BREAKING NEWS: Parker McCollum stuns fans with a soulful, jazz-infused take on a Christmas classic during his first-ever CMA Country Christmas performance.LC
The country star says having the chance to perform on ‘CMA Country Christmas’ is “pretty special.”
Parker McCollum showcased a playful side of his personality with a fun-filled performance of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” on CMA Country Christmas.
The Texas native took the stage at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by a full jazz band that gave the beloved holiday classic a fresh twist.
Fans first heard McCollum’s take on this Christmas classic with the release of the song via Apple Music.
McCollum sported his usual stagewear, jeans, a button-up shirt, and a ball cap, keeping things true to his signature style.
This marked his first-ever appearance on CMA Country Christmas.
“I think it means everything that the holiday spirit embodies,” he shared. “I think when you’re a kid and you grow up watching Christmas shows, you kind of look forward in show business to being a part of one of ’em one day. So to do it, I think it’s pretty special.”
As a father to his son, Major, McCollum says he’s excited to experience the holidays from a new perspective.
“My son’s right on the cusp of being old enough to really enjoy Christmas. I think we may be a little bit early. That’s not going to stop my wife from acting like he’s 10 and fully aware of what’s going on. So I’ll be looking forward to just playing along and acting like she’s right,” he explained.
He also shared the tradition he’s most excited to pass down.
“Probably the tradition I look forward most to showing my son one day is taking off to the ranch to go hunting as soon as Christmas day’s over.”
McCollum was one of several artists featured on this year’s CMA Country Christmas lineup, joining Lady A, Little Big Town, Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and BeBe Winans. Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle hosted the special and also performed.
CMA Country Christmas aired Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 9/8c on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu and Disney+.
Parker McColllum will close out the year with a performance at Dickies Arena on December 31. Next year, he will continue his tour into 2026 with dates planned through late September.
