Hunter Hayes Unveils ‘Evergreen’ Holiday EP & Chosen as 2025 Gatlinburg Christmas Parade Grand Marshal

Hunter Hayes embraces the holiday spirit with his ‘Evergreen Christmas Sessions’ EP and leads the 50th Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Parade as Grand Marshal.

Stepping Into the Holiday Spotlight

There’s something magical about Hunter Hayes during the holiday season. The Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and Platinum-selling artist has been thrilling fans throughout his Evergreen era—a time marked by genre-blending sounds, soulful storytelling, and heartfelt celebrations of growth. This December, Hayes will bring that magic to the fore as he takes the reins as Grand Marshal for the 50th Anniversary of the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Tennessee on December 5th. But before the parade lights up the Smoky Mountains, Hayes has already gifted fans with a festive treat: the release of his Evergreen Christmas Sessions EP on November 7th.

Hunter Hayes decked out for the holidays, ready to spread festive cheer

A Cozy Collection of Holiday Classics

Right off the bat, the Evergreen Christmas Sessions feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter night. The four-track EP showcases Hayes’ signature musicianship and emotional depth, breathing new life into timeless holiday songs. Kicking things off with a sparkling, jazz-inflected take on “Winter Wonderland,” Hayes immediately sets a festive yet sophisticated tone. The smooth transition into a tender “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” invites listeners to slow down and savor the season’s softer moments.

From there, Hayes delivers a soulful, hushed rendition of “Silent Night,” capturing the serene essence of Christmas Eve. Then, just when you think the mood is set, he flips the script with a lively, bluesy spin on “Run Run Rudolph,” adding a playful energy that’s impossible not to tap your toes to.

Cover art for Hunter Hayes’ Evergreen Christmas Sessions EP

“There’s a calm and peaceful Christmas vibe to the EP, which was intentional,” Hayes shares. “For me, Christmas music has always been about spending time with family and friends – the people you love. And I hope this project becomes part of those yearly traditions.”

From Tour Breaks to Holiday Magic

What’s especially cool is that Hayes recorded this EP in Los Angeles during a few days off from his tour last July, surrounded by his bandmates. The Evergreen Christmas Sessions isn’t just a side project; it’s a heartfelt companion to the larger Evergreen vision Hayes has been shaping—one that revolves around growth, gratitude, and meaningful connection. These themes resonate deeply through the holiday classics he chose to reinterpret.

This release follows a string of evocative singles from his Evergreen era this year, including “Around the Sun,” “Wait,” “Fragile,” and “Every Piece.” Known for his electrifying live shows and ability to make quiet moments feel intimate, Hayes approached these sessions with that same spirit.

“This project felt like a jam session with family,” he says—an invitation you can almost hear in every note.

Lighting Up Gatlinburg’s Streets

As the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade celebrates its golden anniversary, an estimated 80,000 attendees will line the streets to see Hayes lead the festivities. This Smoky Mountain event has earned its place as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, boasting 70 to 90 glowing floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and, naturally, Santa Claus himself.

Festive floats light up the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

The parade’s celebration reaches far beyond Tennessee with nationwide broadcasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day across over 40 U.S. markets. Plus, millions of viewers can stream the event through a partnership with Nexstar, making this hometown celebration a truly national holiday highlight.

A Heartfelt Connection to Tennessee

Hunter Hayes, originally from Louisiana, expresses a deep love for Tennessee and the Gatlinburg area. “Gatlinburg seems to call to all of us around Christmas,” Hayes reflects, “and I have incredibly fond memories of being there during the holidays with my family as a young performer. When I was asked to participate, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate the Evergreen Christmas Sessions release.”

Hunter Hayes to lead the 50th Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Celebrating a 50-Year Tradition

Now in its 50th year, the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade has blossomed into one of the nation’s most enchanting holiday traditions. This milestone celebration is proudly sponsored by Ole Smoky Distillery, a Gatlinburg establishment famed for its craft moonshine and whiskey heritage.

With Hunter Hayes front and center, this year’s parade promises unforgettable moments for everyone involved—from the families lining the streets to viewers tuning in from across the country.

Meanwhile, Evergreen Christmas Sessions is the perfect soundtrack to cozy December nights, whether you’re nestled by the fire or watching your Christmas tree twinkle with lights.

FAQ

• What songs are included in Hunter Hayes’ Evergreen Christmas Sessions EP?
  The EP features four classic holiday songs: “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “Run Run Rudolph.”
• When and where will the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade take place?
  The parade is set for December 5th, 2025, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
• How long has the Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade been running?
  The 2025 parade marks the 50th anniversary of this celebrated holiday event.
• Is the Gatlinburg parade broadcast to a wider audience?
  Yes, it will be broadcast nationwide on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in over 40 U.S. markets and streamed to over 100 million viewers through a partnership with Nexstar.
• What themes inspire Hunter Hayes’ Evergreen era and Christmas Sessions?
  The themes include growth, gratitude, connection, and celebrating family and friends during the holiday season.

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