Christmas, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and any other holidays you celebrate, all bring light and warmth at the darkest and coldest times of the year. In this time of joy, reflection, and celebration, nothing captures the magic of the holidays quite like music. Winter holiday songs in particular have the power to evoke nostalgia, energize, and set the mood for festive gatherings (though retail store employees might tell you otherwise). Here are 15 frosty, yet heart-warming songs from the 20th century that have shaped how we celebrate the season and left an indelible mark on music history.
- Feliz Navidad
“Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” (“Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness”), “I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart”. Only 19 words, yet this song has captured the hearts of millions of people over the years and has become the bilingual Christmas hit that everybody and their grandparents know. First recorded in 1970, Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano said that he wanted a song that “belonged to the masses”, and it certainly has become a mainstay of Christmas culture.
It’s hard to believe this song was recorded in a single take, but that is what apparently happened. Feliciano and his producer Rick Jarrard recorded it at RCA Studios on Sunset Boulevard, with Feliciano playing guitar, bass, and cuatro (10-stringed Puerto Rican instrument resembling a small to mid-sized classical guitar), and his bandmate Paulinho Magalhaes providing drums and percussion. Horns and strings were added later, which was part of what made the song soar into an all-time classic.
What else is there to say about this song? One of the reasons why “Feliz Navidad” has been a part of Christmas culture for over 50 years is that it expresses joy and loneliness, and unites people with its holiday cheer. Play the studio recording and focus on Feliciano’s bass playing; you wouldn’t notice it on your first listen, but the (very) busy bassline sets a solid foundation for the iconic track. It’s charming and, it’s catchy, yet it doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s everything you want from a Christmas jingle.
2. Please Come Home for Christmas
When you think of the band The Eagles, the songs that immediately come to mind are “Desperado”, “New Kid in Town”, or “Hotel California”. You certainly don’t think of a Charles Brown Christmas cover. First written in 1960, the Eagles’ cover has become far more popular than the original blues track. A radio mainstay ever since reaching #18 on the national charts in 1978, other popular artists such as Etta James, Cher, and Bon Jovi have covered “Please Come Home for Christmas” over the years as well.
In 1978, The Eagles were six months behind schedule for releasing their sixth album, The Long Run. As the record company was looking for progress, drummer and co-lead vocalist Don Henley had an idea to cover a song from his youth. He thought, “Well, maybe if we give them a Christmas single they’ll get off our backs”, and the marriage of soul and soft rock has not lost its charm even after 45 years.
This song reminds me a lot of “Oh! Darling” by the Beatles, and although Don Henley lacks the ferocity of Paul McCartney’s vocals, he makes up for it with his soulful interpretation of the bluesy tune. Although I’m not particularly fond of the rest of the band’s discography (insert The Big Lebowski meme), I love this particular track. Make sure to check out the original Charles Brown version too, as it is arguably better than any of its covers.
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, also known as simply “Let It Snow”, was written by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in July 1945 in Hollywood, California. The song was first recorded by Vaughn Monroe, and various other artists covered it over the years, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Rod Stewart.
Oddly enough, despite its classification as a holiday song, this song doesn’t mention Christmas or any other holiday whatsoever. It has come to be regarded as a Christmas song worldwide due to its winter theme and is often played on the radio and in retail stores all over the States during the holiday season. As I’ve relistened to numerous versions of the song, Dean Martin’s cover is definitely the most memorable and recognizable. I’ve probably heard this tune a million times over the years, but it never gets old.
- Wonderful Christmastime
“Simply having a wonderful Christmas time”. Although considered one of Paul McCartney’s less inventive compositions (and I somewhat agree), this classic has remained a Christmas staple since 1979. Recorded during the sessions of McCartney II (1980), every instrument was played by Macca himself, as his former band Wings had just dissolved.
The cheesy yet charming tune has been covered by numerous artists over the years, such as Diana Ross and Straight No Chaser. Almost eerie in some aspects (especially the Prophet-5 synthesizer and the “choir” section), “Wonderful Christmastime” isn’t your typical feel-good Christmas jingle you’d hear in Ikea during the holiday season (but of course you will hear it in one way or another).
Musicologist Nate Sloan has said “…Over the course of the song, you hear the title phrase 17 times, so by the time you’ve finished listening that lyric is burned into your synaptic pathways for all Christmas future”, and I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. The short distorted guitar fills, and the ever-present synth and jingle bells have made this song a perfect example of Paul McCartney’s incredibly positive and joyful songwriting.
- Jingle Bell Rock
Bobby Helms’ signature song has graced millions of ears since its first release in 1957, and there’s no sign of it losing popularity any time soon. Controversially, the song’s writing credit has been contested for years, with Joe Beal and John Boothe both claiming composition credits. Brenda Lee, Hall and Oates, The Beach Boys, and many other artists have covered this track over the years, but none of them seem to capture the magic of the original.
The song seamlessly blends rock ‘n roll with festive joy, though it seemed much slower than I remember. The simple root note bass lines create a concrete foundation for the track, and the harmonies from the backing vocals (Anita Kerr Singers) and Bobby Helms instantly remind you of Kevin McCallister in New York. The jazzy licks by session guitarist Hank Garland help “Jingle Bell Rock” transform into a true earworm, not to mention the infectious chorus.
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
“An eye for an eye will make us all blind”. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a Christmas song released in 1971 as a single by John & Yoko/The Plastic Ono Band, along with the Harlem Community Choir. The former Beatle and legend John Lennon originally wrote this as a Vietnam War protest song in 1971, and it has since become a Christmas standard.
Not to throw any shade at Yoko Ono, but this song is probably one of her only performances that I love (though she’s excellent on Double Fantasy). The production is fairly minimalistic compared to other holiday songs, which makes it easy on the ears and not as overplayed as other songs on this list (looking at you, Mariah). The chorus sung by the choir is the highlight of the tune, but you can make a case for the “wintery” acoustic guitar too. The intro with John and Yoko wishing “Happy Christmas” to their children of previous marriages is a nice touch.
If you haven’t seen the video, it’s a must-watch in my opinion. It indirectly forces us to compare our lives with the suffering depicted. For those watching from a position of privilege – safe homes, warm clothes, and abundant food – all reminders of war and poverty around the world make you think twice. “Happy Xmas” is just a beautiful song, and you can’t go wrong putting it into your playlist. To conclude, “Your life is someone else’s dream. Don’t be ungrateful”.
- All I Want for Christmas Is You
Does this song even need an introduction? “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey from her fourth studio and debut holiday album, Merry Christmas (1994). It was released as a single on October 29, 1994, and has since become one of the most popular songs of all time.
Objectively, it isn’t a bad song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is in the National Recording Registry for a reason. Mariah Carey’s powerful vocals, Motown feel, instrumental build-up, and gradual layering of other musical elements, all combine into a perfectly constructed pop song. I was taken aback when I saw its release date, as the single always felt like a mid-2000s song to me.
People often slate songs for being overplayed, some famous examples being “Stairway to Heaven”, “Smoke on the Water”, and of course, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. But unlike the first two, this holiday anthem doesn’t have a great guitar solo or instrumental section. It is a concise pop song designed for commercial popularity and has achieved that goal ten times over. I’ve heard this song far too many times, yet I always seem to hum along to it wherever I am.
- The Nutcracker
“The Nutcracker Op. 71”, is an 1892 two-act, three-scene classical ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child’s imagination. The plot is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 short story, The Nutcracker, itself a retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It is now considered one of, if not the most famous ballet in the world. I have seen the ballet numerous times, and you’re practically guaranteed to see it on TV or at your local theater during the holiday season.
Just to be clear, the original suite and the ballet are different. The suite is essentially a greatest hits compilation, with classic compositions such as “March”, “Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy”, “Russian Dance”, and “Waltz of the Flowers”. On average, the suite lasts 20 to 25 minutes, while a complete performance of the ballet lasts around 90 minutes. I would recommend listening to the Nutcracker Suite before watching the ballet, as the latter is certainly not for everyone.
As the classical music representative and the oldest “song” on this list, it is hard to believe that Tchaikovsky himself said, “The ballet is infinitely worse than Sleeping Beauty,” – his second and previous ballet – “of this I’m sure”. It is an absolute classic, having numerous pop culture appearances such as Fantasia (1940), The Simpsons, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, and many more.
If you’re interested in a twist on the original, make sure to check out progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake, and Palmer’s rock adaptation of “March of the Nutcracker” from Pictures at an Exhibition (1970). Covering the single by B. Bumble and the Stingers retitled “Nut Rocker”, the late Keith Emerson displays his keyboard/clavinet wizardry masterfully and the almost rockabilly arrangement is a delightful tribute to Tchaikovsky and his original score.
- I Believe in Father Christmas
“I Believe in Father Christmas” is a song by Greg Lake, with lyrics by Peter Sinfield. Lake said that he wrote the song in protest at the commercialization of Christmas. It was released as Lake’s debut solo single in 1975 after his then-active band’s (ELP) grueling tour schedule. The song most notably reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, being denied number 1 by Queen’s classic “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
I can’t believe this song isn’t more popular, as it is such a classic Greg Lake composition. While widely regarded as a progressive rock icon for his role as King Crimson’s first frontman and a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter in Emerson, Lake & Palmer, his uncanny ability to venture into pop music led to this amazing tune. The late Peter Sinfield has said the words are about a loss of innocence and childhood belief, and I can see it. The beautiful twelve-stringed guitar intro, the lush orchestration, and Mr. Greg Lake’s influential baritone vocals all combine to create my personal favorite holiday song.
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was written by Johnny Marks, who had previously penned other Christmas classics such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas”. Rock and Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer Brenda Lee recorded this song in 1958 when she was only 13. On the 65th anniversary of the holiday classic, she recorded a music video with country musicians Tanya Tucker and Trisha Yearwood. This re-release eventually made Lee the oldest artist ever to top the Hot 100 at age 79, which is a super impressive feat in the context of the music industry today.
I’m sure everyone remembers the Home Alone scene with the “Wet Bandits” being misled by Kevin McCallister. From the crooning vocals of Brenda Lee to the memorable saxophone solo, there are so many positive things to say about this song. The upbeat, rockabilly feel encapsulates the Christmas spirit magnificently, and it is one of the few holiday songs I never get sick of hearing. Just a legendary song.
- White Christmas
Another song featured in Home Alone, “White Christmas” is an Irving Berlin song reminiscing about an old-fashioned and “ideal” Christmas setting. Bing Crosby’s record topped the Billboard chart for 11 weeks in 1942 and returned to the number one position again in December 1943 and 1944. Since its release, “White Christmas” has been covered by too many artists to list here, but the version sung by Bing Crosby is the world’s best-selling single (in terms of sales of physical media), with estimated sales of over 50 million physical copies worldwide.
The movie this song was originally composed for is the classic Holiday Inn (1942). I don’t remember the last time I saw it, but I do remember being impressed and taken aback by the quality of the film. It is possibly the greatest original song for a movie score ever, only rivaled by a handful of songs, such as Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” from Armageddon (1998), or Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King (1994).
Mr. Crosby’s deep baritone vocals, the Trotter Orchestra and the Darby Singers, and the addition of flutes and celesta, all make this song’s first listening a magical experience. It is the quintessential example of a great Christmas song, as it doesn’t overstay its welcome and transports you to a 1940s Christmas Eve every time you hear it.
- Do They Know It’s Christmas?
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a charity song written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. It was first recorded by the original Band Aid, a supergroup full of British and Irish musicians, in a single day at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, in November 1984. The song raised £8 million for Ethiopia within a year, and paved the way for mega-hit “We Are the World” (1985) by USA for Africa and spin-off charity events, such as Comic Relief and the 1985 Live Aid concert.
The lineup of artists that were in the first iteration of Band Aid is insane to think about now, even after 40 years. Just to name a few musicians who were involved: Phil Collins, Sting, Duran Duran, Bono, George Michael, and Boy George. The song is a perfect example of 80s pop music stereotypes; the gated reverb drums, excessive synths, and a chorus that takes up almost half of the song. Despite this, I love all the melodies and arrangements the artists bring (Just don’t pay too much attention to the lyrics, they definitely haven’t aged well).
As I was doing research for this song, I came across an article that basically ruined my perception of the entire Band Aid concept. It is highly informative and brings light to the actual consequences the whole event brought to Ethiopia and its occupants. Although the intentions of Sir Bob Geldof were decent and honorable, the resulting damage the charity efforts brought cannot be ignored and I highly suggest looking more into it for yourself.
- Happy New Year
Swedes have a lot to be proud of; beautiful natural landscapes, Vikings, IKEA, Pewdiepie, and of course, ABBA. The quintet of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anna-Frid (hence the name ABBA) have so many iconic hits that dominated the 70’s and 80’s. One of those songs that has become a staple of year-end celebrations around the world is without a doubt “Happy New Year”.
Written in Barbados of all places in January 1980, “Happy New Year” was originally intended for a musical about a New Year’s Eve. The working title for this song was “Daddy Don’t Get Drunk for Christmas”, and I wonder why they changed it to its current title. The song reflects on the passage of time, personal aspirations, and desire for a better future. “What lies waiting down the line, at the end of eighty-nine…” is the only line in the song that has become outdated (at least until the 2080s).
You would be hard-pressed to find an individual who dislikes this song. Along with “Mamma Mia!” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”, “Happy New Year” is a superb example of ABBA’s famed production magic. Blending somber and hopeful aspects of the new year via the excellent lyrics, glossy instrumentation, and the angelic voice of Agnetha Fältskog, it is no wonder that it has become such an integral part of Christmas/New Year culture.
- Last Christmas
There are few compositions as popular as Wham!’s “Last Christmas”, a single released on December 3rd, 1984. More than 40 years later, it is still topping charts all around the world. Many artists have covered the song since its original release, including Whigfield, Crazy Frog, Billie Piper, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande. Ironically, George Michael prevented his own song from reaching the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart by performing and contributing to “Do They Know It’s Christmas”, another Christmas classic featured on this list.
“Last Christmas” is essentially a song about heartbreak, love, and failed relationships. The contrast between its upbeat production and sad lyrics has made it stand out from the hundreds of other jingle bells and ho-ho-hos. Michael recorded everything you hear on the record; vocals, LinnDrum drum machine, Roland Juno-60 synth, and sleigh bells. From the look and sound of the instruments listed, the song is possibly the most 80’s Christmas song ever written. The sleek production helps solidify that claim too.
For all its popularity as a holiday song, it’s also my mom’s all-time favorite song; she even listens to it in the summer! You would think someone who has listened to it for 40 years would get sick of it, but I guess not. One thing I want to get off my chest is that although Last Christmas is undoubtedly a great song, it is overplayed. I think it’s practically impossible to get through Christmas without hearing this song or its name at least once. But aside from my insignificant nitpicking, it has solidified itself as a true classic tune and will probably never go out of fashion.
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
During December and the holiday season, whenever something predictable happens, such as slipping on ice or waking up with a sore throat, I think of this song to get through my day. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was first recorded and released in 1963 by the legendary Andy Williams. It is on his first Christmas-themed album, cleverly titled The Andy Williams Christmas Album, and has since become a mainstay of the holiday season.
A few days ago, as I was listening to the song on YouTube, I saw a Staples back-to-school commercial. In the commercial, the dad joyously shops for school supplies to this song in anticipation of the upcoming school year while his two children are dreading their existence. I found it hilariously accurate and it made me realize that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” may be a bit too optimistic.
It certainly is an iconic tune, and I love the verse section where Mr. Williams references A Christmas Carol, “There’ll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago”. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is definitely the most joyful song on this list, and you can’t help but sing along to it. The recording quality is surprisingly clear for its time; countless remasterings will do that to a popular single. Because of these reasons, it is probably a top 5 holiday song, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
And of course, before we get to my final thoughts, here are some honorable mentions:
Meredith Willson – “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” (1951)
Elton John – “Step into Christmas” (1973)
Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” (1934)
Sia – “Snowman” (2017)
Kate Bush – “December Will Be Magical Again” (1980)
Ariana Grande – “Santa Tell Me” (2014)
The Beach Boys – “Little Saint Nick” (1963)
Kelly Clarkson – “Underneath the Tree” (2013)
The Kinks – “Father Christmas” (1977)
Stevie Wonder – “Someday at Christmas” (1967)
Countless Christmas Carols (Silent Night, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, In the Bleak Midwinter, Jingle Bells, etc.)
Final Thoughts
As I was writing this article and listening to all the songs listed here on repeat, I realized that music truly does play such a special role in shaping the magic of the season. As the iconic quote from Miracle on 34th Street (1947) goes, “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind”. All the positive aspects of the winter holidays – kindness, generosity, and warmth – shouldn’t disappear after January first rolls around. So whether you’re humming along to these classics during the Ides of March or in the middle of July, let the music inspire you to keep the holiday spirit alive every day.
Happy Holidays, and have a Wonderful New Year!
