GRAMMY nominated artist Matthew West released a new holiday single, “The Hope of Christmas,” and has taped a special acoustic performance of the inspiring single for the 98th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Due to COVID-19-related public health concerns, the National Parks Service and National Park Foundation did not host a live audience for this year’s event, but instead a virtual ceremony is available to watch on-demand now throughout the holiday season online.

A festive compilation of Christmas lights and music, national parks, and holiday cheer, the 98th National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will bring joy into homes across the country.

West is joined by other performers including American Idol finalist Colton Dixon; country singer/songwriter Jerrod Niemann; country artist Jillian Cardarelli; singer/songwriter Jillian Edwards; country music singer/songwriter and actress Kellie Pickler; country artist and American Idol winner Laine Hardy; country band Leaving Austin; award-winning gospel artist Lynda Randle and her brother, Michael Tait, lead vocalist of the Newsboys; Passion featuring Melodie Malone; the National Park Service Arrowhead Jazz Band; the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus; the U.S. Navy’s official chorus, The Sea Chanters; and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Completing his holiday season, West and his family will present “The Hope of Christmas” a live streaming event with four opportunities to catch the show.

The one-time only events, presented in partnership with Medi-Share and POPWE, will only be available on the performance date and time on December 18th (6 PM CST; 9 PM CST) and 19th (6 PM CST; 9 PM CST). Tickets are available now.

Matthew West shares about his holiday live streaming event:

“This year, Christmas is obviously going to be a little different, so I’m throwing an at-home festival to spread some holiday cheer and to remind us all that Jesus is our hope in this and every season,” .
“Join me, my band and the whole West family for a virtual Christmas festival, including wonderful music, fun holiday skits and a few surprises along the way. There’s SNOW show like it! Pick the date and time that works best for you.”

Radio stations across the country are playing the new single, “The Hope of Christmas,” where it received 49 adds out of the box last week. Several stations are also joining in promoting this special live event to provide a unique way to connect with radio friends and spread hope to listeners across the country despite not being able to tour in person.

West continues:

“I want to close out this year by focusing on an important word: hope,” . “Many times in 2020 I’ve looked at the world around me and hope has been hard to find.
But at the heart of this season is a reminder that while hope may not be seen, hope can still be found. I pray the song, ‘The Hope of Christmas,’ as well as these special performance opportunities will bring that message of hope to our hurting world this December.”

Continuing to share new music throughout this pandemic year as well as encouraging his fanbase with his weekly Quarantine Quiet Time, West also launched his podcast “The Matthew West Podcast,” where he features new interviews each week. This week he kicks off December with the queen of Christmas, actress Candace Cameron Bure.