a highlight.