Spruce Up Your Holiday Playlist With These Cheerful Christmas Songs
Get ready, because you're about to enter a time when Christmas music finds a way into every square inch of your life! Yep, you'll hear some festive tunes on the overhead while you're doing your Christmas gift shopping, on the car radio while you're driving to work, and on TV while you're in the kitchen whipping up some sweet Christmas cookies. Don't hide from it, just embrace it! Here's a list of the best Christmas songs you should hope to hear this season.
Whether you love country Christmas songs or prefer more modern Christmas songs, there's room for all types of music when it comes to the holidays. There are also plenty of traditional Christmas songs to choose from—including Ree Drummond's favorites, "O Holy Night" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," which never get old. They're perfect for anyone who prefers classic Christmas movies over anything else! There are also pop hits and fun covers from artists like Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, and John Legend to add to your list. And of course you'll find plenty of cute, funny Christmas songs for kids like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman." These song lyrics might even make great Christmas quotes or Christmas captions for your greeting cards and Instagram posts!
Every single one of these jolly Christmas carols will help get you in the holiday spirit. It's our gift to you!
"Pretty Paper" by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson
Everyone knows that Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson are the ultimate duo! They come together for what feels like the millionth time for this sweet Christmas melody—but we're definitely not complaining—in fact, we couldn't be more grateful!
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"Tennessee Christmas" by Amy Grant
There's Christmas, then there's a Tennessee Christmas. Amy Grant sings about the beautiful mountainous scenery that may not be covered in large amounts of snow, but is magical nonetheless. Anyone else booking a ticket to the Volunteer State after listening to this one?
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"'Zat You, Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong
We sure hope Santa gave Louis Armstrong some extra presents after he wrote this jazzy tune for him! The lyrics and soulful melody will make it hard for you to want to stay seated.
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"Dominick the Donkey" by Lou Monte
Okay, as cheesy as this one is, it's almost impossible to not belt out those "la la las," when the song gets there. We're sure kids (and adults with young spirits) will be happy to hear this one at any point in the holiday season.
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"Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill
No holiday is complete without watching Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! One watch will have you replaying this hit by Faith Hill every free minute in your day.
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"Mistletoe and Wine" by Cliff Richard
"Dreams of Santa, dreams of snow. Fingers numb, faces aglow." Ah, just those lyrics alone are enough to make us feel the spirit! All we need is a mistletoe, a glass of wine, and we're pretty much set!
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"Merry Christmas Strait to You" by George Strait
The holidays are obviously supposed to be a cheerful time, but that's not necessarily the case for everyone. If you find yourself feeling a bit blue come Christmastime, this upbeat song by George Strait will help you feel a little less alone and hopefully raise your spirits!
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"My Christmas Tree" by The Temptations
No matter how many presents you wake up to under the Christmas tree, the number won't matter as long as you have those you love around you! We're adding this to our playlist for when we need that reminder.
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"Step Into Christmas" by Elton John
We're *so* ready to step into Christmas with the biggest smiles on our faces! It's all made a little better now that we know that we have Elton John egging us on.
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"Country Christmas" by Loretta Lynn
There's nothing like a good ol' country Christmas! We can already envision the popcorn decorations on the tree, and the talented members of our family bringing out every string instrument they own!
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"Mary, Did You Know" by Mary J. Blige
Everyone knows this classic, but hearing Mary J. Blige sing it for the first time is an experience that shouldn't be taken for granted! The words sound extra meaningful coming from her soothing voice.
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"Joy to the World" by Aretha Franklin
Thank you, Aretha Franklin, for blessing the world with your take on the this iconic holiday tune! It's the only version we want to play this Christmas.
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"Little Drummer Boy" by Carrie Underwood
The duet we didn't know we needed! 🥹 Carrie Underwood and young Isaiah Fisher sound amazing (and adorable!) together as they sing a number we're all familiar with.
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"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Whitney Houston
Do you hear what we hear? It's the sound of Whitney Houston's angelic, powerhouse of a voice! We don't expect to sound as good as her when we belt this out, but we'll sure have fun doing it!
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"Must Be Santa" by Bob Dylan
We've never wanted to learn how to play an accordion more than after hearing Bob Dylan's catchy song. Does anyone know where we can take lessons?
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"Somewhere in My Memory" by John Williams
Anyone who has seen Home Alone will recognize this one immediately. Ah, we're already feeling overwhelmed with nostalgia!
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"DJ Play a Christmas Song" by Cher
Leave it to Cher to deliver the most pop-sounding, eccentric Christmas song! Hey, we'll never say no to a little dance party, especially around the holidays!
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"Someday at Christmas" by Stevie Wonder and Andra Day
Whoever decided that Stevie Wonder and Andra Day should sing a Christmas duet together obviously wanted to see us cry! Happy, jolly tears, of course!
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"My Grown-Up Christmas List" by Natalie Cole
You're never too old to make a Christmas list! Natalie Cole brings adults everywhere to a halt, hitting them right in the heart with these all-too-relatable lyrics.
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"Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys
It must be snowing on the beach, because The Beach Boys have us feeling festive and groovy! "Little Saint Nick" is reimagined with an iconic boy-band energy, and we're here for it.
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"Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer" by Elmo & Patsy
Everyone's childhood around the holidays may look a little different, but we're pretty sure most have experienced learning this rather peculiar song early on. Here's to Christmas traditions, no matter how weird!
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"Snowman" by Sia
We're not sure what's better, the melody worth melting for that Sia provided us with, or the absolutely enchanting music video that accompanies it! We're just going to go ahead and say both.
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"I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey
Has anyone checked the amount of sales for hippopotamuses in 1985? We can guarantee every kid asked for one when this song was released that year! 😂
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"Do You Want to Build a Snowman" by Kristin Bell, Agatha Lee Monn and Katie Lopez
You'd be safe to assume that we're blasting this classic from Frozen the minute it starts even flurrying outside! There's no better anthem to ring in the chilly season.
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"Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton
Dolly, you've done it again! (Are we surprised?) There's just something about the way she's able to turn even the saddest lyrics into a cheery beat.
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"Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson
Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, *and* Jennifer Hudson singing together? Oh, and a Christmas song at that? Yeah, this definitely classifies as a holiday miracle.
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"Hallelujah" by Pentatonix
It's hard to imagine that the wondrous voices coming out of Pentatonix are humanly possible—but we won't ask questions. Instead, we just accept the gift for what it is!
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"Merry Christmas Baby" by Hunter Hayes
Phew! Hunter Hayes sure knows how to get a crowd to clap their hands. What we would have done to see this performance live for ourselves!
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"O Come O Come Emmanuel" by Sufjan Stevens
Prepare to feel relaxed, optimistic, and festive all at once. Though, listening to any Sufjan Stevens song will do that to you, if we're being honest.
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"Mary's Boy Child" by Harry Belafonte
We'd like to imagine we sound like Harry Belafonte when we sing "Mary's Boy Child," but won't ask for any reviews. Instead, we'll just play it extra loud so we can't hear ourselves! 😉
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"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
Let's just get this one out of the way. This is the Christmas song, and pretty much the entire world agrees.
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"Never Felt Like Christmas" by Lizzo
Lizzo sings about being "un-grinched" by the power of love during the Christmas season.
"Christmas Tree Farm" by Taylor Swift
The queen of catchy choruses spontaneously released this holiday tune in December 2019.
"Little Things" by ABBA
It took ABBA almost 50 years to release their first Christmas song but it was worth the wait! Oh, and their digital hologängers make it all the more special.
"Christmas Vacation" by Mavis Staples
Who would have guessed that the theme to the Chevy Chase classic Christmas Vacation would become a holiday staple?
"Wonderful Christmastime" by Diana Ross
Ross's rendition of Paul McCartney's festive favorite is definitely one for the books—and the holiday playlists!
"Last Christmas" by Wham!
There's a game called "Whamageddon" that challenges you to see how far you can get into the Christmas season without hearing Wham!'s iconic jingle. (Psst. You won't get very far!)
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"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by The Jackson 5
This iconic carol was first recorded in 1952 by Jimmy Boyd, but The Jackson 5 turned it into a smash hit with their 1970 cover.
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"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by The Supremes
The Supremes released this reindeer-inspired song in 1965 for their holiday album, Merry Christmas, and we've been singing it ever since.
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"Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms
Although Bobby Helms originally released "Jingle Bell Rock" in the 1950s, it took until 2018 for it to enter Billboard's Hot 100 Top 10 for the first time. Can you believe that?!
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"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee
If you're looking for a timeless classic to play while decorating the tree, Brenda Lee's catchy tune should be at the top of your list.
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"Baby, It's Cold Outside" by John Legend ft. Kelly Clarkson
John Legend and Kelly Clarkson teamed up to create a more modern take on this classic Christmas duet.
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"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" by Dean Martin
If you're somewhere that doesn't get snow during the holidays, listening to Dean Martin croon about snow will certainly help you escape to a mental winter wonderland.
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"Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives
Most people will recognize this jingly song from its feature in the Rankin-Bass Christmas special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It's been a holiday staple ever since!
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"Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)" by Kelly Clarkson
One of Kelly Clarkson's newest Christmas songs is catchy, fun, and perfect for anyone who's spending the holidays without that special someone. (Because...who needs 'em?!)
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"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé
Everything Michael Bublé touches turns to snow gold. His version of this classic song became a hit in its own right, reaching number 2 on the US charts.
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"When My Heart Finds Christmas" by Harry Connick Jr.
The holiday track off of Harry Connick Jr.'s Christmas album is a bit more emotional than the rest of the songs on this list, but it's worth a listen nonetheless.
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"We Need a Little Christmas" by Angela Lansbury
Broadway fans will recognize this cheery tune, originally sung by Angela Lansbury, from the musical Mame.
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"Please Come Home for Christmas" by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi covered this popular 1960s Christmas song from pianist Charles Brown. It's also been adapted by the Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, and Willie Nelson.
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"Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC
Every '80s music lover will appreciate this Christmas classic by Run DMC. It never gets old!
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"(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" by Perry Como
This Perry Como classic reminds us of a cozy winter night by the fire after decorating the Christmas tree.
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"Pretty Paper" by Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson's entire Christmas album is named after this song. Check it out for some country-inspired holiday listening.
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"Winter Wonderland" by Ella Fitzgerald
Of all the versions of this song we could listen to, Ella Fitzgerald's smooth, jazzy rendition comes out on top.
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"Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
You'll recognize this heart-pumping orchestra number in seconds. Seeing the Trans-Siberian Orchestra live is a Christmas bucket list item to check off!
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"What's This?" by Danny Elfman
Straight from the soundtrack of The Nightmare Before Christmas, this holiday tune is not your average Christmas song—and that's why everyone loves it!
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"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Warning: This will get stuck in your head, but it's so worth it. It'll instantly put you in a holiday mood!
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"Believe" by Josh Groban
This epic song was created for The Polar Express movie and has quickly become a Christmas classic since.
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"Pennies from Heaven" by Louis Prima
If you're like us and are obsessed with Elf, then the instant you hear this song, you'll think of Christmas!
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"Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Just hearing a few bars of this iconic tune will make sugar plum fairies dance in your head. Ree loves The Nutcracker so much for good reason!
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"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by *NSYNC
Your favorite boy band (sorry, Backstreet Boys!) puts a festive spin on their dreamy voices in this '90s holiday hit.
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"Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses
New wave band The Waitresses put this song out in 1981. It's about a woman who wants to skip Christmas this year, but has a change of heart.
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"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Thurl Ravenscroft
For anyone who feels a little bit of "Bah humbug" come over them when the holidays roll around, give this song a listen.
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"Merry Christmas Darling" by the Carpenters
Let Karen Carpenter serenade you with the ethereal track that was number 1 on the Billboard Christmas singles chart for three years.
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"Snow" by Leslie Odom Jr.
While Hamilton's Leslie Odom Jr.'s entire Christmas album is worth listening to, his original single "Snow" is particularly great.
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"8 Days of Christmas" by Destiny's Child
Allow this cheeky track by Destiny's Child to serve as inspiration for your grown-up Christmas list. A candle-lit dinner and quality T-I-M-E? Yes, please!
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"River" by Joni Mitchell
Prefer melancholic ballads during the holidays? Joni Mitchell's "River" is exactly what you need to listen to when feeling emotional.
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"Mele Kalikimaka" by Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters
Any fan of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation will immediately recognize this Hawaiian-inspired song.
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"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by James Taylor
James Taylor's Christmas album is worthy of your seasonal listening, especially this cover of one of the most popular holiday songs.
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"Candy Cane Lane" by Sia
This original Christmas song from Sia is upbeat and cheery—perfect if you need a burst of energy to finish wrapping all those presents.
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"My Favorite Things" by Julie Andrews
With lyrics referring to snowflakes on noses and eyelashes, woolen mittens, and sleigh bells, it's no wonder this Sound of Music song became a Christmas staple.
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"Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry
Sometimes referred to as "Run Run Rudolph," Chuck Berry's tune will infuse some rock 'n' roll into your holiday playlist.
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"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole
There's a funny story behind this wintry jam: Songwriter Mel Tourmé actually wrote it to cool down on a hot summer day.
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"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love
Darlene Love's holiday rock song is one of those Christmas tracks you'll want to listen to all year long.
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"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams
Welcome in the "hap-happiest" season of all with Andy Williams's holiday classic about the wonders of Christmas.
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"Winter Wonderland" by She & Him
This dates all the way back to the 1930s and tells the story of a white, snowy wonderland. It's been covered countless times, but the She & Him version is undeniably good.
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"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Sam Smith
Originally made for the movie Meet Me in St. Louis, this song has been covered by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and James Taylor. But Sam Smith's version is right up there with the rest of the greats!
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"Jingle Bells" by Frank Sinatra
This song was actually first released in the mid-1800s, and it had no ties to Christmas. But can you imagine a holiday now without Sinatra's version?!
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"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling throughout this cover by The Ronettes. The unmistakable clip-clop of horse hooves in the background makes it unforgettable.
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"Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley
Anyone feeling a little melancholic this year will find some solace in the King's emotional holiday hit about love lost.
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"Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano
Puerto Rican singer and songwriter José Feliciano penned "Feliz Navidad" in 1970. It went on to become one of the top-selling Christmas songs of all time.
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"Deck the Halls" by Pentatonix
Have you listened to Pentatonix yet? If not, the a capella's Christmas album is about to (jingle bell) rock your world.
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"O Holy Night" by Céline Dion
Céline Dion's voice is the only thing you need to get through wrapping all those Christmas gifts.
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"Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry
Gene Autry will make you feel nostalgic for your childhood Christmases, in the best way possible.
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"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Believe it or not, "White Christmas" holds the Guinness World Record for best-selling single.
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"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by Bruce Springsteen
Only Bruce Springsteen could take a classic holiday jingle and turn it into a rock-n'-roll smash.
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"Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid
This single was put together by famous British and Irish artists in the mid-80s to help raise money for those suffering in Ethiopia. It eventually led to the massive Live Aid concert in 1985.
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"Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt
While it's been covered by artists like Taylor Swift, Madonna, and Gwen Stefani, you can't beat Eartha Kitt's version of "Santa Baby."
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"Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney's Christmas song is fun, catchy, and downright festive. You can't help but dance along!
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"I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Josh Groban
It was originally written for soldiers who were overseas at Christmas. But Bing Crosby's hit has now been covered by all kinds of stars, including Josh Groban.
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"What Christmas Means to Me" by Stevie Wonder
This track was featured on Stevie Wonder's 1967 Christmas album. It'll make you feel warm and cozy about all your favorite parts of the holiday season.
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"This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway
If your fireplace is "blazing bright" and you're "caroling through the night," then there's not much more you can ask for this year!
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"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon and Yoko Ono
John Lennon and Yoko Ono released this song in the early '70s as a protest against the Vietnam War. It features the Harlem Community Choir and has become a holiday mainstay over the years.
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"Christmas Time Is Here" by Vince Guaraldi Trio
You're probably familiar with this one from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Both the song and the movie are essential come December!
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"Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree" became an instant hit when it was released in 2013. It's one of the most popular original Christmas songs to come out in the 2000s.
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"Merry Christmas, Baby" by Otis Redding
Artists including Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and Bruce Springsteen have covered this R&B Christmas standard, but Otis Redding's version is hard to beat.
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"Silver Bells" by Perry Como
This song was first written for the 1951 movie The Lemon Drop Kid. One of the writers, Ray Evans, told NPR that he and his partner had initially used the word "tinkle" instead of "silver"—that is, until they learned what tinkle meant! 😂
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"Frosty the Snowman" by Ella Fitzgerald
The Queen of Jazz delivered a swinging cover of "Frosty the Snowman" for her Christmas album in 1960.
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"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" by Kacey Musgraves
This track is all about mustering up the courage to ask your special someone out for New Year's Eve. What better time to do so than on Christmas?
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"The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks
While written as a "novelty Christmas song," this went on to win songwriter Ross Bagdasarian Sr. three Grammy Awards!
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"Up on the Housetop" by Gene Autry
Gene Autry's single is sure to get your kiddos in the holiday spirit!
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