Each year, dozens of Christian artists and groups release new Christmas singles and albums providing an annual playlist of new versions of holiday classics, and original Christmas songs that celebrate this joyous season. Most get a lyric video, a handful get a music video, and very few participate in full-length Christmas specials.
When they do, they are worth your time, and so, as the holiday season approaches, we want to highlight a few of these specials that inspire heartwarming feelings during this 2023 holiday season. From traditional services filled with hymns and sermons to contemporary celebrations featuring worship bands and virtual choirs, these live streams provide a unique opportunity for believers to come together in the digital realm and share in the joy of the season.
As we navigate the holiday season, these virtual gatherings not only foster a sense of community but also serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of faith in the face of modern challenges.
Here are eight Christmas live streams that will fully usher in the 2023 holiday season.
Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant - Christmas
There's nothing like the two iconic CCM artists, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, coming together for the season to perform their beautiful renditions of holiday favorites together, backed by a full orchestra. You can stream the special from year's past below, and don't miss their 2023 Christmas special with special guest Michael Tait on Friday, December 15, available to view with a digital ticket here.
Various Artists - Christmas With TBN
Speaking of Michael W. Smith, he's hosting in a brand new special for 2023 with friends Marc Martel, Jordan Smith, The Katinas, and Point of Grace. It's full of fantastic performances from some artists that have truely embarrassed the Christmas season through the years.
Tommee Profitt and Various Artists - The Birth Of A King: Live In Concert (YouTube)
The Birth of a King: Live in Concert" is a LIVE chills-inducing manifestation of Profitt's 2020 cinematic Christmas album. It features 20 artists, a 60-piece orchestra, a 100-person choir (The Choir Room), and performed in front of a sold-out crowd at The Fisher Center at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. It includes 17 awe-inspiring renditions of popular Christmas songs, each featuring a modern aggressive orchestra and some of the best vocalists on the planet. Artists include Tauren Wells, Crowder, Danny Gokey, Rachael Lampa, Jordan Smith, Colton Dixon, Evvie McKinney, Tina Guo and more. Highlights include Colton Dixon and Hollyn at 3:30, Jordan Smith's performance of "Mary Did You Know at 26:03, and Steven Malcolm elevating "Angels We Have Heard On High" with Nicole Serrano at 21:23.
for KING & COUNTRY - Drummer Boy: Live Christmas Special (YouTube)
In just a few short years, for KING & COUNTRY has established themselves as one of the must see acts on tour during the Christmas season. If you can't make it to a live show, you can watch their 2020 Christmas special on-demand. Released during the global COVID pandemic, the live stream honored the greatest hope the world has ever known at a time that we all needed it most. With live performances from A Drummer Boy Christmas and stories told from two magical locations, this special is one to watch again–or for the first time–this Christmas season.
Various Artists: Gather Christmas (YouTube)
NewReleaseToday produced our own Christmas special in 2020 with the help of a multitude of artists artists and pastors delivering encouragement, music, and community. It's packed with wonderful, original music from Futures, Lynda Randle, Michael Tait, Royal Company, Darlene Zschech, Joel Vaughn, Thrive Worship, Philippa Hanna, and much more.
Tasha Layton, Michael Tait, & Friends - A Chaotic Christmas (K-Love On Demand)
One of many full-length Christmas specials available free on K-Love On Demand, this one-hour live music extravaganza features special guests, Danny Gokey, Jon Reddick and Brandon Heath, a full orchestra, elves, and more! This special will sort out the chaos and cozy up to the real meaning of Christmas. Access the full-length special by creating a free K-Love On Demand account here.
Chris Tomlin & Friends - Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship (K-Love On Demand)
Combining worship and Christmas is a wonderful new tradition made popular by Chris Tomlin. If you aren't able to catch his annual tour, you can watch this special, also streaming free on K-Love On Demand (watch a sample below). With special guests We the Kingdom, Matt Maher, and Blessing Offor, Chris Tomlin's Christmas special is a can't-miss viewing for the season.
Maverick City Music - A Very Maverick Christmas Special (YouTube)
If you're looking for Christmas with a little more Gospel flair, look no further than popular gospel worship collective, Maverick City Music's 45-minute Christmas special featuring all your holiday favorites done in the styling that has made Maverick City Music a household name in just a few short years.
The Hillsong Christmas Spectacular Online (YouTube)
In 2020, the world was still dealing with lockdowns and navigating Christmas without being in close contact with our church families. Hillsong Church responded with one of the biggest holiday celebrations featuring iconic Christmas carols performed by Taya Gaukrodger, Alex Pappas, David Ware, and many more plus stunning performances & visual presentations by the Hillsong Creative team.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991. Special thanks to Jake Frederick for providing additional article research and information.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1263 - Hannah Kerr
The artist shares the story behind her powerful anthem of grace
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!THE ESSENTIALS
Big Daddy Weave
NRT's Kevin Davis dives into some of the band's essential songs
NEW!STAFF VOICES
Mental Health Music
The NRT team shares songs that shed light on the struggle
NEW!AN NRT WAYBACK EDITORIAL
10 Classic "Rain" Songs
10 classic Christian hits that use rain imagery in their lyrics
NEW!NRT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Sean Rodriguez
His journey from family pastor to chart-topping musician
