Christmas and country music were made for each other.
Sure, the classics — from Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” to Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It Through December” — still define the season, but not every tune under the tinsel is cut from the same cozy cloth.
Some artists prefer their sleigh rides with a side of Southern sass, or trade snowflakes for sand and SPF.
Read More: 10 Best Traditional Christmas Songs in Country Music
From Joe Diffie’s reindeer with a redneck twist to Kenny Chesney’s tropical tan wish list, these songs prove that country artists know how to celebrate Christmas in their own unforgettable ways.
So pour another mug of cocoa (or a margarita — we don’t judge) and unwrap some country Christmas songs that are anything but ordinary.
7 Country Christmas Songs That March to Their Own Drum
Kenny Chesney — “All I Want for Christmas Is a Real Good Tan”
Forget sleigh bells — Chesney’s dreaming of palm trees. This laid-back holiday anthem trades snow for sand, proving that sometimes the best Christmas light is the sun.
Joe Diffie — “Leroy the Redneck Reindeer”
Move over, Rudolph. Leroy’s got a pickup truck, a cousin named Bubba, and a serious can-do spirit. A novelty hit that’s pure ‘90s country gold.
Elmo & Patsy — “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
The most infamous country Christmas song of all time? Probably. It’s twisted, catchy, and impossible not to sing along to — even if you shouldn’t.
John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John — “I Think You Might Like It”
A holiday reunion nobody saw coming. Their “Grease” chemistry makes a curious comeback in this country-tinged Christmas duet that has to be seen to be believed.
Jeff Foxworthy — “Redneck 12 Days of Christmas”
Think you know the 12 days? Try beer, hunting gear, and “some parts to a Mustang GT.” It’s as tongue-in-cheek as you’d expect — and that’s why fans love it.
Read More: Is The Christmas Pickle A German Tradition Or An American Myth?
Sugarland — “Little Wood Guitar”
Amid the humor, this one brings a tender touch. Sugarland’s sentimental storytelling reminds us that the best gifts can’t be bought.
Toby Keith — “Hot Rod Sleigh”
Santa’s souped-up ride hits the highway in this rollicking country rocker. Toby Keith brings horsepower to the holidays, and it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.
19 Sad Country Christmas Songs to Make You Cry This Season
Christmas isn’t always so merry for everyone. The holiday season can be especially lonely for those who are far away from family, missing late loved ones or too busy making ends meet to splurge on the biggest, most expensive toys. No matter what’s weighing you down this Christmas, this list of sad country music has a song just for you.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
