Christmas day isn’t the same without playing the best Christmas songs on a holiday playlist including your favorite classic Christmas carols and some newer tracks.

If you celebrate the holidays alone, nothing fills up a room with Christmas spirit more than Christmas songs.

If you’ll be spending Christmas with family, you know that your family will love hearing their favorite Christmas songs in the background while opening presents, having Christmas brunch, or while your friends are over drinking Christmas cocktails.

And of course, everyone will love singing along to their favorite holiday songs, and even dancing to them on Christmas day.

The Importance of Compiling the Best Christmas Songs

Sometimes you already know which classic Christmas songs you want on your playlist, but you just need to find the perfect cover of the song by an artist who just gets it right. Sometimes you have to listen to several covers of one of your favorite Christmas songs to find the artist who nails it. (I’ve completed this task for you.)

I listened to hours of Christmas music to compile this list of Christmas hits (you don’t need to thank me – it was a mood-boosting night well-spent, if you ask me!)

It’s easy to create a nectar holiday music playlist with the best Christmas songs, even if it’s already Christmas Eve or Christmas morning and you forgot to make one. Using Apple Music or Spotify, it should only take you about 10 minutes to create a Christmas playlist of the best Christmas songs, especially if someone’s already given you a list of which songs you should add. That’s why below, The Babe Report has provided a list of 25 of the best Christmas songs everyone loves, in no particular order:

1. “Sleigh Ride” with Mariah Carey 

I dare you to try not to sing along or pop your shoulders to this song, “Sleigh Ride”. Of course you know this classic Christmas song that goes,

“Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ding-dingling too
(Ring-a-ling-a ding-dong-ding)
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you
(Ring-a-ling-a ding-dong-ding)
Outside the snow is falling and friends are calling “Yoo hoo”
(Ring-a-ling-a ding-dong-ding)
Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you”

Hands down, this might be the catchiest and most fun Christmas song to sing, which makes it one of the best Christmas songs. This doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s favorite holiday song or the number one Christmas song, but it’s just so fun to sing. (It must be all of those “ring-a-ling-a-ling” lyrics) and the melody is top notch. 

This song is so catchy and uplifting, and that’s what makes it one of the best Christmas songs that deserves a spot on your Christmas playlist.

Mariah Carey is very well-known for her amazing Christmas album. Mariah Carey is an out-of-this-world vocalist who nails it every time she records a Christmas song, which is why so many people listen to her various covers of popular holiday songs. She does a wonderful job with “Sleigh Ride”.

The hit song “Sleigh Ride” was written in 1946 by Leyroy Anderson. It was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra.

2. “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” Mash-Up with Carly Rae Jepsen and Michael Bublé 

This mash-up of two of the world’s best Christmas songs by superstars Carly Rae Jepsen and Michael Bublé is the perfect song to add to your holiday playlist to play on Christmas day.

If you can’t find this song on your music app, it’s definitely available on YouTube, or you can find a different version of one of these great songs, “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” as there are many fantastic versions out there of both of these classic Christmas songs.

“Jingle Bell Rock” is an American Christmas song first released by Bobby Helms in 1957. It was written by Joseph Carleton Beal.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was written by Johnny Marks, and originally recorded by Brenda Lee and released in 1958.

3. “Run Run Rudolph” with Kelly Clarkson 

Get ready to smile and dance in your living room to Kelly Clarkson’s upbeat and fun rendition of “Run Run Rudolph.” It goes like this:

“Run, run Rudolph, Santa’s has to make it in town

Santa, make him hurry, tell him he can take the freeway down

Run, run Rudolph, reelin’ like a merry-go-round”

This entertaining and festive song definitely belongs on your Christmas playlist. It’s one of the best Christmas songs to level up the energy in your living room on Christmas day.

“Run Rudolph Run” was written by Chuck Berry, but credited to Johnny Marks and M. Brodie due to Marks’ trademark on the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It was published by St. Nicholas Music (ASCAP) and was first recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958.

4. “Drummer Boy” with Justin Bieber and Busta Rhymes

Oh . . . my . . . this is such a fun version of “Drummer Boy”, which most people will agree is one of the best Christmas songs out there.

“Come they told me

Pa rum pum pum pum

A new born king to see

Pa rum pum pum pum

Our finest gifts we bring

Pa rum pum pum pum”

Justin Bieber totally nails the chorus, and Busta Rhymes makes it a party.

“The Little Drummer Boy” was written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941. It was first published with the title ‘Carol of the Drum’

5. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with John Legend and Kelly Clarkson

You might recognize this song from the popular Christmas movie Elf when it was performed by actors Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell.

“I really can’t stay

Baby, it’s cold outside

I’ve got to go away

Baby, it’s cold outside

This evening has been

Hoping that you’d drop in

So, very nice

I’ll hold your hands, they’re just like ice”

Lada Gaga and Joseph Gordon Levitt do a great duet of this song as well.

This song was originally performed as a duet in the 1940s. It was written in 1944 by Frank Loesser to sing with his then wife, Lynn Garland.

6. “Let it Snow! Let is Snow! Let it Snow!” by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra sang a lot of covers of popular Christmas songs, but I think this one is one of his best. Everyone loves singing the lyrics:

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful

And since we’ve no place to go

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”

Frank Sinatra’s voice is perfect for this song, and it’s very nostalgic. Unlike many singers, classical or pop, Sinatra’s voice rarely slips back into his throat. He lets the tone resonate instead of becoming constricted in his throat or chest. His singing voice is also very deep and smooth.

Written by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” was written during a heatwave in July of 1945 in Los Angeles, California. It was originally recorded by Vaughn Monroe with the Norton Sisters in 1945.

7. “Feliz Navidad” with Celine Dion

Surprisingly, a lot of people forget to put this song on their Christmas playlist. But you know it, right?

“I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

From the bottom of my heart

Feliz navidad

Feliz navidad

Feliz navidad

Prospero año y felicidad”

Celine Dion is great at singing Christmas songs, especially this one.

Feliz Navidad was originally written by Jose Feliciano, and it was recorded and performed by him in 1970.

8. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is an original song by ‘90s boy band NSYNC- and it’s never gotten old. It goes a little like this:

“We’ve been waiting

All year for this night

And the snow is glistening

On the trees outside

And all the stockings

Are hung by the fireside

Waiting for Santa to arrive

Merry Christmas, happy holidays (Oh yeah)

Merry Christmas (Oh, oh, oh oh)

Merry Christmas

Happy holidays (Ooh yeah)”

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” was written by members of NSYNC JC Chasez, Vince DeGiorgio, Veit Renn, and Justin Timberlake, and released and first performed by NSYNC in 1998.

9. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” with Michael Bublé

This is one of those calm, relaxing, classic Christmas songs that most people absolutely love. 

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Let your heart be light

From now on

Our troubles will be out of sight”

Michael Bublé does a beautiful rendition of this song. His voice also just suits this song so well.

Songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine wrote the classic Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for Judy Garland’s 1944 movie, “Meet Me in St. Louis”.

10. “The First Noel” with Carrie Underwood

Another song many people forget to add to their playlist, “The First Noel” is an incredibly calming, beautiful and nostalgic Christmas song. Here are some lyrics to jog your memory:

“The First Noel the Angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep

Noel Noel Noel Noel

Born is the King of Israel!”

I had to listen to quite a few versions of this song before I stumbled upon Carrie Underwood’s shockingly incredible cover of “The First Noel”. I absolutely love it, and I’m not even normally a Carrie Underwood fan.

One of the oldest Christmas songs, “The First Noel” is believed to have been written around the 1400-1500s, and the lyrics to The First Noël are an adaptation of the original song. The original writer of this amazing song may never be known for sure. William Sandys edited the current form of this historic song, with extra lyrics written by Davies Gilbert.

11. “Santa Baby” with Alicia Keys

Everyone loves Alicia Keys, and her rendition of “Santa Baby” is soft, sultry, sexy, and very unique. She still sings most of the original lyrics, though:

“Santa baby, just slip a Sable under the tree for me
Been an awful good girl
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, a 54 convertible too, light blue
I’ll wait up for you dear
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight”

The original version of “Santa Baby” was written in the 1950s by Joan Javits and Philip Springer. based on Sir Walter Scott’s famous poem, “The Lady of the Lake”. It was released in 1953 and originally performed by American singer Eartha Kitt with Henri René and His Orchestra.

12. “Holly Jolly Christmas” with Faith Hill

“Holly Jolly Christmas” is one of those Christmas carols you just can’t help but sing along to when you hear it. It’s a positive, uplifting song so it’s great for spreading holiday cheer on Christmas day. 

“Have a holly jolly Christmas

It’s the best time of the year

Now I don’t know if there’ll be snow

But have a cup of cheer”

Faith Hill does an amazing job of singing this song, and her voice is gorgeous.

“Holly Jolly Christmas” was written by famous songwriter Johnny Marks, and most famously performed by Burl Ives. It was released in 1964.

13. “Silver Bells” with Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley deserves a spot on your Christmas playlist, and “Silver Bells” is a classic Christmas carol he does a great job performing:

“Silver bells, silver bells

It’s Christmas time in the city

Ring a ling, hear them ring

Soon it’ll be Christmas day”

“Silver Bells” was originally written in 1950 by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans for the movie, “The Lemon Drop Kid” starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. This classic Christmas song was originally performed in the 1950s by Bing Crosby and Carol Richards with John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra and the Lee Gordon Singers.

14. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” with Michael Bublé

This is one of the best Christmas songs because it’s fun to sing along to, and Michael Bublé performs it fantastically.

“Pretty lights on the tree

(Christmas) I’m watching them shine

(Christmas) you should be here with me

(Christmas) baby, please come home”

It’s upbeat and spreads cheer in anyone’s living room on Christmas day.

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” was written in the early 1960s by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector. It was originally sung by Darlene Love.

15. “O Holy Night” with Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey has an astounding singing voice, and her cover of the classic Christmas song “O Holy Night” which goes like this:

“O Holy Night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

Mariah Carey’s version of this song is one of the most unique and hauntingly beautiful versions.

“O Holy Night” is a beautiful Christmas carol from the 1800s. The song was based on a French-language poem by poet Placide Cappeau, written in 1843, and composer Adolphe Adam set to music to it in 1847. The English version of this song is by John Sullivan Dwight.

16. “My Only Wish This Year (Santa, Can You Hear Me?) by Britney Spears

“My Only Wish This Year” is a pop Christmas song by pop icon Britney Spears, and it’s a great track to sing along to.

“Santa, can you hear me?

I have been so good this year

And all I want is one thing

Tell me my true love is here

He’s all I want, just for me

Underneath my Christmas tree

I’ll be waiting here

Santa, that’s my only wish this year.”

“My Only Wish This Year” was written and produced by Brian Kierulf and Josh Schwartz, and it was originally recorded and performed by Britney Spears in the year 2000.

17. “Last Christmas” with the Backstreet Boys

There are many different versions and covers of “Last Christmas” out there, but the Backstreet Boys just harmonize so well together on this track.

“Last Christmas I gave you my heart

But the very next day you gave it away

This year, to save me from tears

I’ll give it to someone special”

George Michael both produced and wrote the song “Last Christmas”, and British pop duo Wham!, originally released it in 1984.

18. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” with Michael Bublé

Like many of the best Christmas songs, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” has been covered by many popular artists, but I think Michael Bublé takes the cake.

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go

Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again

With candy canes and silver lanes that glow

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in every store

But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be

On your own front door”

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” was written in 1951 by Meredith Willson. It’s remained popular since its release in the 1950s, and it’s been covered by many top artists.

19. “Silent Night” with Pentatonix

“Silent Night” is a beautiful Christmas song that has versions by Frank Sinatra, Kelly Clarkson, Sarah McLachlan, Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Pentatonix, Elvis Prestley, Boyz II Men and more.

For my Christmas playlist, I chose the version by Pentatonix for this song, because they harmonize incredibly well and their version is quite unique.

“Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace”

The popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” was originally written in the year 1816 by a young priest in Austria, Joseph Mohr. It was composed in the year 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber based on Joseph Mohr’s lyrics. Gruber was a choir director who came up with the song’s melody.

20. “White Christmas” with Taylor Swift

Can you really create a Christmas playlist without including at least one Taylor Swift song? Luckily, this Queen has a wonderful version of the classic Christmas song, “White Christmas”. Don’t you already just want to sing it out loud?

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the tree tops glisten and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white”

“White Christmas” was originally written in the 1940s by Irving Berlin, a famous composer. He wrote the song for the 1942 musical film ‘Holiday Inn’.

21. “Winter Wonderland” with Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis offers listeners a unique and upbeat rendition of “Winter Wonderland”. Normally a slower song, her version is a little more upbeat, which is great.

“Sleigh bells ring, are you list’nin?

In the lane snow is glist’nin

A beautiful sight

We’re happy tonight

Walkin’ in a winter wonderland”

The song “Winter Wonderland” was written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernhard Smith.

22. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by The Pointer Sisters

Featured in a lot of your favorite Christmas movies, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is one of the most popular Christmas songs, and kids love it.

“You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout

I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

He’s making a list

He’s checking it twice

He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice

Santa Claus is coming to town”

One of the most popular versions of this song was performed by The Pointer Sisters in the 1980s.

The song “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” dates back to the 1930s. It was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie. 

23. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

“Santa Tell Me” is an original Christmas song by pop princess Ariana Grande. You’ll likely recognize it when you hear it:

“Santa, tell me if you’re really there

Don’t make me fall in love again

If he won’t be here next year

Santa, tell me if he really cares

‘Cause I can’t give it all away

If he won’t be here next year”

“Santa Tell Me” isn’t a cover, it’s an original song by Ariana Grande. This song was composed by Ariana Grande, Ilya Salmanzadeh and Savan Kotecha. This is the newest song on our list of best Christmas songs (since the old ones are usually the best) and it was released in 2014.

24. “This Christmas” with Christina Aguilera

A Christmas playlist is not complete without the extraordinary vocal range of Christina Aguilera gracing your speakers.

“Fireside is blazing bright

We’re caroling through the night

And this Christmas will be

A very special Christmas for me, yeah”

“This Christmas” was originally written in Chicago during the Great Blizzard of 1967, by Donny Hathaway and a postal worker named Nadine McKinnor. The song was released in 1970 once it was recorded by Hathaway. This song was made famous by the late Donny Hathaway.

25. “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

I know I can’t write a round-up of the best Christmas songs without including “All I Want For Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey.

“I don’t want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you”

This original song released by Sony Music Entertainment gained tremendous popularity and became one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. It has never been 100% confirmed that Mariah Carey wrote it, but she certainly was the first artist to record and perform it in 1994. Mariah Carey is the one who made this song famous in the ’90s and it has remained incredibly famous to this day.

Spread Christmas Cheer with these Best Christmas Songs.

Got any favorite Christmas songs we missed? Let us know in the comments!