In the midst of finals and following the release of Spotify Wrapped, we’ve reached the time of year when it’s perfectly acceptable to exclusively listen to Christmas music. If you’re looking for a mix of Christmas songs spanning a variety of genres and eras, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of 15 must-have tracks on your rotation, divided into three categories: classics, modern hits and classics with a twist. 

Classics

These are the quintessential Christmas songs that everyone recognizes. 

1. “Last Christmas” – Wham! 

It would not be Christmas without this iconic song. “Last Christmas” follows the feelings of facing a past love during a Christmas scene. Despite its release in 1984, Wham!’s hit is still widely popular, and even Gen-Z audiences are especially taken with it today.  

2. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey

One of the best indicators of the start to the Christmas season is when Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” returns to the top of the charts, as it has done consecutively over the past five years despite its 1994 release. Between Carey’s impressive vocal riffs and the joyful Christmas melody, this song is an undeniable classic. No matter how many times you have heard it, you cannot help but find yourself singing along! 

3. “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley might have been released in 1957, but the song itself is timeless enough to still land on the Christmas playlist of many. Similarly to “Last Christmas” by Wham!, “Blue Christmas” deals with the feeling of unrequited love against a holiday backdrop. For those experiencing their first December in Tennessee, it’s worth noting that Presley’s estate, Graceland, is just a few hours from Nashville — yet another reason to add this one to your holiday playlist.

4. “Let it Snow” – Dean Martin 

“Let it Snow” is one of the most covered classic Christmas songs, but Dean Martin’s version definitely takes the fruit cake. Martin’s version was released in 1966, and since, listeners have been drawn by his ability to use his relaxed voice to evoke such Christmas spirit, leaving them ready for the holiday season and the snow. 

5. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams 

For those still not feeling oh-so-festive, allow the lyrics of Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” remind you just how wonderful the season can be. The song recounts what makes this time of the year so magical, such as “There’ll be parties for hosting/Marshmallows for toasting/And caroling out in the snow.” These ideals, combined with Williams’ vocal range, will certainly make you joyful for the holiday season. 

Modern

While we love listening to the oldies, it’s nice to sprinkle in some original Christmas songs by artists of our time. 

1. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson

The upbeat, festive melody paired with Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals creates a sense of excitement about Christmas with every listen, making “Underneath the Tree” a fun song to sing along — and even dance — to. Its main theme, gratitude for the gift of loved ones, serves as a heartfelt reminder of the appreciation we feel for our friends and families, especially during this season of giving. Although this song is, by all standards, a modern one, it will certainly become a classic as time goes on.

2. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande knows how to make a hit. Drawing on elements of pop and R&B, the melody of “Santa Tell Me” has a bubbly yet laid-back feel that gets you in the holiday mood, aided by Grande’s silky soprano voice that never disappoints; and let’s face it: it’s one of those festive songs that is a year-round guilty pleasure. 

3. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber

This song’s endearing lyrics and soft melody give it a warm and cozy feel that is perfect for listening to, whether you are busy driving or simply unwinding at home. Having been released in 2011, it is definitely a modern song, but for many in our generation, it evokes nostalgic feelings and brings back fond memories of Christmas during our childhood. 

4. “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift

The sound of bells and the cheery tone of this song makes it feel like it came straight out of the last scene of a Christmas Hallmark movie. Overall, the song has a lively feel that brings to mind joyful holiday images of playing in the snow, decorating trees and trying to stay warm all while surrounded by loved ones. This Christmas, you too can live out your Hallmark movie dreams by listening to this underrated Taylor Swift tune!

5. “Snowman” – Sia

In contrast to most of the other songs on this list, “Snowman” is a much slower ballad. It centers around unconditional love despite the other person “melting” away like a snowman. However, the song feels very personal and thanks to Sia’s distinct vocals and the piano arrangement, is quite moving. It’s a nice song to listen to when you want to reflect on the people you care about and love this holiday season.

Classics with a twist

This category features some of the most covered classic Christmas songs of all time, but we’ve selected our favorite renditions of them for you to listen to.

1. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – Justin Bieber

This classic has been covered by so many artists, from Frank Sinatra to the Jackson 5, but there’s something refreshing about Justin Bieber’s version. By sampling Jackson 5 classics “I Want You Back” and “ABC” and adding his own lyrics, Bieber delivers a fresh, upbeat take on the song’s melody and style, true to his musical identity when it was released in 2011. Its fun, danceable quality makes it the perfect track for getting into the holiday spirit.

2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé

You would think that Michael Bublé’s rendition of this song is the original because it is just that good. The tone of his voice and the song’s overall soothing, jazzy vibe evoke the 1950s, the era when the song was originally written. Bublé’s rendition is captivating because, although recorded in 2011 and technically “modern,” it is deeply influenced by the traditional swing era of Christmas music — a time that produced many beloved classics. 

3. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson (feat. Sean Ono Lennon)

If you love John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas” but want to hear it take a new form through modern voices, look no further than Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson’s version. Cyrus gives this classic ballad a newfound power through her voice. Additionally, this version manages to pay homage to the original by featuring Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. 

4. “Holly Jolly Christmas” – Dolly Parton

Burl Ives’ 1965 version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” is an enduring classic, but, if you’re looking for a reimagined version with a country twist, Dolly Parton’s take on the holiday favorite is a must-hear. Parton released this version in 2020 when it appeared as the first track on her album “A Holly Dolly Christmas.” This version offers a lighthearted twist with some subtle yet festive commentary throughout the song from Parton herself. 

5. “Drummer Boy” – Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s Christmas album, “Under the Mistletoe,” is a gift that keeps on giving. In his version of “Little Drummer Boy,” Bieber takes creative liberties that elevate the song to a whole new level. For example, he incorporates original rapped verses and drops the word “little” from the title, transforming the song — which has a more serious tone and slower tempo — into a cheery Christmas anthem that feels new and contemporary.