Your Guide to Country Music on New Year’s Eve

Friends celebrating new year's eve 2026 with golden balloons and confetti

Photo: Vladimir Vladimirov / E+ / Getty Images

As the countdown to 2026 begins, country music fans have plenty of ways to celebrate the new year without leaving the couch. From New York City to Nashville, several televised New Year’s Eve specials feature country stars alongside artists from other genres.

Whether you’re looking for a mixed-genre spectacle or an all-country takeover, here’s where to find your favorite artists ringing in the new year.

🎆 Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve With Ryan Seacrest

The long-running New Year’s Eve tradition returns to Times Square with a stacked, genre-spanning lineup. Country artists set to perform include Post MaloneJordan DavisLittle Big TownMaren MorrisRussell DickersonFilmoreJessie Murph, and Tucker Wetmore.

They’ll share the stage with pop and rock acts throughout the night leading up to the iconic ball drop. The broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams live on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and other platforms.

🎤 New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen

CNN’s annual celebration isn’t heavily country-focused, but fans can catch a notable performance once the show shifts to its Central Time Zone coverage from Austin, Texas. Vince Gill is scheduled to perform live, alongside appearances by folk band The Head and the Heart and celebrity interviews.

The program airs live on CNN and via the network’s digital platforms.

🎶 New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

For a full-on country experience, Nashville’s Big Bash is the centerpiece of the night. The five-hour CBS broadcast features performances from more than a dozen artists, with Jason AldeanBailey Zimmerman, and Lainey Wilson headlining.

The lineup also includes Keith UrbanBrooks & DunnDierks BentleyRascal FlattsRiley GreenMegan MoroneyZach Top, Gretchen WilsonDwight YoakamStephen Wilson Jr., and Marcus King.

HARDY and comedian Bert Kreischer will co-host the event, which includes both the traditional Eastern Time countdown and Nashville’s signature Music Note Drop at midnight Central.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content