Christmas is just around the corner, and you've got to make the perfect playlist. What are you going to listen to while you decorate the tree? While you wrap presents? And what are you going to play in the background during your next Christmas party? Oh, we can help you there. Break out the oldies but the goodies. Listen to the best classic Christmas songs you can possibly find. Because whether this is your family's first holiday together or your fiftieth, there are some things that just don't go out of style, and great Christmas tunes are one of them.
We've handpicked some of the best Christmas songs we've heard on repeat since we were kids, from contemporary classics to oldies that never actually seem to age. That means Mimi herself, Miss Mariah Carey, is making an appearance, as she's the Queen of Christmas, as well as Brenda Lee, who sure could make a fantastic Christmas album. There are 25 songs here, the perfect length for a playlist, so you can start listening as soon as possible and have enough songs to get everyone into the Christmas spirit — and fast.
Below, check out some of our handcrafted picks for the 25 best classic Christmas songs.
"All I Want for Christmas is You," Mariah Carey
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Mariah Carey's powerhouse vocals and upbeat melody have made this song a contemporary Christmas classic, full of festive energy. And you can never NOT sing it.
"The Christmas Song," Nat King Cole
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Nat King Cole's smooth, rich voice brings this Christmas standard to life, with its vivid imagery of holiday warmth. It's like sitting right next to a fire.
"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," Bruce Springsteen
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Springsteen adds his rock-and-roll energy to this Christmas tune, turning it into a performance you won't forget as you bop along like you're in the crowd.
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," Brenda Lee
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Brenda Lee's bright, vocals make this song a holiday favorite, especially when you and the fam get up to do just what the title says.
"Where Are You Christmas," Faith Hill
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Faith Hill's powerful voice conveys a sense of longing and reflection in this contemporary holiday ballad. And the movie it's from, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, isn't bad either!
"Wonderful Christmastime," Paul McCartney
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Paul McCartney's distinctive voice and synth-driven melody create a cheerful and quirky holiday tune that stands out from the crowd.
"Happy X-mas! (War Is Over)," John Lennon & Yoko Ono
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John Lennon and Yoko Ono deliver a Christmas song with a message, combining Christmas cheer with a call for peace and reflection, and it's just as beautiful as it ever was.
"You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch," Thurl Ravenscroft
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Thurl Ravenscroft's deep voice brings the Grinch to life in this catchy and playful holiday song, full of whimsical mischief.
Elvis Presley's smooth vocals capture the heartache of a holiday season spent alone, adding a touch of blues to the Christmas playlist. Everyone loves Elvis!
"Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," Elmo & Patsy
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This novelty song is, well, a good way to bring some of the absurd to the holiday season as it tell a weird story about Grandma being deceased for Christmas, but...at least she has gifts?
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"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," Andy Williams
Andy Williams' cheerful vocals and the song's orchestral arrangement create a festive and joyful atmosphere, celebrating all the best parts of the holiday season.
"Jingle Bell Rock," Bobby Helms
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Bobby Helms' rockabilly style gives this holiday song a fun, retro vibe, making it a perennial favorite for Christmas celebrations.
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"Sleigh Ride," The Ronettes
The Ronettes add their signature girl-group charm to this holiday classic, creating a version that's both sweet and spirited.
"Do They Know It's Christmas?," Band Aid
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This charity single brings together some of the biggest music stars of the 1980s to raise awareness and funds for famine relief, delivering a powerful message alongside its festive melody.
"A Holly Jolly Christmas," Burl Ives
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Burl Ives' warm, jovial voice makes this song a staple of the holiday season, spreading cheer and good tidings.
"Santa Baby," Eartha Kitt
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Eartha Kitt's sultry vocals and the song's playful lyrics create a cheeky and charming Christmas tune, with a touch of retro glamour.
"Last Christmas," Wham!
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Wham!'s catchy melody and tale of holiday heartbreak have made "Last Christmas" a festive favorite, with a pop sensibility that stands the test of time.
"Frosty the Snowman," Ella Fitzgerald
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Ella Fitzgerald's smooth, jazzy vocals add a touch of elegance to this children's Christmas favorite, making it enjoyable for listeners of all ages.
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5
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The Jackson 5 bring their infectious energy and youthful charm to this playful holiday song, creating a version that's full of fun and festivity.
"The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)," Alvin and the Chipmunks
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This novelty song features the high-pitched voices of Alvin and the Chipmunks, delivering a humorous and catchy Christmas tune.
"Run, Rudolph, Run," Chuck Berry
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Chuck Berry's rock-and-roll energy and signature guitar riffs make this holiday song a lively and upbeat addition to any Christmas playlist.
"Do You Hear What I Hear?," Whitney Houston
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Whitney Houston's powerhouse vocals bring a sense of grandeur and emotion to this Christmas classic, creating a version that's both impactful and moving.
"Pretty Paper," Willie Nelson
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Willie Nelson's unique voice and country style add a touch of warmth and simplicity to this holiday song, telling a poignant story with a gentle melody.
"It's A Marshmallow World," Darlene Love
Darlene Love's vibrant voice and the song's swinging melody create a playful and joyful holiday tune, celebrating the beauty of the winter season.
"Please Come Home for Christmas," Eagles
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The Eagles' rendition of this holiday classic adds a layer of soulful rock, with heartfelt vocals and a bluesy touch. You can feel so much more longing in it, and wonder why Don Henley and gang didn't make an entire Christmas album.
