Watch Riley Green Perform “Christmas To Me”

On December 3, the Country Music Association released a video of Riley Green performing his original song “Christmas To Me” from the CMA Country Christmas 2025 special. The holiday show was filmed with a live audience at Belmont University’s Fisher Center in Nashville and aired on ABC on December 2, 2025. Viewers who missed the broadcast can stream the full special now on Hulu or Disney+.

Riley Green Brings Small-Town Memories to Life

Green wrote “Christmas To Me” with frequent collaborator Erik Dylan, releasing the nostalgic tune in 2024. The song recalls family gatherings in rural Alabama, celebrating details such as tangled Christmas lights, “a five-star meal on a paper plate,” barefoot kids racing through the house, and mom “having a come-apart” over a surprise tattoo. These vivid scenes capture the warmth and chaos of holiday traditions that many listeners recognize.

The lyrics resonate because they elevate simple moments, Grandma’s yard “looking like a parking lot,” relatives arriving late, and football on TV, into cherished memories. Green’s Alabama roots and conversational storytelling give the track an authentic feel that stands out from typical holiday fare.

A Simple Yet Powerful Performance

During the CMA Country Christmas taping, Riley Green took the stage with an acoustic guitar and his “Duckman” strap, wearing a brown suit, cowboy boots, and hat. He began the performance solo, letting his clear vocals carry the melody before a fiddle and steel guitar joined to fill out the arrangement. The set design placed him amid twinkling lights and Christmas trees, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Green’s understated delivery allowed the storytelling to shine. The arrangement’s gradual build mirrored the song’s sentimental arc, starting with simple guitar strumming and ending with rich instrumentation that underscored the heartfelt lyrics.

Part of a Star-Studded Holiday Lineup

The 16th annual CMA Country Christmas special featured performances from Lady A, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney and others. Jordan Davis and Lauren Daigle co-hosted the event for the first time, guiding viewers through festive classics and original songs. Green’s “Christmas To Me” stood out as a highlight among the mix of carols and modern holiday tunes, with critics praising its warmth and authenticity.

Where to Watch and Listen

If you missed the ABC broadcast, you can watch the full CMA Country Christmas special on Hulu or Disney+. The official video of Riley Green’s performance is available on CMA’s social channels and YouTube. For fans looking to add the song to their holiday playlists, “Christmas To Me” is streaming on all major platforms.

Why Fans Love It

CMA’s social media posts about the performance drew heartfelt reactions. Viewers described the song as “beautiful” and “heartwarming,” noting that it reminded them of their own family traditions. The combination of Green’s personal storytelling and the simple, nostalgic production makes “Christmas To Me” an instant holiday favorite and a standout moment from CMA Country Christmas 2025.

By celebrating the magic of small-town Christmases and delivering an authentic performance, Riley Green underscores why his music continues to resonate with fans across the country.