The 40 best Christmas songs of all time, – Love Them, Hate Them, Or Even Hear Them On Repeat 24/7 Once September Hits—christmas Songs Are Impossible To Escape. And It’s Not Just About The Old Classics; Christmas Music Spans A Huge Range, From Quirky ’40s Jingles To Fresh Hits (Yes, Sabrina Carpenter Has One!). No Matter What Kind Of Festive Vibe You’re After, You’ll Find It Here.
What’s the ultimate Christmas song of all time?
We’re So Glad You Asked, And Honestly, You’ve Probably Already Guessed It. You’re Probably Not Even Upset About It Either. Yes, It’s Mariah Carey’s Iconic Holiday Hit, ‘all I Want For Christmas Is You’. And Let’s Be Real, She’s Right Near The Top Of Our List Too. It’s A Total Classic, And Every Year, It Goes Head-to-head With Wham!’s ‘last Christmas’ And The Pogues’ ‘fairytale Of New York’ For The Top Spot. In Our Humble Opinion, The Pogues Take The Crown, But Honestly, They’re Both Total Bangers.
1. ‘Santa Tell Me’ by Ariana Grande
Release date: 2014
Ariana Might Not Have Hit A Mariah-level Holiday Anthem With This Cheerful, Upbeat Tune, But She Definitely Came Closer Than Most Pop Stars In The Three Decades Since ‘all I Want For Christmas Is You.’ Unlike Kelly Clarkson, Who Made A Splash With Her Darlene Love-inspired Hit, Ariana’s Christmas Song Blends Seamlessly Into Her Collection Of Bops. You Can Easily Go From Her Festive Plea To Santa Straight Into Her More Recent Track About A Late-night Tantra Session Without Skipping A Beat.
2. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey
Release date: 1994
Yes, she’s become a bit of a meme in recent years, but there’s truth to the saying that you can hear Mariah Carey “defrosting” as soon as September hits. The reality is, this song is basically the ultimate sign that Christmas is here (no matter where you are). Buying socks at H&M? Mariah’s on. Browsing gingerbread houses at a Christmas market? She’s blaring in the background. Watching Love Actually for the fifth time this year? That iconic track is coming in during the final scene. Even if you swear you can’t stand this Christmas banger, deep down, you know you love it. It just wouldn’t be the season without it. Mariah, we owe you. Long live this festive classic!
3. ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
Release date: 1988
When was the last time you really sat down and listened to Kirsty MacColl and The Pogues’ epic, Big Apple-set story? Close your eyes and give it a try—if you’re not a emotional mess by the time it fades out, then your heart (like that itchy sweater your grandma knitted) might just be a little too small. Fairytale of New York is a flawless four-minute tale of hope, heartbreak, and everything in between—and even with all the swearing, it ends on a note of love.
4. ‘A Nonsense Christmas’ by Sabrina Carpenter
Release date: 2023
You’ve got to appreciate Sabrina Carpenter’s playful spin on her hit song Nonsense. She mixes holiday wordplay with cheeky jokes, like when she sings, “Think I only want you under my mistletoe / I might change your contact to ‘Has a huge North Pole.'” It’s goofy, campy, and just the kind of fun track you can blast while enjoying a drink on Christmas Day. It’s easy to see why Netflix gave her a holiday special after this one!
5. ‘Player’s Ball’ by Outkast
Release date: 1993
It’s pretty wild to think that OutKast’s first single was a Christmas song, but yep, it was! Their debut track Player’s Ball first dropped on a compilation called A LaFace Family Christmas back in 1993. Instead of the usual jingly tunes or holiday clichés, the song draws from the traditional gathering of pimps in Atlanta and Southern hip-hop culture, with lines like, “So, ho-ho, hoes, check my king-ass ‘fro / The gin and juice has got me tipsy, so.” Definitely not your typical festive fare!
6. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ by Darlene Love
Release date: 1963
A great Christmas song needs to hit that sweet spot between sadness and joy, because, let’s face it, Christmas is full of contradictions. It’s like pigs in blankets served alongside a side of family drama. ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’ nails it perfectly. With its jingly bells, an energetic Motown horn section, lyrics brimming with longing and heartbreak, and Darlene Love’s powerhouse vocals, it’s exactly what you need to feel all the feels this season.
7. ‘Must Be Santa’ by Kurt Vile
Release date: 2023
Kurt Vile is the kind of guy who exudes a dreamy, laid-back vibe, famous for his gentle, psychedelic rock. So, it’s no surprise that his take on ‘Must Be Santa’ is utterly charming. Written by Hal Moore and Bill Fredericks, the song is probably most famous for Bob Dylan’s quirky and playful 2009 version. Kurt’s rendition has him softly mumbling through the lyrics, harmonizing, and doing the call-and-response parts with – of all people – his young daughters. It might sound a little sweet, but it’s genuinely heartwarming. After all, isn’t family what Christmas is all about?
8. ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ By Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
Release date: 1949
In my opinion, Queen Ella Fitzgerald and King Louis Armstrong are an essential part of every Christmas. They even have an entire holiday album together, but it’s ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ that stands out as the true classic. With just a twinkling piano and a smooth double bass, their soft, mellow harmonies shine through. Throw the whole album on, and you’ve got the perfect soundtrack for a cozy evening of Christmas treats and cocktails.
9. ‘Feliz Navidad’ by José Feliciano
Release date: 1970
‘Feliz Navidad’ is seriously underrated as a Christmas song, even though it’s apparently one of the most played around the world. It’s been around since 1970, but its upbeat, joyful vibe still holds up. The trumpets, the classic Spanish well-wishes, and the strum of the Puerto Rican cuatro—what a fun, catchy combo! Add it to your Christmas playlist, and it’ll definitely spread some extra holiday cheer.
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