79 Best Christmas Songs for Your Ultimate Holiday Playlist
Are your favorites on the list?
Nothing puts a little extra pep in your step during the holiday season like jamming out to some good Christmas music. If you're looking for the best Christmas songs for your holiday playlist, you’re in the right place because we’ve put together 79 tunes that are arguably the best Christmas songs of all time. In no time, you'll be rockin' around the Christmas tree, dreaming of a white Christmas, and swearing you saw mommy kissing Santa Claus.
When you have a good playlist to make every occasion more musical, it’s so easy to jingle all the way through the holiday season, from decking the halls to crafting homemade gifts to cooking the big Christmas feast. Even that extra holiday traffic isn't so bad when you're being serenaded by Mariah Carey singing “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Plus, if you're hosting a holiday party making a background music playlist will be one less thing on your to-do list.
Whether you're a traditionalist when it come to Christmas music, appreciate religious Christmas songs, or opt for rock, pop, or country Christmas tunes, there's a song (or a few) for you. Some on this list are song you hear year after year on the radio, while others are some of the most beautiful but less commonplace. Plus, we've sprinkled in a few brand new tracks for 2023!
Now get ready for a not so silent night, because it's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas!
RELATED: 12 Brand-New Christmas Songs to Freshen Up Your Holiday Playlist
"Merry Christmas" by Ed Sheeran & Elton John
What a duo! Nothing can bring great artists across generations like Ed Sheeran and Elton John together like a little holiday magic.
"DJ Play a Christmas Song" by Cher
This is arguably the best song off of Cher's 2023 Christmas album Christmas. It hit #1 on the Billboard holiday charts for a reason!
"Christmas Tree Farm" by Taylor Swift
There's truly no better year for a Swiftie Christmas! Deck the halls with lots of Taylor, I say.
"O Come All Ye Faithful" by Carrie Underwood
One of the most moving Christmas hymns, performed by one of country music's most powerful voices from her album My Gift—try not to tear up.
Related: The Top 50 Carrie Underwood Songs We Listen to on Repeat
"Snowman" by Sia
"Yes, let's hit the North Pole and live happily
Please don't cry no tears now, it's Christmas baby" No crying, snowman it's Christmas!
"Big Bulbs" by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
This song is pure holiday cheer tied with a big bow. The album It's A Holiday Soul Party (2015) happens to be one of our editors' all-time favorite Christmas albums, so it was hard to choose one track for this list. We pick this one!
"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
This track—which is the best-selling modern day Christmas song of all time—has earned Mariah Carey the title "Queen of Christmas."
"Last Christmas" by Wham!
This pop tune is the kind of Christmas song you can sing in the shower. Fun fact: Released in 1984, it didn't top the charts until 2017.
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Jackson 5
Jimmy Boyd's original version of this song is great, but Jackson 5's catchy cover will have everyone dancing and singing along to the funky beats.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Harry Connick Jr.
There are so many versions of this Christmas classic, but we think Harry Connick Jr. does it best.
"Cozy Little Christmas" by Katy Perry
When artists deviate from the classics it can be hit or miss, but this one is no doubt a hit!
"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé has done it again. Listening to this Christmas hit is the best way to start out the season.
"Silent Night" by Pentatonix
The Pentatonix a cappella version of "Silent Night" will give you chills in the best way.
"The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth)" by Bing Crosby & David Bowie
An unlikely pair, Bing and Bowie strike just the right note marrying the traditional and contemporary.
"(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays" by The Carpenters
Karen Carpenter's pure voice makes any song, especially this happy holiday tune, sound like home sweet home.
"Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes
The Ronettes' version of this Christmas hit is the most popular and regularly makes the charts.
"Pretty Paper" by Willie Nelson
For country music lovers, no Christmas song is more classic than this twangy Willie tune.
"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by Bruce Springsteen
They call Bruce Springsteen "The Boss" for a reason—and this version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" makes it easy to understand why.
"Winter Wonderland" by Ella Fitzgerald
One of the smoothest voices ever, Ella Fitzgerald brings a swinging, unique sound to this Christmas classic.
"Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
We like this intense and exciting musical performance with an equally exhilarating light show.
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