Quick Event Summary
- Performer: Miranda Lambert
- Event: 30th Annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show
- Game Matchup: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date & Network: Thursday, November 26, 2026 on Fox
Texas native Miranda Lambert is heading back to her home state for a major holiday performance. The country music superstar has been officially selected to headline the halftime performance during the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026, marking a landmark anniversary for the annual charitable campaign.
Who is performing at the 2026 Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show?
Miranda Lambert will be the featured headliner. The announcement was made alongside a video featuring the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, continuing the tradition of high-profile music stars taking the field during the Thanksgiving broadcast.
When and where will the performance take place?
The game and halftime show will take place on Thursday, November 26, 2026. The matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles will air live nationally on Fox.
What is the significance of this year's show?
This year marks the 30th consecutive year that the Dallas Cowboys halftime show serves as the official launch for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff. Furthermore, it coincides with The Salvation Army’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign. Over the past three decades, the holiday tradition on national television has helped raise more than $3.4 billion to assist millions of people in need.
Which artists have performed in recent years?
The Thanksgiving halftime show has routinely featured top-tier talent in recent years, including:
- 2025: Post Malone
- 2024: Lainey Wilson
- 2023: Dolly Parton
- 2022: Luke Combs
How did the Thanksgiving Red Kettle Kickoff tradition begin?
The concept originated in the 1990s through Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys. Her father, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, challenged her to create an initiative that would inspire football fans to connect with the team’s off-the-field community outreach. She proposed pairing the Salvation Army’s campaign with the team's Thanksgiving broadcast, creating a recurring national tradition.
Statements on the Announcement
“There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most. The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have built an incredible tradition with the Red Kettle Kickoff, and I can’t wait to be back home in Texas this Thanksgiving to help carry it forward.”
— Miranda Lambert
“The Red Kettle Kickoff has become one of the Dallas Cowboys’ proudest traditions and one my family and our entire organization look forward to every Thanksgiving. For 30 years, incredible artists have appeared on our halftime stage to help The Salvation Army bring hope to millions of people in need. We’re grateful to Miranda Lambert for joining that legacy and helping us continue this meaningful tradition.”
— Charlotte Jones, Dallas Cowboys Chief Brand Officer & Co-Owner
“The Red Kettle Campaign gives people a simple way to spread joy and support their neighbors in need. The Red Kettle Kickoff has brought that spirit of giving to a national audience for the last three decades. We’re grateful to the Dallas Cowboys, the Gene and Jerry Jones family, and Miranda Lambert for helping us kick off the season by bringing attention to the needs of neighbors throughout the nation.”
— Commissioner Merle Heatwole, Salvation Army National Commander
