Honky-Tonk Holiday Blitz: Jon Pardi Kicks Off ‘THE CHRISTMAS SHOW’ with Pyro, Paisley, and Philanthropy in St. Augustine
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Country music’s modern honky-tonk hero, Jon Pardi, brought the ultimate holiday celebration to the coast of Florida this past weekend, launching his annual THE CHRISTMAS SHOW with two high-energy nights in St. Augustine. Proving the adage that “there’s no party like a Jon Pardi (Christmas) party!” (People), the superstar delivered a pyro-filled spectacle that had fans dancing and singing along, completely diving headfirst into the festive spirit.
The Ultimate Christmas Party Band
The show was a grand affair, backed by a formidable 13-piece band that injected a vibrant, soulful flair into the country sound. The addition of twin fiddles and a full horn section elevated the performance beyond a typical country concert, allowing Pardi to effortlessly weave between his signature chart-topping hits and an eclectic mix of holiday material.
The setlist drew heavily from his acclaimed 2023 album, MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JON PARDI, showcasing the “lighthearted” (New York Times) originals like the boisterous “Beer for Santa,” the tropically-tinged “Merry Christmas from the Keys,” and the high-octane “400 Horsepower Sleigh.” These fresh tracks blended seamlessly with beloved holiday classics such as “Please Come Home for Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” offering a perfect balance of tradition and Pardi’s unmistakable honky-tonk swagger.
Visually, the spectacle was matched by Pardi’s impeccable style. He graced the stage in a series of custom, festive western looks—complete with rhinestone details, paisley patterns, and Elvis-inspired jackets—perfectly aligning with the show’s larger-than-life holiday production.
A Decade of Honky-Tonk Bravado
This celebratory holiday show is a testament to the decade-plus career of the MCA artist, who has become a leading force in modernizing honky-tonk with a spirit defined by roaring guitars and a good-time ethos. Pardi’s reputation for punchy, against-the-wind bravado is built on a foundation of blue-collar barnstorming, earning him international headlining acclaim and over 9.3 billion global streams.
With four Top 5 albums under his belt, including the Platinum #1 CALIFORNIA SUNRISE (2016), Pardi has solidified his place as a country music maverick. He has consistently broken from the pack with fourteen RIAA-certified singles, featuring six No. One hits like the back-to-back 6x-Platinum smashes “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots.”
Looking ahead, Pardi is poised to continue his momentum next year with an extended HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD Tour across the US and UK, celebrating his recent fifth studio album, HONKYTONK HOLLYWOOD. The 17-track album is described as the spiritual successor to his fearless breakout hits, once again showcasing his commitment to staying true to himself while giving his signature sound a fresh spark.
More Than Music: Giving Back
The heart of Pardi’s Christmas tradition extends far beyond the stage lights. As part of this year’s run of shows, Pardi has generously donated $40,000 to local charities in each city he visited through his established Starlight Fund.
The St. Augustine beneficiaries included St. Augustine Youth Services and the St. Augustine Art Association. Pardi’s giving will also support Little Smiles (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) and A Kids Place of Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL).
Jon and Summer Pardi’s Starlight Fund is dedicated to supporting general youth enrichment, with a specific focus on trade, agriculture, and construction. Its mission is to empower the next generation to thrive professionally and cultivate a workforce that contributes meaningfully to their communities by providing resources and opportunities for organizations supporting hands-on skills and education in these vital fields.
In a weekend full of explosive performances and festive cheer, Jon Pardi proved he’s a star who not only throws the best holiday party but also keeps the spirit of giving firmly at the center of his work.
Photo Credit: Evan De Stefano