The holiday season brings people together to celebrate family, friends, and good tidings. We do this through giving gifts, eating loads of food, and, most importantly, listening to good music. While there are catalogs of artists putting their individual spin on these holiday classics, some just stand the test of time better than others.
Without further ado, here are the top ten Christmas songs of all time according to Billboard.
10 – White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Written by the legendary Irving Berlin and first performed by Bing Crosby in 1941, ‘White Christmas’ quickly became a beloved holiday classic. Its nostalgic lyrics and soothing melody capture the longing for a peaceful, snowy holiday season—a sentiment that resonated deeply with listeners during World War II.
With over 50 million copies sold worldwide, Bing Crosby’s version of ‘White Christmas’ remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its timeless appeal and heartfelt message continue to warm hearts year after year.
The song debuted on Christmas day in Crosby’s NBC radio show, and soon after, it was featured in the film ‘Holiday Inn.’ ‘White Christmas’ went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942, solidifying its place in musical history.
9 – Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, by Dean Martin
Penned by lyricist Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in July 1945, this winter classic was written during a heatwave in Hollywood. Despite its warm origins, the song perfectly captures the magic and charm of a snowy evening.
Dean Martin’s 1959 rendition on his album ‘A Winter Romance’ has since become synonymous with the holiday season. With its light-hearted lyrics and Martin’s smooth, velvety voice, ‘Let It Snow’ brings to life the cozy scene of being snug indoors while the snow falls outside.
Over the decades, this timeless tune has been covered by numerous artists, but it’s Dean Martin’s version that has stood the test of time, becoming a holiday staple that conjures up nostalgia and joy.
8 – Last Christmas by Wham!
Written and produced by George Michael, ‘Last Christmas’ was released by Wham! in December 1984. The song tells the bittersweet story of heartbreak and hope, wrapped in an irresistibly catchy melody that has made it a perennial holiday favorite.
Despite never reaching the top spot on the UK charts upon its release, ‘Last Christmas’ has become one of the best-selling singles in UK chart history. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and the heartfelt emotions it conveys.
The music video, filmed in the picturesque Swiss Alps, adds to the song’s charm with its cozy, festive scenes of friends celebrating the holiday season. George Michael’s soulful performance and the song’s memorable chorus have made it a holiday staple worldwide.
7 – It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Released in 1963 on Andy Williams’ Christmas album, this song has become a holiday anthem. With its cheerful melody and Williams’ warm vocals, it captures the excitement and magic of the holiday season.
Written by Edward Pola and George Wyle, the song highlights all the wonderful traditions of the holidays, from hosting parties and toasting marshmallows, to sharing joyful moments with loved ones. Its upbeat rhythm and festive lyrics have made it a favorite for generations.
Andy Williams’ version is especially beloved, often played at Christmas gatherings and featured in holiday films and TV specials. Its enduring charm and festive spirit make it a cornerstone of holiday music playlists.
6 – Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano
Released in 1970, ‘Feliz Navidad’ is a beloved Christmas classic written and performed by Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano. Its simple yet heartfelt bilingual lyrics—’feliz navidad, próspero año y felicidad,’ or ‘merry Christmas, a prosperous year, and happiness’—convey a warm holiday greeting to listeners around the world.
The song’s catchy melody and cheerful rhythm make it a festive favorite, perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings. Feliciano’s soulful performance and the infectious joy of the song have made it a staple of holiday music playlists.
Over the years, ‘feliz navidad’ has been covered by numerous artists, but it’s Feliciano’s original version that continues to capture hearts and spread holiday cheer globally.
5 – A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
Released in 1964, ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’ was written by Johnny Marks, who also penned other holiday favorites like ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.’ Burl Ives recorded this joyful song for the soundtrack of the holiday TV special ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ where he voiced the character Sam the Snowman.
With its cheerful melody and heartwarming lyrics, ‘A Holly Jolly Christmas’ quickly became a holiday favorite, evoking the joy and magic of the season. Burl Ives’ warm and inviting voice perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas, making this song a staple in holiday music playlists.
The song’s timeless appeal lies in its simple, yet uplifting message—encouraging everyone to have a jolly, holly Christmas and its infectious cheer continues to bring smiles to listeners year after year.
4 – The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) by Nat “King” Cole
Originally written in 1945 by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells during a blistering summer day, ‘The Christmas Song’ quickly became a beloved holiday standard. Nat King’ Cole first recorded the song in 1946, and his iconic version in 1961 remains one of the song’s most cherished renditions.
With its smooth, velvety vocals and evocative lyrics, the song paints a cozy picture of the holiday season—’chestnuts roasting on an open fire, jack frost nipping at your nose.’ Cole’s rich voice and the lush orchestration create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that has become synonymous with Christmas.
Recognized as one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time, ‘The Christmas Song’ has been covered by countless artists, but it’s Nat ‘King’ Cole’s version that continues to resonate deeply with listeners year after year.
3 – Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
Released in 1957, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ is a holiday classic that has become a staple of Christmas music. Written by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe, this upbeat tune combines the spirit of the holidays with the catchy rhythms of early rock ‘n’ roll, creating a festive and fun atmosphere.
Bobby Helms’ lively performance, coupled with the song’s infectious melody and cheerful lyrics, captures the joyful energy of the season. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm and the festive cheer it brings to listeners every year.
Over the years, ‘jingle bell rock’ has been covered by several artists and featured in countless holiday movies and tv shows, solidifying its place as a holiday favorite.
2 – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Released in 1958, ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ is another timeless classic written by Johnny Marks. At just 13 years old, Brenda Lee’s powerful voice brought an infectious energy to the song that captured the hearts of listeners.
The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics invite everyone to join in the holiday fun, dancing and celebrating around the Christmas tree. It’s become a quintessential holiday favorite, featured in countless movies, TV shows, and holiday parties.
Despite its initial modest success, the song has grown in popularity over the decades, cementing its place as a holiday staple. Brenda Lee’s youthful exuberance and the song’s rock ‘n’ roll vibe make it a timeless classic that continues to bring joy to generations.
1 – All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
Released in 1994 as part of her album ‘Merry Christmas,’ Mariah Carey co-wrote and produced this festive hit with Walter (AFANA SEEF) Afanasieff. The song captures the essence of holiday romance, with its upbeat tempo and Carey’s powerful vocals delivering a message of love and joy.
Despite being a relatively new addition to the holiday music canon, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ quickly became a favorite, topping charts worldwide and earning a place in the hearts of listeners. Its infectious melody and festive cheer make it impossible to resist.
The song’s music video, featuring Mariah Carey enjoying the winter festivities, adds to its charm and has become an integral part of holiday celebrations. It’s a tune that brings people together, spreading holiday spirit with every note.
And those are the top ten Christmas songs of all time, according to Billboard. Was your favorite song left off the list? Let us know what it is in the comments.
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