In the heart of Music City, amid a whirlwind of twinkling lights and festive cheer, Lauren Alaina delivered a performance that captured the pure essence of holiday joy. On December 3, 2025, during NBC’s inaugural Christmas in Nashville special, the 31-year-old country star took the stage at Luke Combs’ Category 10 venue and transformed timeless classics into electrifying celebrations. Her fiery rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” became an instant highlight, blending her signature charm, boundless confidence, and crystal-clear vocals into a moment that left audiences—at home and in the crowd—buzzing with excitement. The energy shifted palpably the instant she appeared, and it only intensified as she seamlessly transitioned into a spirited take on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Hosted by country icon Trisha Yearwood, the hour-long special followed the iconic Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree-lighting and brought Nashville’s holiday magic straight into living rooms across the nation. Filmed in front of an enthusiastic live audience, the event featured a diverse lineup including Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, Ne-Yo, The War and Treaty, and Trace Adkins. Yet it was Alaina’s vibrant set that stole much of the spotlight, reminding viewers why she’s become one of country’s most beloved performers.
The production design amplified Alaina’s infectious enthusiasm. The stage was a winter wonderland extravaganza, adorned with massive oversized ornaments in shimmering reds, golds, and silvers that towered like playful giants. Glowing lights cascaded from above, creating a warm, ethereal glow that danced across the venue. Snow-like effects and festive backdrops completed the scene, turning Category 10—a bustling bar and entertainment spot on Lower Broadway—into a magical holiday hub. As Alaina bounced into view, dressed in a sparkling outfit that caught every light, the setup made her larger-than-life presence feel even more explosive.
Alaina kicked off her two-song set with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” paying heartfelt homage to her Southern roots and the song’s originator, Brenda Lee. The 1958 classic, already a perennial favorite, took on new life in Alaina’s hands. Her version was spunky and full of sass, infused with a modern country twang that nodded to her Georgia upbringing. She swayed and grinned, inviting the crowd to sing along as she hit every note with playful precision. “This is one of my very favorite Christmas songs of all time,” Alaina has shared in the past, and her delivery made that affection crystal clear. The audience erupted, phones aloft, capturing the moment as her joyful spirit turned the venue into a rocking holiday party.
Lauren Alaina | Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree | Full Performance | Christmas In Nashville 2025
But the real firework came next. Closing with “Jingle Bell Rock,” Alaina cranked the energy to eleven. The 1957 Bobby Helms hit, a staple of holiday playlists, became a full-on celebration under her command. She danced across the stage, her movements lively and unscripted, as if the joy was simply overflowing. Her vocals soared—crisp, powerful, and laced with that unmistakable Southern warmth—while the band provided a upbeat backing that had everyone swaying. The oversized ornaments seemed to pulse with the beat, and the glowing lights flickered in rhythm, creating a visual symphony that matched her fiery delivery. Viewers at home reported the performance getting “stuck in our heads through the next day,” a testament to its earworm magic.
Alaina’s journey to this spotlight moment is as inspiring as her performance. Born Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth in Rossville, Georgia, in 1994, she burst onto the national scene as the runner-up on American Idol‘s tenth season in 2011. At just 16, her powerhouse voice and bubbly personality won over judges and audiences alike, earning tears from Jennifer Lopez during her audition. That exposure launched a career filled with hits, including platinum-selling singles like “Road Less Traveled” and collaborations with Kane Brown on “What Ifs.” She’s notched multiple No. 1s on country charts, earned CMA and ACM nominations, and in 2022, achieved a lifelong dream by becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Beyond the music, Alaina’s resilience shines. She’s been open about personal challenges, from body image struggles to the loss of her stepfather in 2021, using her platform to advocate for mental health and positivity. Her 2023 album Unlocked reflected that growth, blending heartfelt ballads with empowering anthems. In 2025, she’s continued touring, including dates with Rascal Flatts on their Life Is a Highway Tour, and releasing fresh tracks like “Those Kind of Women” and “Household.” Married to Cam Arnold since early 2024 in a lavish Nashville ceremony, she’s embraced a new chapter of happiness that radiates in her performances.
What makes Alaina’s holiday set so captivating is her authenticity. In an era of polished productions, she brings unfiltered joy—grinning ear-to-ear, engaging the crowd with eye contact and ad-libs, making every viewer feel part of the festivities. Her confidence isn’t arrogant; it’s earned through years of honing her craft, from small-town talent shows to sold-out arenas. Fans have long praised her crisp vocals, able to belt with power yet infuse tenderness when needed. In these Christmas classics, that range was on full display: playful scats in “Jingle Bell Rock” contrasted with the warm, nostalgic delivery in “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
The reactions poured in immediately. Social media lit up with clips going viral, fans declaring her the standout of the night. “Lauren Alaina just brought the holiday spirit like no one else!” one post read, amassing thousands of likes. Others noted how her energy “shifted the whole vibe,” turning a solid special into something unforgettable. Even fellow artists chimed in, with peers celebrating her ability to honor traditions while adding her unique spark.
Christmas in Nashville itself marked a fresh addition to holiday TV traditions, blending country soul with crossover appeal. Yearwood’s gracious hosting tied it together, but Alaina’s segment felt like the beating heart—pure, unadulterated fun that reminded everyone why these songs endure. In a season often filled with reflection, her performance was a burst of lighthearted escape, encouraging sing-alongs and smiles.
As the special streamed on Peacock the following day, replays of Alaina’s set dominated conversations. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a gift—a reminder that holiday music, at its best, unites generations and lifts spirits. Lauren Alaina didn’t just sing these classics; she reignited them, proving once again why she’s a force in country music. With her charm, confidence, and those impeccable vocals, she turned a Nashville night into nationwide holiday magic, leaving fans eager for whatever joyful moment she delivers next.
