Favorite Country Covers of Holiday Songs

For decades country's biggest artists have recorded their favorite country covers of perennial holiday songs. In honor of the Christmas season, Taste of Country has compiled a list of our favorite hymns and Yuletides sung by Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash, Faith Hill and more.

10. Chris Young, 'O Holy Night'
'O Holy Night' was composed as a French poem in 1847, and was then translated to English in 1855 by a Christian minister. Chris Young's baritone vocals take center stage in his cover of this holiday song as he is accompanied by a very simple, soft guitar tune.

9. Carrie Underwood, 'Do You What I Hear'
After hearing Carrie Underwood's country cover of the 1962 song 'Do You Hear What I Hear,' you would never imagine that it was written as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Underwood's bluegrass version of the powerful song is incredibly uplifting, and it exhibits her vast vocal range.

8. Luke Bryan, 'Run Run Rudolph'
This rockabilly song has become a definitive Christmas jam thanks to Chuck Berry and his 1958 recording. Luke Bryan's version is just as energetic and fun as the original, yet still showcases his great country vocals.

7. Faith Hill, 'Little Drummer Boy'
'Little Drummer Boy' was originally recorded by Katharine K. Davis in 1941. Faith Hill's rendition takes the song to new heights, with her soft voice growing more and more powerful as she is accompanied by a full choir singing backup vocals.

6. Lee Ann Womack, 'The Christmas Song'
Although most people might not recognize this holiday song's title at first, we're positive that you will know this 1944 classic as soon as Lee Ann Womack sings the first line. Womack's beautiful, velvety country version of 'The Christmas Song' is a must-listen for the holiday season.

5. Brad Paisley, 'What Child Is This'
This Christmas carol was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix and was set to the tune of the traditional English folk song 'Greensleeves.' Paisley's dedicated performance holds true to the sincere nature of the lyrics  while delivering a nice country sound with his guitar playing.

4. Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, 'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day'
'I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day' was written by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1863 as a reflection of the death of his wife and brother. Although the lyrics are quite heavy at some points, this country cover ends on a happy note as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash sing lovingly to one another.

3. Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, 'Silent Night'
Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter's version of this 1859 Christmas song is extremely heartfelt. The pair's vocals compliment one another beautifully and are reminiscent of a more traditional country sound.

2. Trisha Yearwood, 'Sweet Little Jesus Boy'
'Sweet Little Jesus Boy' was first composed and published in 1934 in a style similar to spiritual songs. In Trisha Yearwood's arrangement, soft piano playing makes her gorgeous yet commanding voice the main focus.

1. Elvis Presley and Martina McBride, 'Blue Christmas'
Even though Elvis Presley died in 1977, that didn't stop Martina McBride from collaborating with him. In this classic country cover of a holiday song, McBride sings along with a an older recording of Presley's as the duo alternate verses.

Favorite Original Country Holiday Songs

What's your favorite country cover of a holiday classic? Let us know in the comments below!