Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas - One Show Only! - Live at Cactus Theater
Friday, December 11, 2026
Doors: 6:50 pm • Showtime: 7:30 pm

For three decades, Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas has been an extraordinary blend of music, encompassing his numerous best-selling Christmas albums, alongside his beloved country and pop hits. This vibrant holiday celebration takes the form of a captivating multi-media production, featuring Murphey's renowned "Rio Grande Band," dramatic lighting, video, as well as the use of Western Art, captivating master-artist photographs, breathtaking videos, and delightful cowboy poetry. "Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas" beautifully captures the rustic essence of the story of Jesus' birth in the countryside village of Bethlehem, where the joyous tidings first reached the humble livestock caretakers and herders, often referred to as "cowboys," over two millennia ago.

But behind the fame, Herndon struggled with addiction, mental health issues, and his sexuality — the latter of which had no place in mainstream country in the 90’s, 2000’s and arguably through today. Facing a series of setbacks including an arrest, lawsuits and a drug relapse, all while struggling to maintain his secret, his spiral ultimately led to a suicide attempt. His subsequent successful stay in rehab led to the inspiration for his song “God or the Gun.”

Inspired by an 1885 wild-west dance known as the original "Texas Cowboys' Christmas Ball" in Anson, Texas, Murphey embarked on a remarkable journey that carries on the biblical tradition of merriment, song and feasting during the "holidays," a term signifying "holy days." In 1992, Michael introduced a groundbreaking concept album called "Cowboy Christmas," which had never been attempted before in popular Christmas music. This innovative creation became a best-seller and paved the way for five more Cowboy Christmas albums and accompanying DVDs. Today, this remarkable concept has evolved into a grand live musical concert production! Join Michael and the talented members of the Rio Grande Band for a joyous and heartfelt "Christmas Cowboy-Style" experience. What others have said about Michael Martin Murphey's Cowboy Christmas:

"A holiday tradition"- The Washington Post

"Haunting and shimmering" - The Denver Post

"Mighty guitar pickin' and foot-stompin" - Los Angeles Times

"Family-friendly, faith-infused...unabashed nostalia!" - Dallas Morning News

"Warms your body like a cup of hot chocolate" - Downtown Fort Worth, Inc

Reserved Tickets:

First 4 rows on floor (A - D)......................………....$75

Next 6 rows on floor (E - K).........................…….....$60

Remainder of floor (Rows L - M, ADA)....................$50

Balcony box (includes concessions with ticket) .....$100

Balcony Front Row .................................…………..$55

Remainder of Balcony.........................…………...…$40