Top Christmas Songs of All Time
The holiday season brings endless traditions, fun, and family gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Christmas songs of the past or love to listen to more modern, fresh takes, a great Christmas playlist has a little of both. This list of the top Christmas songs of all time is sure to make a great playlist for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
- “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey – While Mariah Carey has an entire album of Christmas songs, “All I want for Christmas is You,” with its upbeat pop melody, consistently tops the charts every year.
- “Last Christmas” by George Michael – Written and performed by George Michael, this Christmas ballad is catchy, smooth, and a consistent favorite on many Christmas playlists. The song surprisingly didn’t make the top charts until 2017, earning it a new wave of covers and its rightful place as a Christmas classic
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra – This song was written for the Musical “Meet Me in St. Louis” and originally sung by Judy Garland in 1944. Frank Sinatra’s version quickly made it a hit and has been a classic ever since.
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love – There’s nothing quite like this holiday favorite about heartbreak mixed with hope.
- “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby – Written by Irving Berlin and sung by Bing Crosby, this song has sold over 50 million copies since its release in 1942.
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee – Released in 1958, Brenda Lee was only 13 when she sang this famous Christmas song.
- “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé – Michael Bublé’s cover of this beloved Christmas favorite.
- “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby – I’ll be home for Christmas is a heartfelt song that was once a tribute to the troops during World War II.
- “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms – After its release in 1957, this rockabilly Christmas hit was at the top of the charts during the holiday season for over 5 years. It continues to be a staple heard on Christmas music stations everywhere you go.
- “Santa Baby” by Earth Kitt – This smooth song has been covered time and time again, understandably, by some of the greats across all genres of music. Some favorite artists who covered the song include Madonna and Taylor Swift.
- “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano – The first bilingual Spanish and English song is one of the holiday classics released in 1970 but finally hit the charts over 20 years later in 1998.
- “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Jackson 5 – Although the original was sung by Jimmy Boyd, Jackson 5’s fun, catchy cover will go down as history.
- “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley – The emotional holiday hit about a long-lost love features the iconic crooning of Elvis that you know and love.
- “Glittery” by Kacey Musgraves – One of the many cute Christmas love songs that’s a perfect mix of pop and country released in 2019 and sure to be on top charts for years to come.
- “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono – The definitive anti-war, peace-on-earth song is now and forever a festive favorite.
- “Sleigh Ride” by the Ronettes – A Christmas cover performed by The Ronettes for Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift album has it all from sleigh bells, whistles, and an upbeat tempo that makes this song a holiday must.
- “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives – Originally by The Quinto Sisters and released in 1964, Burl Ives delivered his rendition of the Christmas classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He forever went down in history as a Christmas masterpiece.
- “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen – The 1934 Christmas favorite has incredible covers by Jackson 5, Michael Buble, and so many more. But there’s nothing quite like Bruce Springsteen’s version that captures excitement and fun in his live rock cover with bells and an amazing sax solo.
- “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney – Released in 1980, this good vibes Christmas song is upbeat, catchy, and brings about good feelings.
- “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Barry – In 1958, the surprising mix of guitar riffs and imaginative lyrics would make it a holiday staple.
- “Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys – The melodic and trademark sounds of The Beach Boys was gifted to this Christmas great released in 1963. The song’s success prompted the group to release a Christmas album the following year.