Honestly, if you haven’t seen Brett Eldredge in a tuxedo under a spotlight while a 10-piece brass section blasts "Let It Snow," you’re missing out on the closest thing we have to a modern-day Bing Crosby. It’s kinda wild. Most country stars try their hand at a holiday record, but for Brett, it’s basically become his entire brand. The Brett Eldredge Christmas tour—officially known as the Glow Live Tour—has evolved from a one-off promotional run into a full-blown December pilgrimage for fans who want that "Old Hollywood" feel without the stuffiness of a formal gala.
I’ve been tracking his holiday runs for a few years now. There’s something specific about the way he handles the stage. He’s open about his anxiety, which makes the whole "Mr. Christmas" persona feel way more human. He isn't just a guy in a suit; he's a guy who really, deeply cares about the feeling of the season.
What Actually Happens at a Glow Live Show?
If you're expecting a standard country concert where he plays "Don't Ya" or "Mean to Me" and then throws in a few carols at the end, think again. This isn't that. He leaves the acoustic guitars and the Nashville radio hits at the door. Instead, the stage looks like a 1950s supper club. Think velvet curtains, crisp white jackets, and enough big band energy to make your hair stand up.
The 2025 run was particularly massive. He took the show to iconic spots like the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville (three nights in a row, which is basically a hometown victory lap) and the Beacon Theatre in New York.
The 2025 Setlist Vibe
Usually, the show follows a pretty predictable—but satisfying—arc. He leans heavily into the Glow and Mr. Christmas albums, but lately, he’s been mixing in tracks from his newest festive project, Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family).
- The Big Openers: It usually starts fast. "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" or "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" gets everyone moving.
- The Crooner Classics: You’ll definitely hear "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas." His voice is honestly built for these. It’s thick, warm, and sounds like a glass of bourbon by a fireplace.
- The Originals: "Glow" is the staple, but "Mr. Christmas" is the one that usually gets the biggest cheer.
- The Emotional Peak: This is where it gets real. He often does "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night," and the room goes dead silent.
Why the Brett Eldredge Christmas Tour Hits Different
A lot of artists do Christmas tours. Usually, it’s a cash grab. They sing over a backing track, sell some overpriced ornaments, and call it a day. Brett Eldredge doesn't do that. He spends most of the year preparing for this. He’s mentioned in interviews—specifically with People and MusicRow—that these shows are where he feels "most himself."
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There’s a level of production here that you don't see in small-scale tours. He brings a full horn section. That’s not cheap. It changes the frequency of the room. You can feel the air move when the trumpets hit those high notes in "Jingle Bells."
The Fan Connection
People show up in full "ugly" Christmas sweaters, but just as many show up in gowns and suits. It’s a weird, beautiful mix. He talks to the crowd like they’re sitting in his living room. He tells stories about his family in Illinois, his Uncle Jim, and how he used to dream of being Frank Sinatra. It’s personal.
"If I could convince you of one thing in my life, it would be to come to a GLOW show. You will leave brighter than you came in—I can promise you that!" — Brett Eldredge
Logistics: Getting Your Spot in 2026 and Beyond
If you’re planning on catching the Brett Eldredge Christmas tour next season, you have to be fast. These tickets don't sit around. The 2025 dates sold out in major markets almost immediately.
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Where he usually stops:
Historically, he hits the "Big Five" for the holidays: Nashville, Chicago, New York, Boston, and Detroit. He’s a Midwest guy at heart, so Chicago (The Chicago Theatre) and Detroit (The Fox Theatre or Masonic Temple) are always high-energy nights.
Pricing Reality:
It’s not the cheapest ticket in town. For the 2025 shows at The Fabulous Fox in St. Louis, prices ranged from about $30 for the way-back balcony seats to over $200 for the orchestra pit. Factor in the "service charges" from sites like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek, and you’re looking at a decent investment for a night out.
Common Misconceptions
- "It’s just for country fans." Nope. My cousin hates country music and she’s obsessed with this show. It’s a jazz/pop standards show.
- "He plays his radio hits." He really doesn't. If you’re dying to hear "Beat of the Music," you’re going to be disappointed. This is 100% holiday, 100% of the time.
- "It’s the same every year." He actually rotates the setlist. With the release of Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), he’s added new originals like "Sweet December" (the Kelly Clarkson duet, though she usually appears via video or he does it solo) and "Warm and Cozy."
Is It Worth It?
If you want a night that feels like a hug, then yes. It’s rare to see an artist so committed to a specific niche. He has essentially claimed the title of "Mr. Christmas" for the millennial generation. While Michael Bublé owns the department store speakers, Brett Eldredge owns the live stage.
The "Welcome to the Family" vibe isn't just marketing. By the time he finishes his a cappella version of "The First Noel"—which he often does to close the night, letting his voice fill the entire theater without a microphone—you’ll get it. It’s one of those rare concert experiences that actually lives up to the social media clips.
What to do now:
- Sign up for the "The Locals" fan club. That’s where the presale codes live. By the time tickets hit the general public, the good seats are gone.
- Listen to the Glow Deluxe album. It’s the blueprint for the whole tour.
- Watch the calendar in September. He almost always announces the tour dates in mid-to-late September. If you wait until November to look for tickets, you’re going to be paying 3x the price on the resale market.
Plan for a mid-week trip to a city like Chicago or Nashville if you want the full experience. The weekend shows are great, but the Tuesday/Wednesday nights often feel a bit more intimate and "local." Plus, the hotel rates in cities like Boston or New York are slightly less soul-crushing on a weeknight. Just make sure you bring your holiday spirit—and maybe a decent coat. These venues are old, and the drafts are real.
Next Steps:
I can help you narrow down your travel plans for the next tour season. Would you like me to look up the typical seating charts for the Ryman or the Beacon Theatre so you know which "obstructed view" seats to avoid?