As we head toward Christmas and the New Year, you might have noticed plenty of holiday music on the radio or your Spotify playlists. There are radio stations that play nothing but Christmas and holiday music for the entire month of December, so we take that to suggest people really like their holiday songs during this time of year. With enough selection to apparently play for an entire month, let’s just say there are a lot of different songs.
While many of us may initially think of classic Christmas songs from Bing Crosby or Dean Martin, pretty much every music genre has had performers take a shot at either covering well-known Christmas songs or coming up with new ones. Rock, Blues, Country, Ska, Rap, Reggae, Pop, Electronic, R&B, the list is pretty much endless. So, putting together a top 10 list or even a comprehensive list of favorites is a daunting task. But, as things quiet down before the holidays, we decided we were up for the task!
We took a little informal poll among the At Home Daily staff, friends, and family about what their favorite Christmas/Holiday song was. Check out our utterly unscientific list below. Also, you can find every one of these on Spotify, if you want to add them to your holiday playlist. We split them up into some major music categories as well, just to help provide some context.
The Traditional Classics
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! – Dean Martin
So, we have 2 entries in the Traditional Classic category. But, this one seems like it deserves a little extra representation. Many of these songs end up being covered by musicians now, as well. So, there is a reason they are holiday staples. Interestingly enough, as I look at the rest of the list, most of the newer songs are actually original songs, as opposed to covers of the classics. Maybe that’s because the classics are so good that the covers don’t quite measure up in comparison?
Either way, you can’t really have Christmas without hearing White Christmas and Let it Snow! (x3) at least a few times. Bing Crosby in particular is kind of the voice of the classic Christmas song. No knock on Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Burl Ives, or any number of other singers from the 50s-60s who put out numerous Christmas songs and albums, but Crosby is the voice that comes to mind first.
80s Pop
2000 Miles – Pretenders
Classic 80’s pop/rock band The Pretenders makes the list with this nice poppy ode to the very long journey that Santa takes each year. Chrissie Hynde’s distinctive voice adds to why people pick this one as a Christmas favorite. In a lot of ways it sounds like a Pretenders song that just happens to be about Christmas. A solid choice to represent more of a 1980s pop style.
Southern Rock/Blues
Santa’s Messin’ with the Kid – Lynyrd Skynyrd
When we think Lynyrd Skynyrd it’s likely the songs that come to mind are hits like Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama, but they also put together a Christmas album in 2000. It included a bunch of Christmas classics, including this cover of a 1960 blues song recorded by Junior Wells. The Skynyrd version is a southern rock take on the blues standard. A great addition to just about any Christmas playlist.
Blues
Christmas Comes But Once A Year – B.B. King
If we’re going to have one true Blues Christmas Song, you can’t go wrong with one by Blues legend B.B. King. The song includes King’s signature guitar sound and classic Blues vocals. There are actually many great Blues Christmas songs from just about every great Blues artist you can think of. Some great ones comes from John Lee Hooker (Blues for Christmas), Koko Taylor (Merry, Merry Christmas), Albert King (Christmas Comes but Once a Year), Eric Claption (Christmas Tears). King also has another great one (Back Door Santa) that didn’t quite crack this list, but it’s a classic, as well.
Alternative (of the Warp Tour variety)
Not Another Christmas Song – Blink 182
Want something a bit more modern? How about this one from Blink 182? They bring their usual way with lyrics to this and a few other Christmas songs in their EP, I Won’t Be Home for Christmas from 2001. This particular song is of even more recent vintage (2019) as a fun Christmas single. Enjoy Travis Barker’s signature drum beats and Mark Hopppus on vocals.
60s Rock
Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Back to the 60s we go, with this vintage Beach Boys song. It’s another fun rendition, done in the very signature Beach Boys style. It’s right at home next to a ton of Beach Boys hits. This is another original song, which is likely why it carries so much of the standard Beach Boys vibe. For a Christmas song, I can’t help but feel surf boards and sand when I listen to it.
Hip-Hop
Christmas in Hollis – Run-D.M.C.
To be honest, there aren’t a ton of true Hop-Hop Christmas songs (although more than you night initially guess). But, this classic from 1987 is unsurpassed. It’s funny, has some great rhymes and let’s the guys from Run-D.M.C. show off their rap skills to great effect. Even if it ends up being the onl Hip-Hop song on your Christmas playlist, it holds it’s own.
Rock
Christmas All Over Again – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Recorded back in 1992, this is a rock solid Christmas song from a more traditional Rock angle. You get Petty’s unmistakable voice and way with lyrics. Christmas is indeed a “rockin’ time” and Petty brings it home in this fun, straightforward Rock classic.
Alternative/Irish/Rock
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
What to say about this one? First off, the lyrics are definitely not entirely safe for work or all family members. But, you kind of need that section in there to complete the song. It’s a very unusual Christmas song, as it takes place in the NYPD ‘drunk tank’ on Christmas Eve. More of a sad, but hopeful, look at the lives of a couple that love each other, despite a life together that hasn’t always been filled with happiness (case in point, someone is in jail on Christmas Eve). It’s an odd, but wonderful choice for your grown-up Christmas playlist.
