Date Published: October 1, 2024

Last Updated: April 18, 2026

In This Guide:

Find details about the 2026 Opry Country Christmas Show.
Read my experience from this can’t-miss tradition.
Find tips to make your Nashville trip unforgettable.

Visiting the Opry

While the show has been around for 100 years, it’s still a must-see destination for travelers and local alike. Week after week, in a back-to-basics setting, artists step into the famed circle, offering inspiring and much-needed entertainment.

With the year winding down, the show notably features holiday music during the Opry Country Christmas broadcast with eleven big shows. Strings of lights greeted fans as they made their way to the Grand Ole Opry House, situated between Opry Mills Mall and the Gaylord Resort. Of course, a stop to the Opry Shop is always recommended for adding to your music collection, picking up a book, a treat from the Opry wardrobe collection, and grabbing a souvenir or two. Expanded in 2018, the shop also houses memorabilia displays, and archival Opry footage plays on screens throughout the store.

Opry Country Christmas 2026 Dates

The special charm of the Opry is that no show is the same! Every lineup features a mix of superstars, up-and-coming acts, and beloved favorites. Each act will perform a few songs and then the next act appears on stage, keeping the live show flowing with a guest host to emcee the evening. The Opry is known to spotlight comedy and square dancing acts, too!

Sunday, November 29 - TBA

Monday, November 30 - TBA

Wednesday, December 2 - TBA

Sunday, December 6 - TBA

Wednesday, December 9 - TBA

Thursday, December 10 - TBA

Sunday, December 13 - TBA

Monday, December 14 - TBA

Sunday, December 20 - TBA

Monday, December 21 - TBA

Tuesday, December 22 - TBA

All dates and artists subject to change. Please refer to the Opry’s official schedule.

How to Get Opry Country Christmas Tickets

Tickets for Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry are available directly through the official Opry website and authorized ticket partners. This is the most reliable way to secure seats for the holiday shows.

Where to Buy Tickets

The best place to purchase tickets is through the official Grand Ole Opry website. Buying directly ensures you’re getting verified tickets and access to the full list of available show dates and seating options.

When Tickets Go on Sale

Tickets for Opry Country Christmas shows are typically released in the fall, often several months before the holiday season begins. Popular dates - especially weekends and December performances - can sell quickly once they go on sale.

Tip for Getting the Best Seats

If you’re planning to attend, it’s a good idea to book early. Holiday shows at the Grand Ole Opry are a major attraction in Nashville, and the best seats are usually the first to go. Signing up for Opry email updates can also help you stay ahead of ticket release announcements.

VIP Parking

Upgrade to the VIP Parking Lot for secure and quick parking. You’ll have an easy walk (Bonus: You’re covered from inclement weather!) that is wheelchair accessible to and from the Grand Ole Opry House. Purchase online or at the gate.

The Curtain Rises

Words can’t capture the magic that permeates the building - but keep reading for my trip to see some of country music’s biggest stars perform at the Opry.

Jeannie-Seely-Christmas-at-the-Opry — **Jeannie Seely**

A prominent figure of the Opry for decades, Jeannie Seely opened the show with holiday tunes that prompted plenty of crowd participation. Interspersing songs with her comical stories is always a welcomed treat. A class act with a legendary career!

Kathy Mattea

A personal highlight of the show was watching Grammy winner Kathy Mattea perform. Her inviting personality and natural storytelling capabilities make her captivating. In 1993, she recorded Good News, a collection of holiday music. During the evening's performance, she performed two songs on that record, "Mary, Did You Know," and "Christ Child's Lullabye," a stunning Scottish selection. If there was ever a musician who deserved Opry membership, Kathy fits the bill, and I’m hopeful that she’ll receive that honor sometime soon. (Exciting update: On October 11, 2025, Kathy Mattea will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry!) Timeless songs like "Love at the Five & Dime" and the crowd singalong to "Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses" prove why she earned a nomination for the CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1990 – a feat only two other solo females achieved that decade. As she exited the stage, many crowd members applauded her with a standing ovation.

Riders-In-The-Sky-Christmas-At-The-Grand-Ole-Opry — **Riders in the Sky**

The cowboy way of life is embedded into the musical stylings of the Grammy-nominated Riders in the Sky. They have spent 40 years as members of the Grand Ole Opry and constantly offer an entertaining set. A mashup of familiar Christmas songs with an added dash of humor won over the crowd.

Kelsea Ballerini

Grand Ole Goddess Kelsea Ballerini emptied the bottle and filled our hearts. Her single, “Hole in the Bottle,” is a welcomed bout of fun – check out her remix with Shania Twain, too! Kelsea is one of the Opry’s newest members and has done a fantastic job of regularly appearing at the famed stage. She kicked off her three-song set with the coy and playful “Santa Baby.” Her intimate rendition of “homecoming queen” complemented the acoustic setting, as she played her guitar.

Lauren-Alaina-Christmas-at-the-Opry — **Lauren Alaina**

Lauren Alaina’s soulful rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” demonstrated a vocal power that towers above most. The music, her stunning black dress, and her stage presence all had inklings of the Nashville Sound Era, especially when she channeled Brenda Lee during “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Lady A

They’ve amassed almost every industry accolade, and their albums have spent an astounding 47 weeks atop the sales chart, but there’s something about Lady A that remains so down-to-earth. Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” heralded their five-song closing set, allowing for a lively start. The pinnacle was an emotional take on “The First Noel,” with Hillary Scott emerging as lead vocalist. The three musicians talked about how they all now have children, and the holidays have since taken on a renewed meaning before introducing “Christmas Through Your Eyes.” Between all of the holiday goodness, they played their single, “Champagne Night,” and it was certainly an evening worth toasting to!

FAQ: Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry

What is Opry Country Christmas?

Opry Country Christmas is a special holiday concert series hosted by the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country artists performing Christmas classics along with their hit songs. The shows are part of Nashville’s seasonal holiday lineup and take place over multiple dates each year.

When does Opry Country Christmas start?

Opry Country Christmas typically begins in mid-to-late November and runs through December. Exact dates vary each year, with multiple performances scheduled throughout the holiday season.

Who performs at Opry Country Christmas?

The lineup usually includes members of the Grand Ole Opry along with guest artists. Each show can feature a different mix of performers, making every night a unique experience.

Where is Opry Country Christmas held?

All Opry Country Christmas shows are held at the Grand Ole Opry House. The holiday concerts take place at the Opry’s main venue in Nashville, so you can expect the full Grand Ole Opry experience in one location.

Is Opry Country Christmas part of the Grand Ole Opry show?

Yes, Opry Country Christmas is a seasonal version of the Grand Ole Opry. While it keeps the traditional Opry format, the show includes holiday-themed performances and festive music throughout the set.

Are Opry Country Christmas shows the same every night?

No, each show can feature different artists and song selections. While the holiday theme remains the same, the rotating lineup means no two performances are exactly alike.