The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, joy, and the timeless tunes of country music. In the realm of festive films, the fusion of Christmas cheer and soul-stirring country melodies has created some truly memorable cinematic experiences. We explore the best Christmas films that feature the heartwarming essence of country music, capturing the spirit of the holidays in a harmonious blend of storytelling and song.
Country Christmas Classics
One of the most beloved genres of Christmas films is the ‘Country Christmas Classic.’ These films not only embrace the magic of the season but also incorporate the rich heritage of country music. Titles such as ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love’ and ‘Christmas in the Smokies’ seamlessly integrate the soulful sounds of country, amplifying the emotional depth of the narrative. Dolly Parton’s iconic voice and heartfelt performances elevate these films, making them essential viewing for country music enthusiasts during the holiday season. Dolly is a dab-hand at Christmas, check out the synopsis for ‘Christmas at Dollywood’: ‘When a NYC event planner returns to Tennessee to organise the Christmas celebration at Dollywood, she’s paired with the head of operations who thinks he can handle the party just fine on his own.’ I know, cheesy as heck, right? C’mon!! It’s Christmas!
Musical Extravaganzas
Certain Christmas films go beyond the conventional, transforming into full-fledged musical extravaganzas where country music takes center stage. Movies like ‘Nashville Christmas Carol’ and ‘Christmas Harmony’ craft enchanting musical worlds where original country songs complement the festive ambiance. These films not only entertain but also pay homage to the genre’s musical traditions, showcasing the talent of country artists and songwriters.
Dolly (again!) debuted a seasonal special, ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square,’ in 2020 on Netflix. The program co-stars Parton and features 14 of her original songs. Debbie Allen directed ‘Christmas on the Square,’ which follows the “rich and nasty” Regina Fuller as she reconnects with her small town roots after her father’s death. During her trip home, Fuller (played by Christine Baranski) finds old love and seeks wisdom from a holiday angel (played by Parton). Country music and redemption – they go so well together!
Whilst not being a musical there’s even a movie called ‘5 More Minutes’, inspired by the Scotty McCreery song of the same name in which a woman’s Christmas wish is answered in unexpected ways when her late grandfather’s journal turns up and reveals an untold romance. Crazy, right?
Heartwarming Tales of Homecoming
Country music has a unique way of capturing the essence of home and family, making it a perfect fit for heartwarming holiday films. Hallmark channel would be your go-to place to find these kind of ‘big city girl goes home to her small town for Christmas and runs into her old flame’ kind of movies. Productions like ‘Christmas in Mississippi’ and ‘Christmas on the Bayou’ skilfully incorporate country melodies into their narratives, painting poignant stories of homecoming and rediscovering the true meaning of Christmas.
Check out ‘Sweet Mountain Christmas,’ in which fictional Country music star Laney Blu hasn’t been back to her Tennessee hometown in years and plans to make a quick pit-stop on her way to NY, where she’s scheduled to headline a Christmas Concert. When a freak snowstorm hits, Laney finds herself marooned in the town, and is pressed into taking part in a local Christmas concert. These films resonate deeply with audiences, emphasising the importance of love, connection, and the comforting sounds of country tunes.
In ‘A Very Country Christmas’ from 2017 Zane (Greyston Holt) is a famed country singer who, for undisclosed reasons, leaves a concert before getting on stage. Instead of running home to Florida or to his California ranch, he hides in the small town where he went to music camp as a boy. Jolene (Deana Carter), who used to run the camp and remains Zane’s good friend, puts on the town’s Christmas show every year. She recruits Jeannette (Bea Santos), busy single mother of little Quinn (Raven Stewart), to help design the stage for the coming performance. Romance blossoms but then it comes time for Zane to go back out on the road! Will he stay or will he go?
Country singer Jana Kramer starred in ‘The Holiday Fix Up’ in 2021. Whilst this film wasn’t specifically about Country music it was great seeing ‘one of our own’ in the lead role as Sam, an interior designer who returns home during the Christmas holidays to help renovate the Bell Harbor Inn alongside Coop, her contractor. The only problem – he’s the guy who broke her heart, and she’s the one who got away!
Legendary Icons on Screen
Several Christmas films feature legendary country music icons, bringing their charisma and musical expertise to the silver screen. Movies like ‘A Smoky Mountain Christmas,’ starring Dolly Parton, and ‘Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,’ featuring the voice of Randy Travis, showcase the talents of these iconic artists.
Tanya Tucker starred in ‘A Nashville Country Christmas’ in last year. The film follows a fictional country superstar (Tucker) who is filming a holiday special. When the chaos of the production overwhelms her, however, she heads to her grandmother’s Tennessee farm for a break. There, her life undergoes major shifts as she reconnects with someone from her past and finds a new sense of family.
Similarly, Reba starred in ‘Christmas in Tune’ in 2021 alongside Joe Schneider playing a marketing executive and former singer who reunites with her duo partner and ex-husband for a Christmas charity performance. They find themselves falling back in love.
Stars like Dolly and Reba infuse these films with authenticity, making them must-watch classics for fans of both country music and the holiday spirit. Who can forget Tim McGraw and Dwight Yoakam’s classic turns in ‘Four Christmases’ starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon? Although, you won’t recognise a hatless and ‘larger’ Tim McGraw if you’re not aware that it is him in the film!
In the realm of Christmas cinema, the harmonious fusion of heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring country music creates an unparalleled cinematic experience. From classic narratives enhanced by country melodies to musical extravaganzas and heartwarming tales of homecoming, these films celebrate the magic of the season in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. As we embrace the holiday spirit, these cinematic gems continue to remind us of the enduring power of country music to evoke emotions and spread joy, making them essential additions to any festive watchlist.
