Walker Hayes Reimagines Holiday Classics with Modern Flair and Unexpected Crooner Vocals, Produced with long-time collaborator Joe Thibodeau
Country star Walker Hayes, known for his chart-topping hits and viral anthems, reveals a new side on Christmas Vacation, an eclectic holiday EP. This intimate collection, produced in collaboration with multi-platinum producer Joe Thibodeau, blends the warmth of Christmas classics with Hayes’ signature style for a nostalgic and heartfelt holiday experience. Christmas Vacation is available now via Monument/RCA Records (stream here).
Thibodeau and Hayes’ creative partnership began in 2017 when Thibodeau produced the intro and transition music for Hayes’ live shows. Over the years, their collaboration evolved from live show production to in-studio writing and producing, resulting in some of Hayes’ most recognizable songs. Now, with Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Thibodeau’s role as producer, mixer, and ATMOS mixer has allowed him to capture a more intimate, old-school side of Hayes, bringing a nostalgic warmth that highlights Hayes’ vocal depth and versatility.
“This Christmas EP with Walker has been a unique project,” Thibodeau shared.
Each song needed its own feel—from the nostalgic sound of crooner classics to the blend of hip-hop drums with festive melodies. Working with Walker since 2017 has been a journey, and creating Christmas music together brought something special to the table.
Standout Tracks and Collaborations
The EP showcases a rich collaboration between Hayes, Thibodeau, and a team of talented musicians, bringing the Christmas season to life with both timeless charm and Hayes’ distinct flair. Notable contributions include:
- “Christmas Vacation” – Inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, this playful track features electric guitar work from Adam Stark (Hillary Scott, Jimmie Allen), whose vibrant layers mix with 808 bass for a contemporary holiday twist.
- “Let it Be Christmas” – A heartfelt cover of Alan Jackson’s classic, featuring Hayes’ youngest daughters in a family-style sing-along. Thibodeau layered vintage 1971 Ludwig drums with hip-hop samples to achieve a nostalgic, cozy feel.
- “Come on Christmas” – An original that captures holiday nostalgia and loss, featuring Matt Butler on cello (Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris) and Brian Bunn on mandolin (Thomas Rhett, Parmalee). Hayes’ vision for incorporating these instruments, along with Thibodeau’s creative production choices, amplifies the song’s emotional weight.
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Hayes embraces a classic crooner sound, enhanced by Thibodeau’s use of UAD Capitol Chambers reverb and layered doo-wop background vocals, giving a fresh take on this timeless holiday song.
Production Highlights
Through innovative production techniques and top-tier equipment—including UAD Capitol Chambers reverb, Townsend Labs Sphere microphones, and vintage Ludwig drum kits—producer Joe Thibodeau brings a warm, immersive quality to each track on Christmas Vacation. To further enhance the final sound, Grammy-winning mastering engineer Joe LaPorta (known for his work with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes, and Halsey) applied his renowned expertise in mastering, adding a polished depth that complements both the modern and nostalgic tones of the EP. Thibodeau’s production vision, paired with LaPorta’s mastering finesse, brings classic Christmas influences into a fresh, contemporary light, showing fans a new, intimate side of Hayes.
The EP is now available and streaming on all platforms. Add to your holiday playlists and stream here.
About Walker Hayes
Monument Records recording artist Walker Hayes is a singer/songwriter originally from Mobile, Alabama. His smash hit “Fancy Like” topped every country music sales and streaming chart, spent more than six months at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, hit No. 1 at country radio, and gave Hayes his first GRAMMY Award nomination as an artist for Best Country Song. The song was also featured in a nationwide Applebee’s commercial. That track, as well as follow up single’s “AA” and “ Y’all Life” have made Hayes one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music. Hayes has performed his music, including the Double-Platinum RIAA certified hit “You Broke Up With Me,” to national audiences on Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and TODAY, and he was profiled for CBS Sunday Morning. He just wrapped his headlining arena tour, The Duck Buck Tour. His second arena tour in two years, after he closed out the Glad You’re Here tour last fall. A tour which is the same title as the book he released with his best friend, Craig Allen Cooper, detailing his journey to finding Christ.