Top 20 Best Classic Christmas Songs
#20: “Blue Christmas” (1948)
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Elvis Presley may forever be the King of Rock ‘n Roll, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have a soft side. This classic, slightly melancholy tune from 1948 was actually first recorded and sung by Doye O’Dell, but it’s Presley’s versions from 1957 and a live iteration from 1968 that have become certified holiday classics. The original featured a lot of heavy lifting in the backing vocals, courtesy of The Jordanaires, but it’s Presley’s charisma and delivery that give “Blue Christmas” some sass and swing. The holiday may have a lot of love songs to its credit, but “Blue Christmas” is among the very best.
#19: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965)
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Is there any television program that better represents the holidays than “A Charlie Brown Christmas?” It’s the animated classic that tells us, “Christmas Time Is Here,” instantly transporting us back to our collective childhoods each and every time. There’s two versions of this song, one that was recorded as an instrumental by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, and another that features the voices of St. Paul's Episcopal Church members. Both versions are smooth and atmospheric, featuring deft brush work from drummer Jerry Granelli together with Guaraldi’s beautiful piano. We can’t choose between them, either, and love both equally, with all our hearts.
#18: “Joy to the World” (1719)
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We refer to many of the songs on this list as “classic,” but another word that could describe these Christmas tunes is “standard.” “Joy to the World” definitely fits that bill, having been penned way back in 1719. Isaac Watts was the initial writer, but modern day iterations are typically performed under guidance from an 1848 arrangement by Lowell Mason. “Joy to the World” is a festive and celebratory Christmas song that exemplifies the very word in its title. Happiness and joy are the main driving force to this iconic tune, particularly for those of the Christian faith who celebrate the religious aspects of holiday carols.
#17: “The First Noël” (1823)
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One of the great things about classic Christmas carols is how many of us continue to sing their praises, often regardless of personal views on faith. A good song allows just that, and “The First Noel” helps capture the spirit of the holiday season perfectly. It’s another tune with old-school, English roots, yet it continues to be performed today as a reason for the season. The hymn today tends to adhere to the 1871 arrangement by composer John Stainer. It retains a somber and gorgeous atmosphere, evoking awe and perhaps even tears from those singing “The First Noel” with a fervent passion every holiday season.
#16: “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” (1650s)
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“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” is another classic Christmas carol with a long and studied history, so long in fact that its origins aren’t precisely agreed upon by scholars. What we do know is that it likely came to be around the 1650s, and that’s it’s awesome. This is a religious tune that celebrates Jesus Christ in a manner that’s both austere and glad, a thankful expression of joy that possesses the harnessed power of large, choral voices. This makes it easy to sing with a small group of friends, or as part of a larger presentation. Either way, “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” remains a classic.
#15: “O Holy Night” (1847)
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Can a Christmas song feel more simultaneously jubilant and somber? Maybe, but it would need to be something as good as “O Holy Night.” After all, there’s a reason why a tune possessing a history that dates all the way back to the 1800s is still relevant today, right? A range of artists, from Mariah Carey to Josh Groban and more, have taken the carol and made it their own over the years. Whether it’s those versions or more traditional adaptations, “O Holy Night” is usually embodied with grace, skill and joyous melody. In other words, the number is timeless, representing something of a holiday tradition.
#14: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (1739)
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a Christmas standard that’s even older than “O Holy Night.” “How old,” you may ask? Well, Biblical, in a way, since it adapts a passage from the Christian Gospel according to Luke, one which describes a divine celebration of God. As a result, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is just that: a celebratory number that feels massive and full of choral glory. This is one that sounds best performed while caroling in a group, or as part of a large choir. But even if you’re simply watching it on T.V., as part of a holiday special, it’ll be, well, special.
#13: “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (1962)
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The ‘60s were a time of much change and social revolution, and it also had more than its fair share of noteworthy tunes that marked history. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is one of the more recent historical Christmas songs to become a standard, first debuting back in 1962. It was crafted by then-partners Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne, in response to growing political tension regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis. This may seem like a heavy backdrop for a Christmas song, and it is). But “Do You Hear What I Hear?” nevertheless delivers the goods when it comes to sending a beautiful and simple message of peace for the holiday season.
#12: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (1744)
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The authorship of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” has been highly debated over the years, but one thing is for certain: it’s a piece we love hearing every holiday season. Something special about numbers with such a history is how they can be adapted in the modern day without losing any of their sentiment. Another good example of this is the Pentatonix version of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” which is as far removed from a monk’s performance as one can get. Yet, it all somehow feels right, as the melodic bones remain as strong as ever. Pardon the pun, but we “adore” this one.
#11: “We Three Kings” (1857)
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Here’s a number that possesses an atmosphere unlike any other classic carol. Much of the power of “We Three Kings” comes to the song’s minor key, which is something of an anomaly within the world of holiday music. This allows the thoughtful tune to truly evoke majesty and wonder, as it tells the story of the Three Wise Men who go to see the infant Jesus. This is one of those Christmas songs that radiates a sort of quiet awe, rooted deeply in tradition. Yet, like many of its malleable brethren, it’s also been adapted in the modern day with fun and unique spins. [1]
#10: “Winter Wonderland” (1934)
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At what point does a holiday song gain enough steam to become a classic? We feel like we’ve heard “Winter Wonderland” featured in a thousand movies and television series, yet we never tire of it, really. There’s just a jauntiness to the arrangements that feels upbeat and happy, aiding the brassy melody to drive home this feeling of Christmas. There’s nothing thematically heavy to weigh this one down; just the joy of snowfall, cozying up by the fireplace, and spending some quality time with the ones we love. What’s better than that?
#9: “Frosty the Snowman” (1950)
“Frosty the Snowman” is one of those songs we always hear around Christmas time. Yet if you listen closely, you’ll realize the tune never outright discusses the holiday. This doesn’t really matter at the end of the day, since the B-side of the original 1950 single by Gene Autrey definitely mentions Santa. Furthermore, the 1969 holiday special from Rankin/Bass further cemented the story of Frosty into our collective imaginations for years to come. All that aside, there’s something about the magic of the song that feels synonymous with holiday cheer. In other words: “Frosty the Snowman” is a Christmas song through and through, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
#8: “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1949)
Our next Christmas song is basically the mirror image to “Frosty the Snowman,” acting as the catalyst for that “Snowman”’s creation. That’s because Gene Autry earned a holiday hit with “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in 1949, a year before striking gold again with “Frosty.” It’s no wonder the tune was such a success – it’s fun, tells a fascinating story, and completely immerses you in its fantastically holiday-centric world. Plus, it reminds us all to embrace the things that make us different in the most festive way possible! It’s just not officially Christmas until that first time we hear “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on the radio.
#7: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (1951)
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“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is another song that appears often within visual media, like television and movies, to paint a picture. It can easily be a picture of what an idealized Christmas may look like. Falling snow, crowded small-town streets, shopping…you know, a basic Hallmark holiday flick that’s come to life. There’s also no shortage of contemporary and classic recordings from talented vocalists to listen to. When Michael Bublé or Bing Crosby sing those first lyrics, something always shifts in the air! However you consume it, there’s no denying the unironic sentimentality running through “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” makes it a perfect storm of holiday cheer.
#6: “The Little Drummer Boy” (1951)
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Call this next one “Carol of the Drum,” or “The Little Drummer Boy,” but no matter the name, we just can’t help but pa-rum-pum-pum along every time we hear it. It ties in thematically with songs like “We Three Kings,” setting the stage for a humble little boy who’s invited to meet the baby Jesus. The child’s thoughtful gift of music makes the infant (and us, if we’re being honest) smile, underlining how “The Little Drummer” says a lot with very little. This is a Christmas song with a straightforward arrangement, a good message, and an ultra-hummable melody. In other words, it’s wonderful stuff.
#5: “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town” (1934)
There seems to be no shortage of Rankin/Bass holiday specials for every occasion, and we are absolutely NOT complaining! Of course, the “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town” tune pre-dates the 1970 special. But many of us have a hard time separating the two. And who can blame us? Animated classics help cement holiday songs in our collective brains rent-free, alongside our most pleasant memories of the season. Beyond this, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” also boasts plenty of replay value within its various, high-profile cover versions, such as the all-time CLASSIC from Bruce Springsteen. A good track is a good track, after all, and this is a true Christmastime banger.
#4: “Jingle Bells” (1857)
We’re all for even the wildest interpretations of holiday classics, and “Jingle Bells” has been sung wonderfully all over the world since first being published back in 1857. Naturally, there have been many takes on this vintage classic, and no two versions are exactly alike. That’s because it’s equipped with an inherent versatility that allows a vocalist to infuse their own personality into it, without us ever losing the holiday charm that anchors the number. It’s ironic, as “Jingle Bells” initially possessed no cultural ties to Christmas. Indeed, some reportedly surmised that it was written either as a Thanksgiving hymn or (get this!) a drinking song! Well, either way, it’s a holiday staple now.
#3: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (1944)
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Historically, holiday tunes have a wide range of origins. Interestingly, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was actually composed for a musical flick. And not just any musical flick – 1944’s “Meet Me in St. Louis.” This version, sung by Judy Garland, is truly fantastic, and remains emblematic of what makes the number so unforgettable. Other artists, like Frank Sinatra, further helped make it the standard it is today. The spirit of friendship, family and goodwill is all over this tune, in everything from the wistful, nostalgic lyrics to that quietly melancholic little melody. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is humble and low-key, but carries a lot of depth and nuance that we absolutely love.
#2: “Silent Night” (1818)
There’s no getting around it: “Silent Night” is just a beautiful song. So beautiful, in fact, that it becomes difficult to use any hyperbolic wordplay to describe it. It balances spirituality with a gothically moody melody that sounds like pure magic. Want proof? Just check out the version from Kelly Clarkson with Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire. Or, if you’re feeling a little spooky, check out the horror film “Silent Night, Bloody Night,” for a version you will not soon forget. Any way you slice it, “Silent Night” possesses an arrangement that can be adapted across the board, with great success.
Before we name our number one pick, here are some honorable mentions!
“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (1963)
The Andy Williams Classic
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” (1780)
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“O Tannenbaum,” [AKA “O Christmas Tree”] (1824)
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“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” (1935)
& a Happy New Year!
“Deck the Halls” (1862)
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#1: “White Christmas” (1942)
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The history of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is similar to that of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” in that it was originally composed for a musical. This time, it was 1942’s “Holiday Inn,” although fans of “White Christmas” might connect it more to the 1954 film that bears its name. The track is perfect for both, of course, and continues today as perhaps THE song most associated with the season. It’s easy to hear why, as well, since “White Christmas,” for lack of a better phrase, just feels “Christmas-y.” It’s a case of a song being its own self-fulfilling prophecy, a piece written for the season and about the season that embodies the season from first note to last.
Which classic Christmas tune melts your heart and spreads joy for YOUR family or friends? Let us know in the comments!
