The Top 12 Xmas Songs of All Time
There’s something beyond magical about Christmas songs that stand the test of time. They blend tradition with innovation, creating a sound that captures joy, nostalgia, and the warmth of the holidays. The best songs often combine multiple musical styles. In this countdown of the Top 12 Xmas Songs of all time, we’ll dive into the unique fusion of sounds that makes each song a beloved holiday treasure.
12) Frank Sinatra - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Frank Sintra’s crooning, flawless voice is on full display throughout his version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” An interesting fact is the song was written in 1944 for Judy Garland for the movie Meet Me in St. Louis. In 1957, Sinatra recorded it for his album “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra.” An emotionally moving song, it has been featured in many films including “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Holiday,” “The Family Stone,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Very Murray Christmas.”
11) Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
One of the coolest, and most thematic Christmas songs goes to Bobby Helms. With unique country and rock guitar riffs intermingled between the vocals, “Jingle Bell Rock” was first recorded in 1957. Helms was one of the first to combine Rock n’ Roll with Christmas music. Also, the song was heavily influenced by “Jingle Bells,” and is referenced in the song.
10) Thurl Ravenscroft - You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
The most unique Christmas song goes to Thurl Ravenscroft. “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was recorded in 1966, and Dr. Suess wrote the lyrics. Thurl’s deep, low, bass voice helped create the mysterious song environment. It won a Grammy in 1968 at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Album for Children. This is one of the only Christmas songs to ever win a Grammy.
9) Tchaikovsky - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Tchaikovsky's “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” may be the most magical Christmas song of all time. He wrote it for his ballet, “The Nutcracker.” It premiered in 1892. A song straight out of a fairytale, Tchaikovsky used a bell-like instrument called a celesta to create otherworldly sounds. Over the years, the song has been played in countless Christmas commercials.
8) Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is the highest grossing Christmas song of all time; she earns millions of dollars every holiday season. The song was released in 1994 for her Merry Christmas album and features her signature Gospel vocal riffs. She wrote the song in 15 minutes. Carey even has a national Christmas Pop-Up called Mariah Carey’s Black Irish Holiday Bar. Black Irish is her Irish Cream Liqueur brand.
7) Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The most festive Xmas song of all time goes to Andy Williams. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" was released in 1966 on Williams’ "The Andy Williams Christmas Album." It was written by Edward Pola and George Wyle. A timeless melody with cheerful lyrics, this anthem will get you in the Christmas mood. It was featured in Home Alone 2.
6) Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas Time Is Here
Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time Is Here” was written for “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Released in 1965, the cool, hypnotic, jazz piano track features children singing. The song was an instant hit and evokes childhood nostalgia and wonder. Also, the song features light drum brushwork.
5) Vince Guaraldi Trio - Linus & Lucy
Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus & Lucy" is a Christmas masterpiece. This is by far the most famous Christmas instrumental that was initially written as an instrumental. The song was composed in 1964 and featured in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The left-hand piano bass is one of the most recognizable piano openings of all time. The B section has a Bossa Nova feel and the C section goes full swing before coming back to the main melody.
4) Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded “Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree” in 1958. Now that is impressive! Johnny Marks wrote the song. Lee’s nickname was “Little Miss Dynamite” due to her mature and powerful voice. The song combines country, pop, and rockabilly. There’s also a cool saxophone solo.
3) Bing Crosby – White Christmas
Bing Crosby released his masterpiece, “White Christmas,” in 1942. Irving Berlin wrote the song for the movie, Holiday Inn starring Crosby and Fred Astaire. The song has sold over 50 million physical copies to date and has a real, old time Christmas feel to it. Bing Crosby was the greatest crooner of all time. Without him there would be no Frank Sinatra.
2) Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
Nat King Cole simply had a magical voice. “The Christmas Song” was written in 1945 by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells during a hot summer in Los Angeles. Cole recorded the song in 1946, 1953, and 1961. The 1961 version is the most famous version we all know and love. There is so much Christmas warmth layered inside this song.
1) Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run
The number one Christmas song of all time goes to bluesman Chuck Berry. The song was recorded in 1958 at Chess Records in Chicago. How many Blues artists can say they have a hit Christmas song? This is the national anthem of Christmas songs, and shows Berry inventing blues rock on the spot. The song wasn’t even a hit when it was first released. It has since turned into a signature song. “Run Rudolph Run” climbed up to Billboards’ Top Ten Chart after 62 years and two weeks. This is a record that will not be broken.
