And since it’s time of the year again, we compiled the best Christmas songs ever. Time flies so fast and here we are again, feeling the Christmas season just around the corner. It seems like yesterday we were just celebrating the greatest holiday season of all, the Christmas season, and now we’re preparing for the coming of Advent again. Christmas songs can already be heard anywhere we go, and that gives us more excitement to welcome the Christmas season. We are not only looking forward in having those family celebrations and special food preparations but also, of course, in receiving surprises and gifts from people around us.
As early as this time, we can now also hear people caroling in houses, spreading joy and enthusiasm in each home that they knock on to. Admit it or not, hearing the children sings Christmas carols makes our heart flutter gives us more Christmas vibes. So with that, here is a list of Christmas songs that can be your guide in choosing what to sing or listen during this season.
1. Last Christmas – Wham!
Christmas is a special season for everyone, but it does not mean heartbreaks won’t happen during these times. This first best Christmas song is a perfect one to dedicate for someone who broke your heart on a Christmas Holiday season. It can be a bit bitter, but also focuses on a new love for the next Christmas celebration.
2. All I want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
If you wanted someone to be yours this Christmas season, then add this Christmas song to your playlist! Lucky for us, one of the greatest artists the world has known, Mariah Carey, came up with a jolly song for lovers out there who’s spending Christmas together and lovers who are far away from each other who’s only wish is to spend it with their special someone.
3. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Daryl Hall & John Oates
If you want Christmas songs that is upbeat and one that you can sing along with, since it is a popular song, then this one for you! It invites you to sing and dance during Christmas season, and with its rhythm you really can’t help but to go along with it.
4. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – The Jackson 5
Jackson 5 is an American family music group, where the king of pop Michael Jackson is a member, which sang this Christmas song. It talks about how a kid saw his mommy kiss and tickle Santa Claus underneath their mistletoe. Its story is somewhat funny because the kid wanted to tell it to his dad, but nevertheless it is a really good song.
5. Frosty The Snowman
This is absolutely one of my favourite Christmas songs, not to mention I’m already a grown up. Its rhythm and melody just catches the attention of the listeners, especially the kids. It talks about a snowman named Frosty who was brought into life by the kids who made him when they put a magical hat on the top of his head.
6. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen
One of the reasons why kids love Christmas is because of Santa Claus. Admit it or not he’s also one of the reasons why kids stay nice all throughout the year, because according to this Christmas song if they’d be naughty Santa won’t give their gifts on Christmas. It is one of the frequently played songs during Christmas.
7. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight) – Ramones
This Christmas song is unlike the other mellow ones, because it has a pop rock rhythm since the Ramones is a band known for singing rock songs. It talks about how two couples are fighting, but the guy doesn’t want them to fight since its Christmas Eve. So, they end up loving each other and not fighting with each other.
8 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – The Temptations
It is said that Santa Claus has a sleigh of reindeers, and one of them is named Rudolph. The said reindeer was bullied by the other reindeers because of its red nose, so Santa had an idea that he would let Rudolph guide the sleigh since it has a bright red nose. Basically, the song talks about this reindeer, and now he’s the most famous reindeer of them all.
9. “Christmas Is Coming” – John Denver & The Muppets
The muppets is composed of puppet characters that were famous during the 1970’s because of the show called “The Muppet Show.” During those times, a song entitled “Christmas is Coming” was sung by the muppets together with John Denver. This Christmas song is suitable for kids because of its melody, and its lyrics can be memorized easily.
10. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
If you love pop or rock music, then you surely know one of the famous bands that ever existed and played this genre, “The Beatles.” This band’s vocalist in Paul McCartney who composed a Christmas song entitled “Wonderful Christmastime.” It is a more than 3-minute song that boosts up your mood in this special holiday season.
11. Silent Night – Kelly Clarkson
In making Christmas songs list, who would forget the song “Silent Night”? It was composed in 1818 and from then on, it had many different versions. One of the most popular versions for this song these days is by Kelly Clarkson, an American singer that started in American Idol. The song has a sweet melody and lovely rhythm.
12. “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” – Al Green and Annie Lennox
This Christmas song was originally performed in 1969 by Jackie DeShannon, and the version of Al Green and Annie Lennox of this was made by them in 1988. The song does not directly state that it is a Christmas song but with its message and content, which invites everyone to be kind and to spread the love, then it suits the Christmas season.
13. ‘Jingle Bells’ – Michael Buble ft. The Puppini Sisters
Michael Buble, as we all know, is a famous Canadian singer in 2000’s, while The Puppini Sisters is an English vocal trio founded in 2004. Jingle Bells is considered one of the most commonly sung Christmas songs in the world. It already has many versions, and the version of Buble and The Puppini Sisters is quite classy compared to the others.
14. ‘White Christmas’ – Irving Berlin, Bing Crosby
White Christmas was sung by Irving Berlin in 1942 which reminisces the old-fashioned Christmas setting. This song is usually played during the dawn masses, or misa de gallo, to wake people up and invite them to attend the mass. The song’s melody is quite slow compared to other Christmas jingles, but still catches the heart of the listeners.
15. The Little Drummer Boy’ – Johnny Cash
The little drummer boy, originally known as “Carol of the Drum”, was first recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family Singers. In 1963, Johnny Cash made a version of this song. The song is all about about a little drummer boy who wants to play drums for the newborn King Jesus.
16. ‘The Christmas Song’ – Nat King Cole
The Christmas Song was originally written in 1945 by Bob Wells and Mel Torme. From the title itself, you can already tell that it is about Christmas and with its melody you’ll be like sleeping with a lullaby. According to the songwriter, he wrote the song on a hot summer to stay cool by thinking cool.
17. ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ – Andy Williams
The song was released and recorded in 1963 by Andy Williams, an American popular music singer. The song’s rhythm is quite upbeat and very entertaining. It talks about how people spend Christmas, and all of those things are the main reason why Christmas is called the wonderful time of the year.
18. ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ – Perry Como, The Fontane Sisters
This song was originally entitled “It’s beginning to look like Christmas” that was written in 1951. It is an old Christmas song sung by Perry Como together with The Fontane Sisters, a trio from New Jersey. The song talks about how the atmosphere changes around them when Christmas season is already fast approaching.
19. Winter Wonderland’ – Bing Crosby
Winter Wonderland is a Christmas song written in 1934 but the version of Bing Crosby, an American singer and actor, for this song was recorded in 1962. The song was inspired from a park, which the writer saw, that is covered in snow. Since in some countries there’s always snow during Christmas, then this song would make you feel the Christmas vibes.
20. Merry Xmas Everybody’ – Slade
An English rock band called Slade sung a Christmas song entitled “Merry Xmas Everybody” in 1973. As what the title says, the song wishes everyone to have a Merry Christmas and be happy on this special holiday season. Since it a is rock band, the song’s melody is a little bit rock but still give a Christmas feeling for the listeners.
21. ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ – Chris Rea
Chris Rea is an English singer-songwriter who is known for his husky voice and slide guitar playing. One of his song is entitled “Driving Home for Christmas”, a Christmas song released in 1986. It tells about a man who’s driving in a car on the way to his home to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.
22. ‘Let It Snow!’ – Dean Martin
Another song that could give us a warm feeling during Christmas is entitled “Let It Snow!” originally recorded by Vaughn Monroe. The most popular version of this song was sung by Dean Martin, nicknamed as the “King of Cool”, in 1959. Just as what the title of the song says, just let it snow during Christmas time.
23. ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ – Frank Sinatra
One of the greatest and influential musical artists of the 20th century is Frank Sinatra, and I am sure you’ve already heard of him. He sang the Christmas song entitled “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, it has a slow rhythm that would really give you the Christmas feels. It tells everyone to make the most out of the Christmas season.
24. ‘Santa Baby’ – Eartha Kitt
Who doesn’t know Santa Claus, not only for kids but also for those who are young at heart. “Santa Baby” is a Christmas song sung by Eartha Kitt, an American singer, in 1953. In the song, she talks to Santa Claus about the things that she would want to receive on Christmas from him.
25. Carol of the Bells
Carol of the Bells may be quite different from other Christmas songs but the message and content is still there, that is to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It was first recorded by the Robert Shaw Corale in 1946. The song was based on a Ukrainian folk chant called “Shchedryk” that is why the musical arrangement in quite unique.
26. Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
A post-punk band from Ohio also sang a Christmas song entitled “Christmas Wrapping.” The song was first released in 1981 by “The Waitresses.” It is a very catchy song that you would want to sing with every time you hear it. It’s not very popular these days but once you listen to it, I’m sure you’ll want to memorize it.
27. I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Bing Crosby
I’ll be home for Christmas is an old Christmas song recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, an American singer and actor known for his warm bass-baritone voice. The song was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who wanted to go home on Christmas time. It definitely is a song that would melt your heart.
28. ‘Santa Claus’ – The Sonics
Another Christmas song that was written about Santa Claus is a song entitled, well, “Santa Claus” by The Sonics, an American garage rock band from Washington formed in 1960. The song is about asking Santa Claus what does he has for him on Christmas, but this time Santa said “Nothing.”
29. ‘2000 Miles’ – Pretenders
2000 Miles is a Christmas song that was released in 1983 The Pretenders, and English-American rock band formed in 1978. Most people might think 2000 miles refer to two lovers who are far away from each other celebrating Christmas, but the song is actually meant for the band’s original player who died a year before the song was released.
30. ‘Mary’s Boy Child’ – Harry Belafonte
We celebrate Christmas because of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and this song tells the story of what happened on the night Jesus was born. “Mary’s Boy Child” is a Christmas carol originally sung by Harry Belafonte, an American singer-songwriter. It is a song to give praise to the newborn King on Christmas Eve.
31. ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ – Sufjan Stevens
We celebrate Advent for the preparation of the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and so this is a song that is usually sung during these times to give praise and welcome to the newborn King. It is actually a translation of a Latin hymn called Veni Emmanuel, and the English version of the song was sung by Sufijan Stevens.
32. ‘Step Into Christmas’ – Elton John
The song “Step into Christmas” was written and performed by Elton John, an English singer and composer, in 1973. It is a nice Christmas carol that gives thank to the people around you during the entire year, encourages everyone to celebrate Christmas in a jolly way, and of course wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.
33. Blue Christmas’ – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, also sang a Christmas song in 1964 entitled Blue Christmas. The song is not as happy as other Christmas songs that you may hear because it is about a person who celebrates Christmas without the love of his life. It is quite sad knowing that it is a tale of unrequited love during the holidays.
34. ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)’ – The Darkness
This song is not as old as the other Christmas songs that we have. Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) is a song released in 2003 by the British hard rock band The Darkness. It is a Christmas jingle with a rock tune and a very catchy melody. Just like other Christmas songs, it celebrates the feeling of joy and thanks to everyone around.
35. ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ – Dean Martin
Another Christmas song that Dean Martin released is entitled “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The song is more like a conversation between two people, usually a male and a female. In the song, the boy convinces a guest, usually a girl, to spend and stay the night with him because of the cold weather outside.
36. ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ – Brenda Lee
One Christmas jingle that is still popular these days is the song “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” It was recorded by Brenda Lee, a female American performer, in 1958. Even though the song is already old, many still know it and use it for Christmas carols because of its very jolly tune.
37. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ – Darlene Love
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is a rock song originally sung by Darlene Love, a popular American singer and actress, in 1963. The song is about a person waiting for his/her “baby”, the love of his/her life, to come home for Christmas. It is like pleading someone to come home on the Holidays.
38. ‘Fairytale of New York’ – The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
The song “Fairytale of New York” was performed by the Pogues, featuring Kirsty MacColl, in 1987. It is said that the title of the song was named after a novel of J.P. Donleavy entitled “A Fairytale of New York”, which the writer of the said song left in the recording studio. It’s not your usual Christmas jingle, but still, considered a Christmas song.
39. The 12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas is a Christmas carol that enumerates the increasing gifts given within the span of the twelve days of Christmas, the twelve days after Christmas starting from the Christmas day. The song is very fun to sing with since it is a jolly one and it can also challenge you to memorize it.
40. Silver Bells – Dean Martin
Hearing this song can give you a soothing feeling, and also a warm one. Silver Bells was included in Dean Martin’s Christmas album that was released in 1966. There are two reports where the song is inspired of. First was the bells used by sidewalk Santa Clauses and the other was a bell that sat on an office desk of the songwriters.
41. Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Another song about Santa Claus and his sleigh is entitled “Little Saint Nick”. This was performed by the Beach Boys, an American rock band formed in California, and released in 1963. It sounds like an old classic rock Christmas song that will make you want to listen to it over and over again.
42. Do You Hear what I hear – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is an American singer-songwriter and actress, and one of her famous songs is her version of “Do you hear what I hear.” This one of the best Christmas songs was originally recorded in 1962 by the Harry Simeone Chorale and later had different versions from different artists. Until now, the song is still popular especially during Christmas.
