Best Christmas Songs to Add to Your Holiday Playlist

Andy Williams - “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1963)

If Christmas could introduce itself with theme music, it would probably use this song. Andy Williams comes in with full big band energy, singing about parties, presents, and all the chaos that makes the season fun. Put it on when you want the room to feel instantly more festive, even if you are just wrapping gifts on the floor.

Mariah Carey - “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)

No holiday playlist is complete without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Its upbeat, pop-sounding melody has made it a Christmas anthem. This inescapable hit spent 15 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, first peaking at #1 in 2019. Carey’s soaring vocals make the song unforgettable, and it’s the perfect declaration of love and happiness during the holiday season.

Michael Bublé - “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (2011)

Michael Bublé’s rendition of this holiday classic is instantly recognizable. The upbeat jazz-infused arrangement brings the perfect touch of holiday cheer, and his smooth vocals create a timeless feel. The song paints a beautiful picture of the holiday season, as you imagine all things Micheal describes, from toys in every store to trees in the Grand Hotel and in the park as well!

Frank Sinatra - “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1957)

Sinatra’s classic take on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" brings a touch of elegance and nostalgia. Lyrics such as “Next year all our troubles will be out of sight” and “Faithful friends who are dear to us will be near to us once more” remind listeners of the love spread during Christmas time. With his velvety voice and smooth phrasing, Frank captures the warmth and coziness of the season.

Bing Crosby - “White Christmas” (1942)

“White Christmas” is pure cozy nostalgia. Bing Crosby sounds like he is singing from inside a snow globe, and the simple arrangement makes it feel like a memory you have even if you have never seen real snow. This is the track you play while you are decorating, baking, or just trying to make your living room feel like an old holiday movie.

Bruce Springsteen - “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” (1982)

Springsteen treats this holiday tune like a rowdy night at the Stone Pony. Clarence Clemons is practically laughing through his sax solo, the band is loose in the best way, and Bruce is clearly having the time of his life. The whole performance feels like a snapshot of a live show where the crowd already knows the words and sings before he does.

Kelly Clarkson - “Underneath the Tree” (2013)

Kelly Clarkson’s "Underneath the Tree" is a modern holiday classic. With its catchy pop melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song captures the excitement and joy of Christmas. Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals, paired with the festive instrumentation, make it a song that sticks with you long after the season ends.

Brenda Lee - “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (1958)

Brenda Lee was barely a teenager when she recorded this, yet she sounds like she walked straight out of a 50s holiday house party. Her voice has a confidence that gives the song its charm, and the rockabilly arrangement keeps it swinging from the first guitar twang. The track has managed to outlive every trend around it, which says everything about its staying power.

Wham! - “Last Christmas” (1984)

George Michael turned heartache into something glittery, pairing wounded lyrics with synths that shimmer like tinsel. There is a cinematic quality to the production that makes the song feel bigger than a typical seasonal single. Anyone who has gone through a December breakup knows exactly why this one endures.

Sia - “Snowman” (2017)

“Snowman” is one of those songs that feels like a vintage classic even though it is pretty new. Sia stretches out every note over a slow, dreamy arrangement that is more wistful than jingly, which makes it perfect for late night listening. It is a nice change of pace when you want Christmas music that is emotional without being cheesy.

John Lennon & Yoko Ono - “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” (1971)

Part Christmas song, part peace anthem, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is the one you put on when you want your holiday playlist to feel a little deeper. The children’s choir, soft strings, and John and Yoko’s vocals make it feel both comforting and slightly haunting at the same time. It is ideal for late December evenings when the lights are low and you are in a reflective mood.

The Jackson 5 - “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” (1970)

This version belongs to young Michael, who delivers each line with real mischief in his voice. The Jackson 5 arrangement adds sweetness without being sugary, and the Motown polish gives the song a playful spark. Few holiday recordings capture kid curiosity as naturally as this one.

Stevie Wonder - “What Christmas Means to Me” (1967)

Stevie shifts the mood with a burst of soulful rhythm that stands out from traditional holiday playlists. The drums pop, the piano dances, and the harmonica adds that familiar warmth only he can deliver. This track is one of the rare seasonal songs that feels upbeat without veering into cartoonish territory.

Ariana Grande - “Santa Tell Me” (2014)

Ariana leans into bright, breezy pop and gives the season a flirtatious twist. The melody sticks instantly, the production has a snappy, modern sheen, and the whole vibe captures the excitement of December without taking itself too seriously. Fans claimed it as a new classic almost immediately. and modern to put on while decorating their Christmas tree.

Eartha Kitt with Henri René and His Orchestra - “Santa Baby” (1953)

Eartha Kitt's sultry performance of "Santa Baby" is unforgettable. She seductively lists her Christmas wishlist, which includes a “54 convertible in light blue” and “one little thing, a ring.” Kitt's unique voice matches the song's playful, flirtatious tone, making it both charming and cheeky. Despite the controversy the song stirred in ’50s-era America, it endures as a festive favorite 68 years after its release.

Justin Bieber - “Mistletoe” (2011)

“Mistletoe” is a chilled out holiday love song that sounds like a snowy winter date night. Justin Bieber keeps it light and flirty, with a laid back groove that makes it easy to keep on repeat. Add it to your playlist whenever you want something festive that still feels very pop and very 2010s.

Judy Garland - “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1944)

First sung in the film Meet Me in St. Louis, Garland’s version remains the emotional cornerstone of holiday music. Her delivery is tender and calm, shaped by the scene’s story of two sisters trying to hold on to hope. Many artists have covered it since, but none have managed to recreate that gentle ache at the center of her performance.

Pentatonix - “That’s Christmas to Me” (2014)

“That’s Christmas to Me” feels like sitting by the tree with the lights off and a blanket on. Pentatonix lean into their harmonies and keep the production soft, which makes the song feel very personal and cozy. It is a great pick for quieter moments, like winding down after a long day or watching the snow from the window.

Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett - “Winter Wonderland” (2014)

This Grammy-winning duo never fails to deliver an audible delight. With a jazzy rendition of "Winter Wonderland,” Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett walk you through the beautiful sight of snow on Christmas. Their collaboration is a fresh take on the classic, combining Gaga’s powerful vocals with Bennett’s smooth style. The orchestration gives it a timeless feel, while their chemistry makes it truly special. 

Destiny’s Child - “8 Days of Christmas” (2001)

Destiny’s Child bring playful energy to a holiday tradition and give it the early 2000s R&B shine. Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle glide through harmonies that feel effortlessly cool. The track sounds like a holiday shopping trip with your most stylish friend.

Bobby Helms - “Jingle Bell Rock” (1957)

Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” is the version most people think of as soon as those opening guitar notes hit. It has that rock and roll shuffle, bright guitars, and a sing along chorus that makes it feel like a party in two minutes. For a lot of people, it is forever linked to the iconic talent show scene in Mean Girls, which helped introduce the song to a whole new generation.

Laufey - “Christmas Magic” (2024)

“Christmas Magic” sounds like a modern jazz club version of the holidays. Laufey’s smooth vocals and lush arrangement make the song feel elegant, cozy, and just a little cinematic. It fits perfectly on playlists that mix old school jazz standards with newer indie and pop Christmas tracks.

NSYNC - “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” (1998)

A feel-good burst of 90s pop from the era when boy band harmonies ruled the radio. The song has that signature NSYNC bounce, the kind that instantly lifts a playlist. Even people who pretend they are too grown to enjoy throwback pop end up singing along.

Mariah Carey - “Oh Santa!” (2020) [feat. Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson]

Mariah’s already catchy holiday track found a new spark when she brought Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson into the mix for her Christmas special. The three voices play off each other with real joy, stacking riffs and harmonies with Olympic-level precision. It is a rare collaboration where everyone sounds like they are trying to out-sing one another in the most fun way possible.

Dolly Parton - “Hard Candy Christmas” (1982)

Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” is a touching song with a blend of country and Christmas charm. Written for the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the song’s melancholy yet hopeful lyrics resonate with anyone experiencing a tough holiday season. Parton’s warm vocals make it an emotional and heartfelt addition to any holiday playlist.

Each of these songs brings its own unique flavor to the Christmas season, whether it's the timeless elegance of Sinatra or the playful pop of Ariana Grande. From soulful ballads to upbeat classics, these tracks are sure to keep your holiday spirits high all season long!

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