Looking for the best Christmas songs of all time to set the festive mood? From timeless classics to modern hits, these famous songs have become a beloved part of Christmas celebrations around the world.
But what is the best Christmas song ever made? Whether you prefer carols or upbeat anthems, this list of the top 20 Christmas songs will help you to craft the ultimate holiday playlist. Dive in to rediscover your favourites:
What Is A Christmas Song?
A Christmas song is a piece of music which celebrates the themes, traditions, and emotions associated with Christmas. These songs often reflect joy, warmth, and a happy spirit.
There are generally two types of Christmas songs, the first is traditional carols which have roots in religious traditions and often celebrate the nativity story. Many of these carols are centuries old and have become a key part of Christmas services and gatherings. The second is modern songs which are popular, often secular songs evoking the joy, magic, and festive atmosphere of Christmas.
Top 20 Christmas Songs
Without further ado, here’s a list of the top 20 Christmas songs which have captured hearts across generations and set the perfect mood for the holiday season:
1) All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
This song has become a global Christmas anthem, re-charting each year and reinforcing Mariah Carey as the “Queen of Christmas.”
2) Last Christmas – Wham!
A holiday staple, offering a bittersweet take on love and Christmas. It’s one of the best-selling Christmas singles, with many different covers and adaptations.
3) White Christmas – Bing Crosby
This classic song has set the standard for Christmas music, its nostalgic theme and soothing voice cemented it as one of the best-selling singles of all time.
4) Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
One of the earliest to bring rock-and-roll into Christmas music, its catchy melody and upbeat feel makes it a firm favourite.
5) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Lee’s hit combines rockabilly with the Christmas spirit, making it a timeless party favourite.
6) It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Known for its upbeat tone, this song captures the joyous essence of the holiday season and has been featured in loads of famous Christmas adverts.
7) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
Garland’s original version from Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) is deeply emotional, capturing the bittersweet hope of Christmas, specifically during the wartime.
8) Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 brought energy and charm to this classic, giving it a playful twist appealing to all age groups.
9) Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
With its bilingual lyrics, this song introduced Latin flair to Christmas music and has become a worldwide favourite celebrating cultural inclusivity.
10) Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Known for its cosy vibe, this song encapsulates winter wonder, making it a classic for people even outside traditional Christmas settings.
11) Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
Written to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief in 1984, this song brought awareness to global issues and inspired other charity singles.
12) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
Based on the beloved character, this song is a children’s favourite, and it even helped to launch the trend of character-based Christmas songs.
13) Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Written as a protest song promoting peace, it has become a Christmas anthem for social change, while also reflecting Lennon and Ono’s humanitarian efforts.
14) Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
This solo hit from McCartney brings a joyful and whimsical tone, it’s considered a favourite despite some mixed critical reviews.
15) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
This song became a rock ‘n’ roll classic and is famous for its soulful vibe.
16) The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Nat King Cole
With a warm melody and poetic lyrics, this classic paints an image of Christmas warmth.
17) Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Elvis added a touch of melancholy to Christmas music with this soulful number, which has become emblematic of his impact on holiday music.
18) Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
This unexpected 1977 duet bridged genres and generations, bringing together Crosby’s classic style with Bowie’s innovation in a moment of unity.
19) Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade
Released in 1973, this singalong British classic quickly became a holiday tradition, reminding listeners to simply enjoy Christmas.
20) Silent Night – Frank Sinatra
Sinatra’s version of this 1818 hymn provides a calming, reflective atmosphere capturing the peaceful essence of Christmas.
Christmas Music Trends Over the Years
Types and styles of Christmas music have evolved over the years, often mirroring trends and changes in society:
The Beginnings: Traditional Carols and Hymns
In the early days, the focus was on religious hymns and carols like Silent Night (1818) and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (1739). These songs celebrated the religious aspect of Christmas and were usually sung in churches.
Classic Pop and Jazz: The 1940s–1950s
The mid-20th century saw the emergence of secular Christmas music which blended traditional holiday themes with jazz and pop influences. Songs like Bing Crosby’s White Christmas (1942) and Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song (1946) became instant classics.
Rock ‘n’ Roll and Upbeat Pop: 1950s–1970s
The post-war boom brought more energetic Christmas songs influenced by rock ‘n’ roll. Hits like Jingle Bell Rock (1957) and Brenda Lee’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (1958) were upbeat and fun, appealing to younger audiences and shifting Christmas music toward more lively parties, rather than churches.
Socially Conscious and Diverse Sounds: 1980s
In the 1980s, holiday music started to reflect social consciousness, as seen with Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? (1984), which raised awareness and money for famine relief in Africa. This introduced charity-focused Christmas music as a trend.
Popstars and Modern Nostalgia: 1990s–2000s
Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You (1994) welcomed in a new era of Christmas pop anthems, blending 1960s Motown influences with contemporary pop. The 2000s saw artists like NSYNC, Britney Spears, and Michael Bublé creating Christmas albums, making this music a staple for mainstream pop stars and connecting with new generations.
Digital Era and Genre Fusion: 2010s–Present
With streaming platforms, like Spotify, Christmas music has become more diverse and accessible. Modern hits blend genres like R&B, EDM, indie folk, and even hip-hop, as seen in songs by Ariana Grande, Sia, and Justin Bieber.
Where Can I Study Music?
Access Creative College (ACC) offers specialised music courses, including Music Production, Music Performance, and Vocal Artist to name a few. These courses are designed to provide practical skills and industry knowledge relevant to aspiring songwriters and musicians. With connections to industry professionals, organisations and festivals, ACC can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into the music industry. And don’t just take our word for it, check out our list of alumni to see if you recognise any names!
If you want to become the next biggest songwriter, ACC is the perfect place to start your journey! Apply online today.
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