The best 20 Christmas songs ever made

Every December, the same tracks start dominating playlists, topping charts, and soundtracking everything from shopping stores to family gatherings. But what makes a Christmas song truly great? Is it the production, the nostalgia, the cultural impact, or just that indefinable festive magic?

We've put together a list of the 20 best Christmas songs ever recorded, from timeless carols that have been around for centuries to modern pop anthems that have redefined the genre. Whether you're a music production student analysing the perfect holiday mix or just someone who appreciates a well-crafted tune, this is your definitive guide to Christmas music's greatest hits.

What actually makes a Christmas song?

Before we dive in, let's define what we're talking about. A Christmas song is any piece of music that celebrates the themes, traditions, and emotions associated with the festive season. These tracks often reflect joy, warmth, nostalgia, and that distinctly cosy feeling that December brings.

There are generally two categories:

• Traditional carols

Traditional carols have roots in religious traditions and often celebrate the nativity story. Many of these are centuries old and have become a fundamental part of Christmas services and gatherings. They're usually more reverent, with simpler arrangements designed for communal singing.

• Modern Christmas songs

Modern Christmas songs are popular tracks, often secular, that evoke the joy, magic, and festive atmosphere of Christmas without necessarily focusing on religious themes. These tend to be more production-heavy, designed for radio play and streaming rather than church services.

Both have their place, and the best Christmas playlists blend the two.

The 20 best Christmas songs of all time

Here's our ranking of the greatest Christmas tracks ever recorded, based on cultural impact, commercial success, production quality, and sheer festive power.

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Let's be honest: this is the undisputed champion of modern Christmas music. Released in 1994, Mariah Carey's instant classic has generated over $60 million in royalties by 2017, and has become the most successful holiday song of the streaming era. It re-charts on the Billboard Hot 100 every single December like clockwork.

Mariah Carey isn't just the Queen of Christmas; she wrote the blueprint for what a modern Christmas hit should sound like.

2. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl

Released in 1987, it's a beautifully messy, bittersweet duet between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl that tells the story of a couple arguing on Christmas Eve. The production is raw, the lyrics are heartbreaking, and it captures something real about the holidays that most songs ignore.

It's particularly huge in the UK and Ireland, where it regularly tops "greatest Christmas song" polls. The combination of Irish folk instrumentation, punk energy, and genuine emotion makes it utterly timeless.

3. Last Christmas - Wham!

George Michael wrote this in his bedroom in 1984, and it's become one of the best-selling Christmas singles of all time. The production is quintessentially 80s, those synth chords, that drum machine, the layered vocals, but somehow it never sounds dated.

It's the perfect soundtrack for both Christmas parties and those quiet, reflective moments when you're thinking about relationships that didn't work out. And yes, it's been covered hundreds of times, but the original is still untouchable.

4. White Christmas - Bing Crosby

The original. The standard. The best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies. Bing Crosby's 1942 version defined what Christmas music could be: warm, nostalgic, and perfectly produced for its era.

It's been covered by literally everyone, but Crosby's version remains definitive.

5. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Written as an anti-Vietnam War protest song in 1971, this track has transcended its original context to become a genuine Christmas anthem. The message is simple but powerful: if we want peace, we can make it happen. The production features the Harlem Community Choir, giving it a communal, hopeful feel that perfectly captures the idealism of the season.

6. Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wrote this in 1984 to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief, and it became one of the fastest-selling singles in UK chart history. The all-star lineup of Bono, George Michael, Sting, Boy George, and Paul Young was unprecedented at the time.

7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Forget the Jackson 5 version (though that's great too). Springsteen's 1975 live recording is the definitive rock 'n' roll Christmas track. It's got that raw, energetic E Street Band sound, with Clarence Clemons' saxophone absolutely wailing over the top.

The production is gloriously messy and live, capturing genuine excitement and energy.

8. Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade

Released in 1973, this became the ultimate British Christmas singalong. It's loud, it's cheerful, and it doesn't try to be anything more than a massive party anthem. Noddy Holder's vocal is absolutely iconic; that drawn-out "It's Christmaaaaaas!" is instantly recognisable.

The glam rock production is perfectly of its era, but somehow it works every single December.

9. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

This 1957 track was one of the first to bring rock 'n' roll energy to Christmas music. The swing rhythm, the doo-wop backing vocals, the jaunty arrangement, it captured the optimism of 1950s America and packaged it into a perfect three-minute pop song.

It's been used in countless films, TV shows, and adverts, and it still sounds fresh.

10. Merry Christmas - Ed Sheeran & Elton John

Released in 2021, this collaboration between two British music giants became an instant modern classic. The production blends Sheeran's contemporary pop sensibilities with Elton John's timeless piano-driven style, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

It reached #1 in the UK within days of release and has quickly established itself as part of the new generation of Christmas classics.

11. Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea

This 1986 track captures something specific: that feeling of heading home for the holidays. The production is classic 80s soft rock, with Rea's distinctive raspy vocals and a melody that perfectly evokes both excitement and nostalgia.

12. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee was just 13 years old when she recorded this in 1958, but you'd never know it from the confident, powerful vocal performance. The production combines rockabilly energy with festive jingling, creating something that works equally well at family gatherings and Christmas parties.

13. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson

Released in 2013, this modern Christmas anthem proves that contemporary artists can still write genuine Christmas classics. The production is pure pop perfection with big drums, layered vocals, and a massive chorus that’s designed for sing-alongs. It’s got that Phil Spector wall-of-sound influence that made Mariah Carey’s track work so well. 

The song became an instant hit and now re-charts every December, proving it has genuine staying power. 

14. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney

This 1979 solo effort from McCartney is divisive. Some people find it annoying; others (us included) think it's brilliantly weird. The synth-heavy production was McCartney experimenting with new technology, and the result is wonderfully strange and childlike.

15. Step Into Christmas - Elton John

Released in 1973, this is one of the most underrated Christmas songs ever recorded. The production is classic Elton John and Bernie Taupin, piano-driven, melodically rich, with a genuine warmth that never tips into sentimentality. 

It should be as big as "Merry Xmas Everybody" or "Fairytale of New York," but somehow it's remained a bit of a cult favourite.

16. Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie

This 1977 duet is one of the strangest and most wonderful moments in Christmas music history. Bing Crosby, the voice of traditional Christmas, paired with David Bowie, the ultimate chameleon of rock, shouldn’t work. But it absolutely does. 

The production bridges generations and genres, with Bowie singing a countermelody over Crosby’s traditional Little Drummer Boy. 

17. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

Released in 1963, this is pure Christmas joy distilled into music. The production is big, brassy, and optimistic, and with Andy Williams’ smooth vocals delivering the kind of uncomplicated happiness that defines the season for many people.

It's been used in countless Christmas adverts and films, and for good reason: it's impossible to listen to without feeling at least a little bit festive.

18. Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

This 1953 jazz standard is delightfully cheeky and completely unlike any other Christmas song. Eartha Kitt's sultry, playful vocal performance turned a simple novelty song into something genuinely iconic.

The song has been covered countless times; Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift have all had a go, but Kitt's original remains untouchable.

19. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland

Originally written for the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, Judy Garland's version is deeply emotional and bittersweet.

The production is simple but effective, letting Garland's voice do the heavy lifting. It's been covered countless times, but the original remains the most moving.

20. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano

Released in 1970, this bilingual Christmas anthem introduced Spanish flair to mainstream Christmas music. The production is joyful and uncomplicated, with just guitar, vocals, and rhythm section creating something universally appealing.

It's become a worldwide favourite for good reason.

What makes a Christmas song successful?

If you’re a music producer or songwriter, understanding what makes a Christmas song work is genuinely valuable. These tracks generate millions in royalties year after year, and the successful ones follow certain patterns. 

Firstly, nearly every Christmas song uses sleigh bells or jingle bells somewhere in the arrangement. They trigger festive associations, but the best producers use them sparingly as accents rather than constant rhythmic elements.

Lush string sections evoke warmth and nostalgia, whether it’s the sweeping orchestration of White Christmas or the dramatic strings in All I Want for Christmas is You, and the strings add emotional depth and production value. 

Christmas songs often feature thick vocal arrangements with multiple harmony parts, creating a sense of communal celebration and making the chorus feel bigger. Listen to how Mariah Carey stacks her vocals in All I Want for Christmas Is You; there are dozens of vocal tracks creating that massive sound.

Even modern Christmas songs often use vintage production techniques such as tape saturation, analogue warmth, and vinyl crackle to make the song feel like it's always existed, even when they’re brand new. It's why Merry Christmas by Ed Sheeran and Elton John feels instantly familiar despite being released in 2021.

Where can you study music production?

At dBs Institute of Music, we offer specialised courses in electronic music production, songwriting, vocal artistry and music performance across our Bristol, Manchester, and Plymouth campuses. Our students learn the technical skills and creative approaches that go into producing everything from Christmas classics to cutting-edge electronic music. 

With connections to industry professionals, record labels, and festivals, dBs provides networking opportunities and insights that can launch your music career. Plus, through initiatives like dBs Pro, students work on real-world projects while they study. 

Whether you want to produce the next Christmas chart-topper or pursue any other path in music, dBs Institute has the courses, facilities, and industry connections to help you get there.