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Matthew West Returns as Headliner for Winter Jam 2026, Leading Christian Music’s Biggest Tour


Published: Jan 31, 2026 12:12 PM EST
Photo Credit: Matthew West / Facebook
Photo Credit: Matthew West / Facebook

Award‑winning Christian artist Matthew West is back at the forefront of Christian music this year as he headlines the Winter Jam 2026 Tour, the genre's largest annual concert series.

The Winter Jam tour - known for bringing together top Christian artists in arenas across the United States - kicked off this season with West as one of its key headliners, marking his first major return to the tour in a decade.

A Major Return to the Road

West, who has built a long career with hit singles such as "Hello, My Name Is" and "The Motions," is headlining Winter Jam alongside other well‑known contemporary Christian acts including Chris Tomlin, Katy Nichole, and rising artists like Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, and Newsong.

In recent statements, West expressed his excitement about returning to Winter Jam, reflecting on the journey that brought him back to the tour:

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to hit the road again with so many friends and powerful voices in Christian music. It's been a while, and I'm looking forward to worshipping with fans in arenas across the country."

Winter Jam - known for its high‑energy performances, worship segments, and community outreach - continues to draw audiences of thousands per stop, spanning contemporary worship, pop, rock, and hip‑hop influences while remaining rooted in faith‑centered musical expression.

New Music & Momentum in the New Year

West also enters the 2026 music season with fresh material. His latest single "Good," released earlier this month, has been gaining traction on Christian radio and streaming platforms, aligning with his Winter Jam appearances.

Beyond West's tour presence, this year is shaping up as a busy season for the Christian music industry:

  • The Christian Music Conference (CMC) is launching in Sydney on March 6, bringing global artists and industry leaders together to discuss trends, collaboration, and the future of faith‑inspired music.

  • Emerging artists and new releases continue to surface across platforms, with Christian playlists and weekly drops gaining attention among fans.

Why Winter Jam Matters

Winter Jam has become a staple in Christian music culture since its inception, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to connect with audiences in a tour format that emphasizes worship and community engagement.

With Matthew West back in a headlining role and fresh music propelling his momentum, the 2026 Winter Jam tour reflects a renewed energy in Christian music as it heads into the new year.