Hallmark Channel is ushering in the holiday season with a musical twist — and two country stars leading the way. The network’s beloved Countdown to Christmas celebration is back, and this year, it’s kicking off with a brand-new song that’s sure to become a holiday favorite.
Mickey Guyton & Drew Baldridge Bring Joy in Hallmark’s Holiday Promo
In a new promo for Hallmark’s 16th annual “Countdown to Christmas” event, fans get a first look at 19 of this year’s 24 new holiday films, along with the debut of a brand-new duet, “Joy to Your World,” performed by Mickey Guyton and Drew Baldridge.
According to the country music stars, the exclusive track, which was recorded only weeks ago, came together in an unexpected — and very modern — way.
“How Drew and I were even able to do this together was a miracle,” Guyton, 42, told People during Hallmark’s celebration event on Oct. 16. “He recorded on his bus, I was recording in L.A.”
Baldridge, 33, added that the collaboration was spontaneous and fun. “Literally, my producer came out on the road. The background ‘joys’ is my band guys just having fun on the bus. … But it just came together beautifully.”
Guyton described the song as both timely and uplifting. “When I heard the song, I just thought it was such a beautiful, much-needed song — especially right now, with everything going on in the world. Just bringing joy to your world, no matter where you come from. We just want to bring joy. And that’s what this is.”
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The duo performed “Joy to Your World” together for the first time on Oct. 15 at the Grand Ole Opry, and again the following evening at Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas Kickoff event in Nashville.
They weren’t the only stars lighting up the stage. Brad Paisley joined the festivities, debuting “Counting Down the Days,” the official anthem for Hallmark’s 2025 on-air campaign. Paisley’s music will also feature in the new movie “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” alongside his original songs “Leave the Christmas Lights On for Me” and “Falling Like the Snow.” His version of “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” will appear in “Christmas at the Catnip Café” starring Erin Cahill and Paul Campbell.
All three songs are part of Paisley’s upcoming album Snow Globe Town, set to release Nov. 7.
Country newcomer Megan Moroney will also appear in A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, performing “All I Want for Christmas Is a Cowboy” with Jamey Johnson.
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The new promo also teases some of Hallmark’s most anticipated holiday movies of the year, including A Suite Holiday Romance with Jessy Schram and Dominic Sherwood, We Met in December starring Niall Matter and Autumn Reeser, and A Christmas Angel Match with Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres.
The season officially begins Friday, Oct. 17, with the network debut of Mistletoe Murders, followed by A Royal Montana Christmas on Oct. 18.
After more than a decade of spreading cheer, Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” continues to blend music, nostalgia, and storytelling — with this year’s kickoff proving that joy really does sound even sweeter when shared.
