Ultimate Christmas Playlist
I am normally a Christmas music hater, possibly from customer service flashbacks. However, I think this makes me especially adept at judging Christmas songs now. My taste in Christmas music tends to come in three types: the classics, songs from movies, and personal picks. My favorite Christmas songs are perfect for decorating a tree with or driving around to look at lights.
Classics:
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Every December this song comes back into fame, and with good reason, it is the quintessential Christmas song.
“Last Christmas” – Wham!
If I had to pick an all-time favorite Christmas song, this would be it. I am an unironic Wham! lover, to begin with, my obsession with 80s bands bleeds into my taste in Christmas music too.
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
“White Christmas” – The Drifters
It is the perfect soft song for watching fat snowfall and cozying up somewhere warm. You’ve heard it before and it deserves your love.
“Feliz Navidad” – Jose Feliciano
Feliz Navidad haters will be escorted out of this household because we show Jose the absolute respect he deserves for this banger.
“Wonderful Christmas Time” – Paul McCartney
“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon
“Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley
“Sleigh Ride” – Ella Fitzgerald
This deserves no explanation because this is a classic Christmas song. It is the epitome of horns, chirpy cheery melodies, and wintery optimistic vocals.
“Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
From movies:
“Believe” – The Polar Express
“When Christmas Comes to Town” – The Polar Express
This movie used to terrify me as a kid, but as an adult, I can recognize it for the banger tunes it created.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr.Grinch” – How The Grinch Stole Christmas
“Welcome Christmas – Reprise” – How The Grinch Stole Christmas
A classic movie, a true must-watch for the season. Don’t get me started on the cultural background of the Whoville society, because I am a firm believer that the Grinch is not the true villain here.
“Holly Jolly Christmas” – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
“Most Wonderful Day of the Year” – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
“Heat Meiser/Snow Meiser” – Year Without A Santa Clause
My all-time favorite Christmas movie, just for this song. Why is it so good? A quirky little stop-motion about a little kid attempting to rescue the holiday when Santa takes a year off delivers a true hit. I listen to the Done Again version personally, but Rich Chambers also does a version you might like.
“Kidnap the Sandy Claws” – The Nightmare Before Christmas
‘Isn’t this a Halloween movie?’ Yes, and No. The Nightmare Before Christmas transcends seasonality. This earworm deserves a spot in your Christmas playlists as well.
Personal picks:
“Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
I am not immune to this song, and admit it neither are you. There aren’t many modern songs that deserve to stick around in the public’s personal catalog of Christmas songs, but Ariana hit it out of the park with this song.
“Misteltoe” – Justin Bieber
Once a Belieber, always a Belieber.
“Christmas in Hollis” – Run D.M.C.
“Father Christmas” – The Kinks
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Bruce Springsteen
I believe the Bruce Springsteen version of this song is the superior version, and I hope I can convince you as such too. His raspy vocals fit so well with the chirpy, cheery background.
“Please Come Home for Christmas” – The Eagles
“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” – Tchaikovsky
“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” – blink-182
One doesn’t stop being pop-punk for the holidays, and this is a classic loveable song.
“Candy Cane Children” – The White Stripes