If you grew up in a house where the radio stayed on the Christian station throughout December, you know the sound. It’s that massive, cinematic swell of an orchestra, usually followed by a choir that sounds like it was recruited directly from the clouds. That’s Michael W. Smith. Honestly, for a lot of us, it doesn’t even feel like the holidays until you hear those first few notes of "Gloria."
Smitty—as basically everyone in the industry calls him—has been at this for over forty years. He’s sold 15 million albums. He’s got three Grammys. But specifically, in the world of holiday music, he’s carved out a niche that nobody else really occupies. Most artists release one "obligatory" Christmas record and move on. Michael W. Smith? He’s released five full-length holiday projects, an EP, and more tours than I can count.
The Albums That Defined a Generation
You can’t talk about Christmas songs Michael W. Smith without going back to 1989. His first holiday album, simply titled Christmas, was a total pivot from his 80s synth-pop roots. It felt more like a symphony than a CCM record. "Anthem for Christmas" is the one most people remember, with that build-up that still gives me chills.
Then came 1998’s Christmastime. If the 1989 album was his introduction to the genre, this was his "pop" peak. He covered "Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells," which is a wild, high-energy ride, but he also gave us "Welcome to Our World." That song is basically a staple in church services now. It’s tender, quiet, and hits a completely different note than his big orchestral pieces.
By the time he got to It’s a Wonderful Christmas in 2007, he was just leaning into the "epic" of it all. He used a 65-piece orchestra and four different choirs. It sounds like a movie score. If you’ve ever seen Home Alone and loved John Williams’ music, the title track of this album feels like a long-lost cousin to that sound.
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The Big Collaborations
In 2014, he shifted gears again with The Spirit of Christmas. Instead of doing the solo thing, he brought in basically all of Nashville.
- Carrie Underwood joined him for "All Is Well."
- Bono (yes, that Bono) did a spoken word piece for "The Darkest Midnight."
- Lady A and Little Big Town showed up for those country-pop harmonies.
- Amy Grant, his long-time friend and touring partner, is featured on "Almost There."
It’s a "who's who" of music, and it showed that even after thirty years, he was still the guy everyone wanted to work with for the holidays.
Why 2025 and 2026 Are Big Years for Smitty Fans
If you think he's slowing down, you're wrong. Just this past season in late 2025, he was out on the "Christmas Together" tour. This wasn't just him; he teamed up with CeCe Winans and Amy Grant. This was a massive deal for fans because these are three titans of the genre. They didn't just take turns; they stayed on stage together most of the night, blending those iconic voices.
He also wrapped up his Every Christmas tour, which is a bit more intimate. That project, co-produced with his son Tyler Michael Smith, features songs from his Christmas at Home EP and some brand-new tracks. It’s got a very nostalgic, "living room" vibe, which is a nice break from the massive 65-piece orchestra days.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Music
A lot of people think Michael W. Smith just does "church music." While he’s definitely a worship leader at heart, his Christmas stuff is surprisingly accessible. He loves those old-school Hollywood arrangements. He draws a lot of inspiration from guys like Andy Williams or Bing Crosby.
He’s also not afraid to lean into the sadness of the season. Christmas isn't always happy for everyone, and songs like "Christmas Day" (which featured the late Mandisa) have a certain weight to them. Especially now, hearing Mandisa’s voice on that track feels a little bittersweet, but it’s a beautiful piece of history.
The Technical Side of the Sound
If you’re a music nerd, you’ll notice that Michael W. Smith’s arrangements are incredibly complex. He’s a classically trained pianist, and it shows. He doesn’t just play three chords and call it a day.
- Orchestration: He almost always uses live strings rather than MIDI or synths for his big projects.
- Choral Work: He uses the Nashville Children’s Choir frequently, which adds that "innocence" factor to the tracks.
- Dynamics: His songs often start with a single piano or a light flute and end with a wall of sound.
How to Build the Ultimate Michael W. Smith Christmas Playlist
If you want to experience the full range, you can't just hit "shuffle" on a "Best Of" list. You have to mix the old and the new.
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Start with "Gloria" from the 1989 album for that high-energy opening. Then, move into "The Promise" for some of that cinematic drama. You’ve gotta include "All Is Well" (the Carrie Underwood version) because the vocal performance is just stellar. For the quiet moments, put on "Welcome to Our World." It’s basically the "Silent Night" of the modern era.
If you’re looking for something more recent, "Christmas Is Here" from his 2022/2023 era has a great upbeat tempo. And don’t skip the instrumentals. Some of his best work—like "Memoirs"—doesn't have a single word. It’s just him at the piano, and honestly, that’s where his talent really shines.
What’s Next for Michael W. Smith?
Looking ahead into 2026, Smith is showing no signs of hanging up the Santa hat. He’s already got dates floating around for spring tours (like his Beyond The Far Horizon tour), and you can bet that by the time November 2026 rolls around, he’ll be back with a new way to celebrate the season.
Whether it's a new EP or another massive collaborative tour, the "Smitty Christmas" tradition is pretty much baked into the culture at this point.
Actionable Next Steps
- Listen to the deep cuts: Instead of just the radio hits, check out the It’s a Wonderful Christmas album for the instrumental tracks.
- Watch the live performances: If you can’t make it to a show, his YouTube channel has high-quality recordings of his tours with Amy Grant that capture the "big stage" feel.
- Check the 2026 tour schedule: Keep an eye on his official site around July. That’s usually when the holiday tour dates and tickets for the upcoming season are announced.
- Explore his son’s work: Tyler Michael Smith is an incredible producer and composer in his own right; his influence on the Every Christmas project is a big reason why it sounds so fresh.
The reality is that Michael W. Smith has become the "soundtrack" of Christmas for millions. It’s not just about the songs; it’s about the memories attached to them. Whether you like the big, booming orchestra or the quiet piano carols, there's something in his catalog that’ll make you feel like the holidays have finally arrived.