The 50 Best Christmas Songs of All Time
The 50 Best Christmas Songs of All Time
It's the most wonderful time of the year! And you know what that means—it's time to break out the holiday hits. Don't worry, we'll pretend that you haven't been rocking out to Christmas music since July. In honor of the beloved Yuletide season, let's countdown the 50 best Christmas songs of all time. Which one do you think lands the top spot?
"Trepak (Russian Dance)" by Valery Gergiev (2007)
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Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker ballet of the late-1800s produced several recognizable holiday staples, including the enchanting "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and the lively "Russian Dance."
"Joy to the World" by Casting Crowns (2008)
"This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway (1971)
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With lyrics like, "A very special Christmas for me, yeah!" it's hard not to get into high spirits while listening to this popular tune.
"Hallelujah" by Pentatonix (2017)
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The original version of Leonard Cohen's powerful holiday classic "Hallelujah" debuted in 1984, but the Pentatonix cover utilizes the band's signature group vocals to amplify the song's powerful high notes.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" by Ray Conniff & The Ray Conniff Singers (1962)
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Why listen to this song for just the 12 days leading up to Christmas, when you can blast it on the radio all season long?
"Deck the Halls" by Bing Crosby (1945)
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If you're a procrastinator, this Crosby classic will get you into the mood to decorate while you sing "fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la."
"Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry (1958)
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The lively, 50s pop-rock melody will bring you back to the days of soda fountains and drive-in theaters.
"Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys (1964)
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The Pacific-coastal bandmates brought a little California sunshine to the Yuletide genre.
"Underneath the Tree" by Kelly Clarkson (2013)
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The O.G. American Idol winner has a lot to be thankful for underneath her Christmas tree. Her holiday album Wrapped in Red debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Holiday Charts back in 2013.
"The Little Drummer Boy" by Johnny Cash (1967)
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The music legend's cover of the Harry Simeone Chorale's 1956 single comes from the "I Walk the Line" singer's highly acclaimed holiday album.
"The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)" by Nat King Cole (1961)
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It should come as no surprise that this iconic Nat King Cole hit comes from the third best-selling Christmas album of all time.
"Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill (2000)
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Other than Jim Carrey's memorable performance as the green grump, the Ron Howard-directed Christmas classic produced the first holiday hit of the new millennium.
"Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano (1970)
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This song didn't first hit Billboard charts until nearly 30 years after it was initially released, but the Spanish tune has rightfully cemented a spot on this list.
"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Frank Sinatra (1950)
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Ironically enough, the original version of "Let it Snow" was produced in sunny Los Angeles.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Andy Williams (1965)
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If Williams is referring to an iconic Yuletide melody, then yes, we all hear what you hear.
"Frosty The Snowman" by Gene Autry (1950)
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The cheerful Christmas carol was so successful upon its release that it was adapted into a beloved animated television special in 1969.
"Here Comes Santa Claus" by Gene Autry (1947)
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When the song first came out, people everywhere were singing "Right down Santa Claus Lane," and many still do to this day.
"Last Christmas" by Wham! (1984)
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It wouldn't be a proper song countdown without a little 80s flair and some George Michael.
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Matt Maher (2011)
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The origin of "Hark!" goes back several centuries, but countless covers, including this one, have rejuvenated the tune throughout the years.
"Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley (1957)
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It's anything but a "Blue Christmas" for the King, as his holiday collection stands as the best-selling Christmas album in the United States.
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas" by Michael Bublé (2011)
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Mr. Bublé did pretty alright, as his holiday album stayed at No. 1 on the charts for four weeks straight and went on to become the second-highest selling album of 2011.
"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by NSYNC (1998)
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The boy band's top single from their second studio album has helped the holiday record sell over four million copies to date.
"Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms (1957)
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Everyone is ready to go outside and make a snow angel, thanks to this Christmas redux by Bobby Helms.
"Christmas Don't Be Late" by The Chipmunks & David Seville (1958)
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The high-pitched trio with their child-like demeanor just couldn't wait for Christmas, and neither could the song's three Grammy Awards that landed the following year.
"The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire)" by Andy Williams (1963)
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The cozy lyrics of a toasty fire might inspire you to dim the lights and grab some egg nog.
"Christmas Time Is Here (Instrumental)" by Vince Guaraldi (1965)
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Childhood nostalgia is real when it comes to anything Charlie Brown related–especially when it involves one measly Christmas tree with a single red bulb, and this instrumental classic.
"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee (1958)
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A listen to this upbeat tune will have you rocking around more than just the Christmas tree.
"Mele Kalikimaka" by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters (1945)
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The Hawaiian-themed holiday tune from 1949 means "Merry Christmas" and is memorably featured in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by Jackson 5 (1970)
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This Yuletide hit from 1934 is the most-performed holiday song in history, so it's no wonder the Jackson family decided to cover it.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland (1944)
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The song everybody is familiar with was originally produced for Garland to sing in the 1944 MGM musical Meet Me in St. Louis, and quickly grew in popularity.
"O Holy Night" by Celine Dion (1998)
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For her cover of this holiday classic and others, Dion's angelic vocals collected several Grammy nominations. Her full-length holiday album went certified platinum nearly instantly.
"Jingle Bells" by Frank Sinatra (1948)
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Sinatra's "Jingle Bells" cover landed "all the way" at the number 1 spot on his debut holiday album.
"Christmas Lights" by Coldplay (2010)
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There is something magical about driving around and seeing the glimmer and beauty of everyone's holiday decorations... and it's even better when you play this song while doing it.
"Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt (1953)
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The cheeky Christmas classic addresses a woman with an extravagant wish list.
"O Holy Night" by Bing Crosby (1962)
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"The stars are brightly shining" on this Crosby cover, which still manages to make its mark on the radio airwaves to this day.
"Winter Wonderland" by Dean Martin (1966)
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Raise your hand if you want to take a walk in the wonderful world described in Martin's melody.
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" Burl Ives (1964)
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If Santa had to pick a favorite reindeer, we all know who he'd choose to take the top spot.
"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes (1963)
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One listen to this memorable melody, and you will be singing "ring-ting tingle-ing, too."
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jackson 5 (1970)
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" by New York Symphony Orchestra and Chorale (2008)
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It can't be forgotten that this traditional Yuletide tune also gives a shout-out to the neighboring New Year holiday.
"You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" by Thurl Ravenscroft (1966)
"Ring Christmas Bells" by Ray Conniff & The Ray Conniff Singers (1962)
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With the prominent use of bell chimes, this song utilizes the sounds of Christmas to build the melody.
"The First No?l" by Josh Groban with Faith Hill (2007)
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This track hails from Groban's chart-topping album No?l, which has sold over 5 million copies.
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives (1965)
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The vocals of Burl Ives are a seasonal favorite, "And in case you didn't hear," the tune has become one of the most-performed holiday songs.
"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon (1972)
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Lennon's single carried The Beatles' overarching musical messages of peace, love, and happiness over to the holiday genre.
"Home for the Holidays" by Perry Como (1959)
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As the Como classic says, "There's no place like home..." and we couldn't agree more.
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby (1945)
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If there isn't snow on Christmas, is it really Christmas? But if that's not enough for ya, it's also the top best-selling single in history.
"Silent Night, Holy Night" by Julie Andrews (1975)
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The Sound of Music star's soothing and multi-award-winning vocals lends nicely to this rendition of "Silent Night."
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey (1994)
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The pop star's record-breaking 90s bop is so successful that it will be included in the Guinness World Records 2020 and even got it's own mini-documentary on Amazon.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams (1963)
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Williams' upbeat tune matches the lively excitement of the holiday season, making it the most wonderful song on this list.
It's time to cue up your holiday playlist.