It’s officially December, so turn on your speakers for my top 15 favorite holiday songs and count down the days to whichever sort of festivities you celebrate.
There are hundreds of songs to choose from, classics, covers and even new songs. My picks are a mix of all three types, so let’s dive in.
15. “Sleigh Ride”
It’s a great song and some of the best versions are by The Barenaked Ladies and Ella Fitzgerald. However, If you had to sing it in choir to the holiday concert to the student body four years in a row, you would get tired of it.
14. “Christmas Wrapping”
I grew up listening to this upbeat song by The Waitresses but there are better Christmas songs than this. It’s more of a listen-to instead of a sing along song.
13. “Little Saint Nick”
I grew up listening to the Muppets version from their Christmas album featuring John Denver. I might’ve put this further down the list but there are better songs on the album.
12. “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
One classic with an interesting backstory. First, it was a poem written in 1780, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Music was added in 1909 by Fredric Austin. My two favorite versions are by the Muppets and the Barenaked Ladies.
11. “Deck The Halls”
This song is reminding you to prepare for the holiday season in a jaunty way. I listen to many versions of this song, whether it’s jazz, pop or the Muppets, I love singing along.
10. “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”
Specifically, the Charlie Brown/Vince Guaraldi Trio version. It’s iconic just like the rest of the Charlie Brown Christmas album.
9. “Elf’s Lament”
“Elf’s Lament” by the Barenaked Ladies (feat. Michael Bublé): It’s interesting to hear an elf’s perspective about Christmas. Adding Bublé to the song adds depth and worth a song to listen to.
8. “Jingle Bells”
There are many versions of the song that I adore and you can dance along to it. I’ve been busting moves and singing since I learned to walk.
7. “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
The version I love most is the duet by Kate Reinders and Mark St. Cyr as part of the “High School Musical: the Musical: The Holiday Special.” Their voices sound beautiful together and I prefer the song as a duet rather than a solo.
6. “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah”
“Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah” by the Barenaked Ladies: I may not celebrate Hanukkah but I love upbeat songs to dance to and the band does an amazing job of making this holiday joyous.
5. “Green Christmas”
“Green Christmas” by the Barenaked Ladies: Sometimes Christmas can make people feel jealous or sad. Especially if someone important passed away or you went through a break up. What used to be a special day, isn’t anymore.
4. “White Christmas”
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby: If you haven’t seen this movie you are living under a rock. The song is glorious and who doesn’t want snow on Christmas? Crosby’s voice is legendary; a true classic.
3. “Christmas Tree Farm”
As a Swiftie, I had to include this because Taylor Swift thinks back to where she grew up while singing a love song. If you don’t like her, that’s fine, but newer songs are as good as classics.
2. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings”
This is number two for me because it’s catchy and I love singing along. The Barenaked Ladies sing the first part and Sarah McLaughlin sings the second part. I am a McLaughlin stan because her voice is gorgeous.
1. “A Christmas Song”
We have finally made it to the last song which is a childhood favorite for me. I usually listen to Nat King Cole because his deep voice makes the song rich. When I was little I would ask my parents to sing it to me before bedtime, calling it “tiny tots.”
Whether you agree or disagree with me about my choices, I encourage you to try them out if you’re looking for new singers or more songs to add to your playlist.