This article ranks 12 of my personal favorite holiday songs, but despite the number, “The 12 Days of Christmas” won’t be making an appearance on the list.
#1- ‘Last Christmas’ – Wham!
This is a timeless hit and one of my favorite songs ever. If I could play this year-round, I would. This song is one of the most recognizable Christmas songs because of its catchy beat and lyrics. It’s a song that pretty much everyone knows word-for-word.
#2- ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
I absolutely love this song. It’s able to capture a nostalgic Christmas feel and is loved by generations, a must-have on any holiday playlist.
#3- ‘White Christmas’ – Bing Crosby
A classic Christmas song, it takes me back to my childhood. From the movie “White Christmas,” which is a must-watch around this time of year, both the song and film are full of hope and love.
#4- ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ – Brenda Lee
Another classic song, and I love how upbeat it is. The chorus and alto saxophone make it so memorable and distinct. Another song that also reminds me of the film it’s used in, “Home Alone”.
#5- ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ – Mariah Carey
Of course, a Mariah Carey song had to make the list. Though this is a more obvious choice and many would have ranked it higher, I still love this 1994 song that has become a hit in the last decade, but not as much as the oldie classics. The vocals in this song are what in my opinion makes it such an iconic song that everyone recognizes as soon as someone hits play.
#6- ‘Sleigh Ride’ – The Ronettes
This iconic song features lots of sound and prominent strings, brass, piano, bass, drums, and percussion that make the song come alive and put you in the holiday spirit, making it one of my personal favorites.
#7- ‘Underneath the Tree’ – Kelly Clarkson
An iconic Christmas song, it was a little difficult figuring out where to rank it. This pop Christmas song is very similar to Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, and though the beat and lyrics are good, it’s not as catchy as some of the songs previously mentioned and is more of a 2000’s throwback.
#8- ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ – The Jackson Five
A classic, well-known song that has a very nostalgic sound to it. An interesting fact about this song is that The Jackson Five covered it and made it popular in 1970. The song was originally written by Tommie Connor and sung by Jimmy Boyd in 1952.
#9- ‘Blue Christmas’ – Elvis Presley
Over sixty years old, this classic is still deserving of a spot. Though it’s not as cheerful as other Christmas songs, it’s still widely listened to around Christmas time and was ranked in Billboard’s Hot 100’s Top 20 last Christmas.
#10- ‘The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas)’ – Nat King Cole
I love the jazzy feel to this song and how it opens with a swell from an orchestra. It’s a very comforting and nostalgic song that reminds me of a night’s snowfall before Christmas.
#11- ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ – Andy Williams
Very upbeat and well-known, though it is a classic and I do really enjoy it. However, I find it a bit overplayed since I hear it everywhere around this time of year. To me it’s more of a Christmas day song then one that I would listen to leading up to Christmas.
#12- ‘Winter Wonderland’ – Bing Crosby
An iconic song, ‘Winter Wonderland’ feels like walking through your neighborhood covered in snow. Also has a jazzy feel to it, and though it’s popular, it’s just not my favorite, but I had to put it in my top 12.
There are so many holiday songs out there, but hopefully you agreed with at least one of my rankings or were reminded of a song you forgot about. And so, happy listening and happy holidays!
Feel free to leave a comment down below of your favorite holiday song, and DM me on Instagram @isabel_gstudios with anything music-related you would like me to cover.
