Nothing rings in the holiday season quite like Christmas music.
As debates on when to begin playing holiday music rage across the internet like wildfire, the actual tunes get lost in the shuffle. For many, listening to Christmas music is a time-honored tradition. Whether you’re in your car, putting up your Christmas tree, or wrapping gifts, holiday music puts us all in a festive mood.
And yet, there are so many Christmas songs to listen to out there! While there are some truly baffling holiday songs, the good far outweighs the bad. Between nostalgic tracks, festive tunes, and some real tear-jerkers, there’s a Christmas song for everyone.
So sit back, relax, and have a cup of hot chocolate as we go through the top 10 best Christmas songs of all time.
10
Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
The opening to “Jingle Bell Rock” never fails to put a smile on my face. Are the lyrics to this song a bit nonsensical? Sure, but between the jaunty instrumentals and Bobby Helms’ strong vocals, “Jingle Bell Rock” remains one of the best feel-good Christmas songs.
9
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
No song totally defines the adult Christmas experience like “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses. Featuring relatable lyrics such as “but all this year’s been a busy blur; don’t think I have the energy”, this song is a constant on my Christmas playlist. Plus, listen to those instrumentals! The horn section is an absolute bop.
8
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Given how warm the weather has been over the last few holiday seasons, I’m pretty sure everyone is dreaming of a white Christmas nowadays. Bing Crosby’s classic Christmas tune not only hits all the right nostalgia beats, but continues to ring true each year a blanket of snow isn’t covering my yard on December 25.
7
A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
Another timeless Christmas jingle. While the lyrics to “A Holly Jolly Christmas” are simplistic, they’re filled with a warmth that fits right in with the joy of the holiday season. It’s a song about being nice to your friends and strangers you meet on the street and who doesn’t want that this time of year?
6
Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Did anyone else know Brenda Lee was 13-years-old when she recorded this iconic Christmas song? The maturity in Lee’s voice as a teenager is absolutely remarkable and makes this song such a delight to listen to. Between the lively instrumentals and Lee’s voice carrying the song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” remains a staple on many Christmas playlists.
5
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Yes, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” may be overplayed, but Mariah Carey is the Queen of Christmas for a reason. The song charts every year after November 1 and with Carey leaning into the memes, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has been catapulted into an unescapable pop culture moment each holiday season.
4
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
“Carol of the Bells” is a pretty spectacular song on its own, but the Trans-Siberian Orchestra kicked things up a million notches with this one. The shredding guitar, pounding piano, and aggressive strings really make “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” a one-of-a-kind Christmas song that’s absolutely exhilarating to listen to.
3
Last Christmas - Wham!
Sorry to those who play Whamageddon, but depriving yourselves of listening to “Last Christmas” during the holiday season is an absurd idea. Yes, the song might not be a happy nostalgia tune, but it’s an emotional — and funky! — power ballad that’s incredibly catchy. The earnest crooning of George Michael is a Christmas staple and I’ll hear nothing to the contrary.
2
Christmas Time Is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Nothing sparks Christmas nostalgia like the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Christmas Time Is Here”. Between the smooth jazzy piano and steady drum brush beat, I feel like I’m taking a languid walk through a snowy wood. Music is at its best when it’s evocative and “Christmas Time Is Here” hits that mark beautifully.
1
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams
If you’re like me, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Between family traditions and the general festive attitude, there’s no other time of year like it. And “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams sums up all those warm, happy feelings into a timeless classic filled with joy and cheer.
