Quick Read
- Yamhill County’s Community Christmas Cantata returns for its 39th year, raising funds for local food banks.
- Gospel ensemble B. Terrell & Valiant Voices In Praise debut with the Christmas single ‘Glory To The Newborn King.’
- Dan + Shay celebrate five years of original Christmas music and tease new holiday releases.
- Bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs launches an eight-city Christmas tour with Kentucky Thunder in December.
Holiday Harmonies: Community, Creativity, and Charity in 2025
Every December, the sound of Christmas music marks not just the beginning of a season, but the rekindling of traditions, memories, and the spirit of giving. In 2025, this melody is richer than ever, with new artists stepping into the spotlight, seasoned legends returning to the stage, and communities rallying around music with a purpose. Across the United States, Christmas music is more than background noise—it’s a lifeline connecting generations, faiths, and hearts.
Community Christmas Cantatas: Tradition with Purpose
In Yamhill County, Oregon, the annual Community Christmas Cantata is about more than singing hymns—it’s a celebration of resilience and generosity. Now in its 39th year, the cantata has become a vital fundraiser for the Yamhill Community Action Partnership food bank, especially as food insecurity remains a pressing concern locally and nationally. Since 1987, volunteers from at least 17 Oregon communities, five counties, and three states have come together, united by music and a shared mission.
This year’s theme, “Christmas Changes Everything,” will echo through churches across the county from December 7 to December 22. The cantata blends contemporary and traditional Christmas music, narration, and performances by nearly 60 participants—including a six-part, nondenominational choir, youth chorus, American Sign Language choir, soloists, and an orchestra. Lee Schrepel, who has directed the choir for 35 years, continues to lead with warmth and dedication, ensuring every performance is inclusive and accessible, with sign language interpretation and livestreaming for those unable to attend in person.
As always, the public is invited to attend, with free-will offerings accepted at each stop. The organizers hope to build on the impressive legacy of nearly $356,000 raised over the past two decades, demonstrating how music can transform not just moods, but lives.
Source: Newberg Graphic
New Artists, New Sounds: Gospel Roots and Fresh Energy
The spirit of Christmas also inspires new voices to enter the musical arena. In Anaheim, California, B. Terrell & Valiant Voices In Praise (V2IP) have released their debut single, “Glory To The Newborn King.” In a genre where newcomers rarely launch with holiday music, Terrell’s group is making a bold statement: Christmas songs can be both modern and deeply rooted in gospel tradition.
B. Terrell, a passionate choir master in the making, gathered vocalists from across Southern California—Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties—to create a sound that honors the past while looking forward. Produced by Ronald Lee of Leeboy Entertainment, “Glory To The Newborn King” is described as a “churchy holiday tune” that blends authenticity, energy, and praise. Lee, reflecting on the collaboration, remarked, “Ministry through music still has power.” The single is available on all digital platforms, inviting listeners everywhere to celebrate, reflect, and rejoice.
For B. Terrell, the journey is personal: “I’ve never been a fan of Christmas music, but it’s funny how the Lord works. The first song the Lord gave me to pen was a Christmas song and a churchy one at that!” With this release, V2IP aims to bring gospel choir music to a new generation, while honoring the message at the heart of Christmas.
Source: The Urban Music Scene
Holiday Traditions Reimagined: Country Duos and Social Media
Meanwhile, country-pop duo Dan + Shay are celebrating their own milestones. Five years ago, they wrote and recorded “Take Me Home For Christmas,” their first original holiday song, which quickly became a fan favorite. This year, the duo is embracing the season by sharing festive moments on social media—videos of decorating trees, reminiscing about past releases, and hinting at new music.
Their most recent hit, “Officially Christmas,” marks its first anniversary, with both tracks now fixtures in holiday playlists. Dan + Shay tease fans with the possibility of another original Christmas song, keeping their audience engaged and excited. The pair’s knack for blending harmonious vocals with holiday cheer has made their music a staple of the modern Christmas soundscape, reflecting a trend where artists use digital platforms to cultivate tradition and community.
As they prep a new album—featuring covers and perhaps another Christmas original—the duo demonstrates how holiday music can be both nostalgic and forward-looking, inviting listeners to make new memories while cherishing old ones.
Source: Backstage Country
Legends Return: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Spread Bluegrass Cheer
No Christmas music roundup would be complete without mentioning the return of bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder. Their 2025 Christmas tour features eight concerts across the country, from Mississippi to Virginia, each performance promising a blend of holiday classics, new arrangements, and signature instrumentals.
Skaggs, whose career spans decades, invites fans to “hear some great old Christmas favorites, some newer Christmas songs and some great instrumentals too.” Concertgoers can expect beloved tunes like “Christmas Time’s A Comin’,” “Let It Snow,” and “Mary, Did You Know?”—as well as instrumental showcases like “Deck the Halls” and “Ancient Christmas Tones.” The shows are designed to be family-friendly, featuring sing-alongs and tight harmonies that highlight the acoustic mastery of Kentucky Thunder.
This annual tradition not only brings people together in celebration, but also reaffirms the enduring appeal of live music and the deep connection between artist and audience during the holidays.
Source: The Music Universe
Reflections: Why Christmas Music Still Matters
Across genres and generations, Christmas music in 2025 is a tapestry woven from community spirit, creative innovation, and enduring tradition. Whether it’s a cantata raising money for neighbors in need, a gospel choir breaking new ground, a country duo reimagining holiday soundtracks, or a bluegrass legend keeping family traditions alive, the message is clear: Christmas music is about connection.
It’s about more than bells and choirs—it’s about the stories we share, the people we gather with, and the causes we support. In a year marked by new beginnings and ongoing challenges, these melodies remind us that hope, joy, and generosity are always worth singing about.
Christmas music in 2025 stands as a testament to the power of unity, creativity, and compassion. Whether heard in a packed church, a concert hall, or through headphones at home, these songs continue to inspire action, foster belonging, and keep the spirit of the season alive for all.
