Top 10 Christmas Songs That Will Instantly Boost Your Holiday Spirit
Whether you want to rock around the tree, make out under the mistletoe or chill by the fireplace sipping spiked eggnog, Christmas just doesn’t jingle all the way without a sleighing soundtrack to the season. From Nat King Cole and Bruce Springsteen to Brenda Lee and Mariah Carey—These 10 yule tunes never fail to turn up the holiday spirit.
The Definitive Christmas Song
If you’re going to anoint a song as the Christmas song, you better be able to bring all the holiday feels. And whether or not you’ve ever roasted a chestnut in your life—really, who has?—this is the definitive version of the definitive Christmas song. This classic embodies the spirit of Christmas, evoking feelings of warmth, family, and the magic of the season. Its timeless appeal is evident in its enduring popularity across generations.
Old-School R&B Romance
When it comes to hanging under the mistletoe, nothing beats the old-school R&B romance of Hathaway’s 1970 classic. And although it’s been covered by everyone from Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin to Christina Aguilera and Chris Brown—who sang it for the same-named movie in 2007—the original still blazes brightest. This soulful track adds a touch of romanticism to the holiday season, making it perfect for those intimate moments under the mistletoe.
A Holiday Ditty That Still Stands the Test of Time
Forty years ago, George Michael—well on his way to leaving Wham! for solo superstardom—gave us his heart with this holiday ditty that still stands as one of the last original Christmas classics. It even inspired a 2019 movie named after it. But the song took on a sad sentiment when Michael had his “last Christmas” when he died on the holiday in 2016. This beloved track continues to resonate with listeners, its message of love and longing making it a staple of the holiday season. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and emotional depth. Despite its melancholic undertones, it’s a beautiful and poignant reminder of the bittersweet nature of the holidays.
A Command to Be Good
From the moment that the Boss commands, “You better watch out, you better not cry,” about the imminent arrival of Saint Nick, it’s enough to make kids of all ages be good, for goodness sake. Honorable mention to the Jackson 5’s version for a more youthful and soulful spin on the seasonal standard. This upbeat and playful tune is perfect for getting the whole family into the holiday spirit. Its cheerful melody and catchy lyrics have made it a beloved classic for decades.
A Christmas Chestnut That Hit No. 1
It only took 65 years of twirling around that evergreen, but Lee’s 1958 Christmas chestnut finally hit No. 1 in 2023. That gave the 80-year-old legend just the third-holiday single ever to jingle all the way to the top, following Alvin and the Chipmunks’ “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” in 1958 and, of course, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” in 2019. Now that’s some rockin’ for the ages. This timeless classic continues to capture the hearts of listeners, its catchy melody and nostalgic feel making it a perfect addition to any holiday playlist.
Angelic Sounds of the Season
Although not technically a Christmas song if you really want to nitpick, this beauty from Mitchell’s classic “Blue” album is set during the holiday season and is the very essence of angelic. And when those echoes of “Jingle Bells” chime in, it makes us want to skate away on that river every single time. This reflective and introspective song brings a touch of melancholy beauty to the holiday season, making it perfect for quiet moments of reflection.
A Guitar-Charged Christmas Confession
One of those brilliant B-sides that Prince used to give us at the peak of his powers, this guitar-charged Christmas confession is more melancholy than merry. But it captures the holiday heartbreak that many feel during the season. And hey, any excuse to play Prince is a good one. This unique and unconventional track adds a touch of edginess to the holiday season, making it perfect for those who prefer something a little different.
Yuletide by the Fireside
The jazzy, ivory-tickling vibes of this dreamy ditty from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” never fail to hit the right notes for “yuletide by the fireside.” Special shout-out to the children’s choir from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California. This charming and nostalgic track evokes the cozy warmth of a winter's night, making it perfect for those who love the classic sound of the holidays.
Gospel Glory of the Holidays
Houston takes it all the way to church with the Georgia Mass Choir on a righteous rendition of this bop to the heavens from 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife” soundtrack. In all of her gospel glory, the greatest voice of all makes you feel the holy spirit as well as the holiday one. This powerful and uplifting track adds a spiritual dimension to the holiday season, making it perfect for those who appreciate gospel music.
The Queen of Christmas Reigns Supreme
Because the Queen of Christmas will not be denied, dahling. Thirty years, 16 weeks at No. 1 and nearly 2 billion Spotify streams later, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. This modern Christmas classic has become synonymous with the holiday season, its catchy melody and upbeat tempo making it a must-have on any Christmas playlist. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its impact on contemporary holiday music. This song will remain a perennial favorite for years to come.
Familiar gems and new favorites top this holiday playlist. Including Joni Mitchell, the Pogues and Sufjan Stevens. Is your Christmas playlist feeling a little bit stale? Sick of hearing the same tired songs at every grocery store and on every radio station but still looking to stay in the holiday spirit?
Here are 10 Christmas songs — old and new — to freshen up your rotation this season.
This article explored various perspectives on the best Christmas songs, highlighting both classic and modern choices. The inclusion of diverse artists and musical styles caters to a wide range of tastes. The enduring appeal of Christmas music, its ability to evoke nostalgia, and its capacity to unite people across cultures, were key themes. The article concludes by encouraging readers to curate their own personalized playlists, reflecting their individual preferences. The enduring popularity of these songs showcases the timeless appeal of Christmas music, its power to evoke emotion, and its importance in shaping our holiday traditions. Ultimately, the best Christmas songs are those that resonate most deeply with the individual listener, bringing joy and warmth to the holiday season.
