Top 20 Christmas Songs of All Time
Christmas songs have a way of instilling joy and festivity in the holiday season. Here are some of the top Christmas songs of all time, keeping in mind that many of these songs have been covered by various artists over the years:
“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
This classic has been a favorite since it was first recorded in 1942.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Released in 1994, this song has become a modern classic and a holiday staple.
“Last Christmas” – Wham!
Another modern classic that is widely loved and recognized.
“Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
A fun and lively track that gets everyone into the festive spirit.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
A vibrant and upbeat song that has been popular since the 1960s.
“The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – Nat King Cole
Known for its smooth vocals and comforting melody.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid
A charity single released in 1984 to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono/The Plastic Ono Band
A peace anthem that has become synonymous with the holiday season.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
Celebrates all the aspects that make the holiday season special.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry
A song that tells the story of a beloved character associated with the holiday season.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
A festive warning that Santa is on his way, covered by numerous artists.
“Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
A bilingual Spanish/English Christmas hit that is popular around the globe.
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”
A classic winter song, even though it doesn’t specifically mention Christmas.
“Holly Jolly Christmas” – Burl Ives
A festive and upbeat song that embodies the holiday spirit.
“Silent Night”
A traditional and serene carol known worldwide.
“O Holy Night”
A beautiful, traditional carol that has been covered by numerous artists in various styles.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Known from “Meet Me in St. Louis” where it was sung by Judy Garland, and it has been covered by many artists since.
“Deck the Halls”
A traditional Christmas carol with a melody that is known worldwide.
“Sleigh Ride”
Often associated with the orchestral version by Leroy Anderson, but also popular in vocal versions.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
A song from the Phil Spector-produced album “A Christmas Gift for You.”
“Mary’s Boy Child” – Boney M.
A disco-reggae Christmas classic.
“Little Drummer Boy”
Covered by many, this song tells the story of a boy who plays his drum for the newborn Jesus.
“Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl
Known for its poignant narrative and Celtic instrumentation.
“Jingle Bells”
Perhaps one of the most recognized Christmas tunes globally.
“Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
A playful and somewhat sultry Christmas classic.
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
A fun song from a child’s perspective on a cute holiday scenario.
“Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
A synthesizer-driven, upbeat holiday pop song.
“Driving Home for Christmas” – Chris Rea
A song that has become a staple on holiday travel playlists.
“Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
A modern pop Christmas hit.
“Christmas Lights” – Coldplay
A melodic and heartfelt Christmas song.
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
A song that has been covered by various artists, offering a message of hope and peace.
“Carol of the Bells”
Known for its intricate melody and is often performed by choirs during the Christmas season.
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
A festive song that describes the onset of the holiday season.
“Silver Bells”
A classic that speaks of the beauty and festivity in the city during Christmas.
“Frosty the Snowman”
A jolly song about the adventures of Frosty, a character beloved by children and adults alike.
These songs, among others, have become inseparable from the holiday season, generating nostalgia and creating new memories with each passing year. The list of popular Christmas songs is extensive and varies between countries and cultures, so there are many more beloved tunes out there to explore and enjoy!
