There are so many versions of Christmas music out there, I decided to list my favorite songs as well as my favorite versions. I like the upbeat, happy Christmas songs over the overwrought melodramatic/somber/sad ones.
In no particular order.....
All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey
Overplayed? Yes. Bubblegum pop-y? Yep. Do I care? Nope.
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Classic version from such a fantastic crooner.
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
And I don't even like chestnuts all that much.
Something About Christmas Time - Bryan Adams
Might be my favorite contemporary Christmas pop song.
Santa Claus is Comin' To Town - Bruce Springsteen
Practice real hard so Santa can bring you a brand new saxophone.
Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen
I'm really not that into Bruce, but this song makes me sort of get it.
Jingle Bell Rock - Hall & Oates
Might have more to do with their cheesy music video, but I love their version the best.
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Peggy Lee
Fun fact: I always thought it sounded like "later we'll have some f***ing pie". Took me several years to listen to that without laughing
Sleigh Ride - Harry Connick Jr
I dig the swing-y style of this version over the doo wap-ish Rondelles version.
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Harry Connick Jr
Harry's first Christmas album was a true gem. This version is so much fun.
Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
Not sure why this song gets so much hate. I have always loved this song.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp
Johnny brings the folksy twang. The violin/fiddle is a welcomed addition. Could do without the children singing at the end, but what are you gonna do?
Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid
All Star lineup singing about Christmas and helping the less fortunate with an 80s sound like nothing else. Sign me up.
A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
I have a theory that Burl Ives was actually Santa Claus for a few years, because Burl was more Christmas-y.
Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
New Wave Christmas music. Once the horns kick in, this song is tough to beat.
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bing Crosby
Another classic
Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
Because IT IS! A few dated references and jargon might get a little cringy, but Andy mellow voice smooths over any rough edges.
Step Into Christmas - Elton John
Upbeat, fun, catchy, and dedicated to having the Christmas spirit. A big win for Sir Elton.
Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi
One of my few somber Christmas favorites. This song's eternal connection to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts is perfect.
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Johnny Mathis
I sing this song to myself every year while putting up the Christmas lights. No, really.
Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby
Best Hawaiian Christmas song ever.
Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley
The King knew his way around a Christmas album. Just ahead of Blue Christmas for me.
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
Getting dangerously close to being overplayed for me since the local radio station makes sure they play it once every hour.
Let It Snow - Dean Martin
You're right, this isn't really a Christmas song, but I'll allow it.
Last Christmas - Wham!
George Michael knows how to sing a hit song no matter the season.
Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC
Helps make Die Hard a great Christmas movie
