Bryan Adams has returned with California Christmas, a warm and lively festive single that trades snowy scenes for a bright West Coast glow. The track arrives as the first preview of his upcoming Christmas album Bryan Adams & Friends: A Great Big Holiday Jam, set for release on December 8 through Bad Records. The album launch will coincide with the premiere of the matching Christmas TV special on Citytv and Citytv+ in Canada.

California Christmas brings together an impressive lineup from the holiday special. Alessia Cara, Alan Doyle, Barenaked Ladies and The Sheepdogs join Adams on the recording, captured live at Vancouver’s Warehouse Studio. The performance highlights the easy chemistry among the artists, giving the song an atmosphere that feels relaxed, joyful and steeped in the spirit of collaboration.

The video mirrors that energy with a studio style performance featuring all artists gathered in the room. Fans were quick to react online. One YouTube commenter shared, “The bridge at 2min 37 sec is what really lifted this song. Bryan Adams the only one with red Xmas color trousers! A very successful artist and has brought the audience many years of great music.” Another praised him as “one of our great Canadian treasures”.

Lyrically, the song leans into a playful fantasy of leaving winter weather behind for palm trees, sunshine and a Christmas morning spent on Sunset Boulevard. Adams delivers verses about mistletoe by the pool, Santa with a tan and the ease of a holiday where the sun is guaranteed to shine. The imagery strikes a humorous contrast with traditional seasonal themes, which helps give the track its charm.

Musically, California Christmas is built on bright guitars, easy grooves and layered harmonies. Adams’ familiar vocals anchor the track with a mix of warmth and confidence. The result is a feel good anthem that seems destined for heavy rotation on holiday playlists and winter road trips, especially for listeners who prefer their December celebrations on the sunnier side.

The release arrives just ahead of Adams’ December return to UK arenas. He will headline Hull Connexin Live on December 8, Cardiff Utilita Arena on December 9 and the Brighton Centre on December 10. The shows continue his extensive touring schedule behind Roll With the Punches, which has already taken him through New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, Canada and the United States in 2025. After his UK dates, Adams will head back to Europe for the remainder of the year, with a wider tour planned across Asia and the Americas in 2026.

Full tour dates and ticket information are available on his official website.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.