Thanksgiving 2025 fell on Thursday, November 27, and across the country, families gathered to share turkey, pie, and time together.
For country-music stars, the holiday was no different — but their celebrations often blended public appearances, charity work, and private family moments.
From benefit concerts and neon-lit parade performances to first-time parent celebrations and cozy home gatherings, here’s a detailed look at how some of the genre’s most beloved artists marked the holiday.
Charity, Community & Giving Back: Tracy Lawrence
Tracy Lawrence, a country music veteran known for his generosity, spent Thanksgiving week immersed in one of the holiday’s most meaningful charitable events:
his 20th annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert.
This signature event combines music, food, and philanthropy to feed thousands of families across Tennessee.
The week began on Tuesday, November 25, with a star-studded benefit concert at Nashville’s Category 10.
Lawrence shared the stage with fellow artists including Gretchen Wilson, Eric Paslay, Chris Cagle, and the group Halfway to Hazard.
The performances combined festive holiday music with Lawrence’s signature hits, providing a high-energy kickoff to the week of giving.
On Wednesday, the traditional Turkey Fry took over the Nashville Fairgrounds.
However, a refrigeration failure earlier in the week spoiled 650 of the 3,600 turkeys planned for distribution — a potential disaster for thousands of families in need.
Undaunted, Lawrence appealed to the Nashville community for help. The response was immediate and heartwarming: local residents, fans, and fellow musicians donated over 2,400 replacement turkeys.
By Thursday, the Thanksgiving totals were staggering: 5,350 turkeys distributed and over 50,000 meals provided to families struggling to put food on the table.
The event also raised $355,000 through donations, ticket sales, and auctions, marking a record-breaking year for the benefit.
For Lawrence, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal — it’s about community, compassion, and supporting those in need.
His Turkey Fry has become an annual testament to the spirit of giving that defines the holiday season.
Gratitude & Quiet Moments: Gretchen Wilson
In contrast to Lawrence’s bustling charity events, Gretchen Wilson opted for a more intimate Thanksgiving.
She shared a photo of her Thanksgiving plate on social media with the caption, “Thanks, Mom!”
The simple post highlighted a quiet, personal celebration — the kind many families experience away from the public eye.
Wilson’s gesture reminds fans that, even amidst fame, some of the most cherished moments of Thanksgiving are small and personal: sitting down with a loved one, enjoying home-cooked food, and reflecting on gratitude.
Lights, Camera, Holiday Parade: Lainey Wilson
Rising star Lainey Wilson took her Thanksgiving celebration to the streets of New York City, performing in the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Fresh off her CMA Entertainer of the Year win, Wilson brought country flair to the nationally televised event, performing two songs:
her hit “Somewhere Over Laredo” and a holiday version of “Peace, Love & Cowboys.”
For her performance, Wilson wore a festive red, fur-lined coat and her signature black hat, blending seasonal cheer with her personal style.
Amidst giant balloons, elaborate floats, and marching bands, Wilson’s performance brought a touch of Nashville’s country spirit to the Big Apple.
Sharing a carousel of parade-day highlights on social media, she captioned it, “It’s givin’ Thanksgivin’,” celebrating both the holiday and the thrill of performing for a nationwide audience.
Her appearance reflects the intersection of rural roots and national recognition, showing how country artists celebrate tradition while embracing broader cultural stages.
Family, New Beginnings & Cozy Celebrations
For many country stars, Thanksgiving 2025 was also a time for family, reflection, and celebrating milestones.
Luke Combs didn’t post personally, but his wife shared heartwarming family photos featuring their sons Tex and Beau.
A special moment in the photo set revealed the boys placing their hands on their mom’s belly, indicating a third child on the way.
Her caption read: “so much to be thankful for always ,” capturing the joy of growing families.
Lauren Alaina and her husband celebrated their first Thanksgiving as parents, welcoming their daughter earlier in the year.
Lauren posted a series of cozy family photos, highlighting tender moments, home-cooked meals, and laughter shared around the table.
Kane Brown’s wife shared images of their family — daughters Kingsley and Kodi, son Krewe, and their dogs — reflecting a lively, joy-filled holiday at home.
She captioned the photos: “So much to be thankful for… hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!”
Koe Wetzel marked his first Thanksgiving with his newborn daughter, Woods Madison Wetzel, sharing intimate snapshots that showcased quiet family bonding, gratitude, and love.
These family-focused celebrations show that, behind the glitz of the spotlight, country stars cherish the same simple joys that resonate with fans: family, food, and togetherness.
Travel & Unique Experiences
Not all country stars spent Thanksgiving at home. Some celebrated in exotic or unique settings:
Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany took the holiday tropical, enjoying sunny weather while surrounded by family.
Their children Memphis and Navy joined in, along with Brittany’s parents, in a full-family gathering. Videos and snapshots shared on social media reflected a warm, relaxed atmosphere far from the chill of November in much of the U.S.
Reba McEntire opted for a more unconventional, yet cozy celebration — she and fiancé Rex Linn went to the movie theater to see Hamnet.
Reba humorously admitted that one of them spilled all the popcorn, and clarified that it wasn’t the bald one, making it clear that the mishap was hers.
Dolly Parton did not reveal her private Thanksgiving plans but shared a heartfelt message with fans, thanking them for their support and wishing everyone a warm, happy holiday.
Her note reflected the generosity and gratitude she’s long known for, even in quiet celebrations.
A Holiday Mix: Performance, Philanthropy & Private Moments
Thanksgiving 2025 for country stars highlighted the spectrum of holiday experiences: public generosity, glittering performances, intimate family moments, and private reflection.
Some artists focused on giving back to communities in need, turning the holiday into a celebration of generosity and compassion.
Others brought holiday cheer to national audiences, performing in parades or holiday-themed concerts.
Many shared quiet, home-based traditions, celebrating milestones such as first-time parenthood or family growth.
Through these diverse experiences, the country music community continues to show that Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it’s a time to embrace gratitude, family, community, and joy.
Whether raising thousands of dollars for those in need, performing for millions, or simply enjoying a warm home-cooked meal with loved ones, the spirit of Thanksgiving clearly prevailed in 2025.
