Now that it’s December, you’re going to be bombarded with holiday music at every turn for the next few weeks. So you might as well make sure you’re surrounded by the good stuff. Here is our list of the 20 best holiday songs (and the best artists’ renditions of them) of all time.
Please note: Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” is not included on this list, due to it being the worst song ever created by man.
20. “The Christmas Song” — Adam Sandler
Overshadowed by Sandler’s other holiday song (more on that one later), this ditty has at least four laugh-out-loud moments as it gets increasingly crazy. It’s easily one of the funniest Christmas songs in history.
19. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” — Burl Ives
Big Daddy from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof nailed this one.
18. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — Brenda Lee
Like “Holly Jolly,” this one was written by the great Johnny Marks, who was, in fact, Jewish.
17. “Let It Snow” — Dean Martin
Nothing captures the pleasure of being inside a warm house on a cold night like this song. Add a cup of hot cocoa and you’re all set.
16. “Run Run Rudolph” — Chuck Berry
A lot of holiday songs are slow and corny. This one, by pioneer rocker Chuck Berry, is the opposite. A real toe-tapper, it starts fast and just keeps going.
15. “The Chipmunk Song” — Alvin & The Chipmunks
Alvin wants a hula hoop. That’s really all you need to know.
14. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — Luther Vandross
Vandross’ voice is both piercing and soothing. I feel like I should be watching the end credits to an Eddie Murphy movie.
13. “Christmas Wrapping” — The Waitresses
The beat is so fun that it’s easy to ignore the lyrics, but don’t. They tell the tale of a busy single woman who doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas, only to bump into her crush in a grocery store on Christmas Eve.
12. “Step Into Christmas” — Elton John
According to liner notes, this song was mixed to sound like a Phil Spector-produced track, with lots of percussion and a “wall of sound.”
11. “Frosty the Snowman” — The Ronettes
You know, like this Spector-produced hit. Yes, that is some wall of sound.
10. “Last Christmas” — Wham!
You can see why George Michael would like the woman in this video. They have the same volume of hair.
9. “White Christmas” — The Drifters
With all due respect to Bing Crosby (and Otis Redding), this version of “White Christmas” by doo-wop group the Drifters is the most feel-good. Just try to listen to it and not bob your head.
8. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” — Bruce Springsteen
It’s always a treat when the Boss takes a break from singing depressing songs about factories closing down, shattered dreams, and heartache to get a little more playful. And that sax solo by Clarence is strong.
7. “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” — Nat King Cole
There are smooth voices, and then there’s Nat King Cole’s voice. You can practically taste the chestnuts.
6. “Santa Baby” — Eartha Kitt
Madonna did a nice job covering this song, but nobody can purr it like Eartha Kitt. This was the original recording and still the best.
5. “Someday at Christmas” — Stevie Wonder and Andra Day
It’s as relevant today as it was in 1967, when Wonder released it. Day’s raspy voice adds an extra shot of yearning.
4. “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” — Annie Lennox & Al Green (from Scrooged)
Have a Murray Christmas.
3. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” — Frank Sinatra
This one’s pretty obligatory. You’ve got a classic song, a beautiful sentiment, and Ol’ Blue Eyes. Enough said.
2. “The Hanukkah Song” — Adam Sandler
Not only are the lyrics clever (“Harrison Ford is a quarter Jewish—not too shabby”), but the tune is genuinely catchy. To watch the original SNL version, go here.
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey
First, the song is perfect. Bouncy and full of love. Second, the video is even more perfect. Lo-fi footage of Mariah—squeezed into a tight Christmas costume—frolicking in the snow with Santa. Third, 205 million people on YouTube can’t be wrong.
—Shawn Donnelly for RealClearLife
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