Top Christmas Songs

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it's time to make sure your Christmas playlist is equipped with all the right songs. From timeless classics to new hits, these holiday tunes are necessary listens every year.

White Christmas (1942)

Bing Crosby's classic hit about a picturesque Christmas scene is one of the most popular holiday songs ever — Guinness World Records even named it the best-selling single of all time.

I'll Be Home For Christmas (1943)

Another one by Bing Crosby, this heartfelt tune was recognized as a tribute to the soldiers fighting World War II.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (1944)

Judy Garland originally recorded this soft Christmas song for the musical Meet Me in St. Louis, which is about four daughters coming of age while getting ready to move to New York.

The Christmas Song (1946)

Everyone knows this holiday song as the one where Nat King Cole sings, "chestnuts roasting on an open fire." It's so popular that it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1974.

Frosty the Snowman (1947)

Gene Autry is the voice behind this holiday song that you've been listening to since you were a little kid.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (1948)

This jazzy holiday song by Frank Sinatra is about that cold winter weather we have a love-hate relationship with.

Santa Baby (1953)

This cheeky song by Eartha Kitt is about wanting some pretty extravagant Christmas gifts. Even though this is a holiday tune, it's one of her most well-known songs ever.

Blue Christmas (1957)

Elvis Presley's version of this song is the most well-known version, but rumor has it he didn't even want to record it in the first place.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (1958)

Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded this holiday favorite. She'd probably never guess that people would still be listening to it in 2018.

Sleigh Ride (1958)

This Johnny Mathis pop song is from his first Christmas album ever — in total, he's released six throughout his career.

Jingle Bells (1960)

Ella Fitzgerald's jazzy rendition of this Christmas classic is a holiday staple. A harmonica version of it was actually the first song ever played in outer space.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (1963)

This holiday pop song by Andy Williams is a celebration and description of activities associated with the Christmas season, focusing primarily on get-togethers between friends and families.

A Holly Jolly Christmas (1965)

This holiday pop song by Burl Ives is the leading track on his Christmas album. The song was actually written by Johnny Marks, who, despite being Jewish, wrote tons of other popular Christmas songs.

Winter Wonderland (1966)

Dean Martin's take on this classic holiday hit is upbeat and genuinely fun to listen to

Feliz Navidad (1970)

Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano's song has easy-to-remember lyrics in both Spanish and English, making it one of the most popular Christmas songs among all types of people.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (1970)

Even though Jimmy Boyd was the original artist of this song, Jackson 5's cover is so much catchier — the funky beats, amazing vocals, and the innocent conversations recorded in the background are so energetic.

This Christmas (1971)

You've probably heard this soul song covered by plenty of other artists, but Donny Hathaway was the first. Rolling Stone even called him one of the "most important black performers" of his time.

Wonderful Christmastime (1980)

Paul McCartney, the famed musician known for being part of the Beatles, sings this upbeat pop song about the good vibes on Christmas.

Last Christmas (1984)

Pop duo WHAM!, composed of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, might originally be from the United Kingdom, but their music is still super popular in the states.

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1985)

Bruce Springsteen gives the most energetic performance of this classic holiday song out there.

All I Want for Christmas Is You (1994)

Mariah Carey wrote and produced the song alongside Walter Afanasieff. It's considered the best-selling modern day Christmas song.

Joy to the World (2006)

Aretha Franklin wows in this soulful version of the classic Christmas carol. She recorded a ton of top hits and even earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so her nickname as the "Queen of Soul" is well-deserved.

Silent Night (2007)

This classic Christmas carol has also been sung by tons of artists, from Bing Crosby to Justin Bieber, but Josh Groban's cover is a classic.