Welcome to the article you’ve all been waiting for! We’ve already given you 46 elite Christmas songs to add to your 2019 Christmas playlist; here’s our final top 25.
25. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole (1967)
Rachel & Peter: We agree that this is the correct answer, but if you’re looking for a slightly newer version, John Legend’s version of the song from this year is very good too.
24. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band (1971)
Rachel & Peter: There really isn’t much we need to say here. This is really the only choice you can make.
23. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft (1966)
Rachel & Peter: This is the version from the original cartoon “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” I’m sure when you think of this song, this is the version you think of – the deep baritone and the sinister attitude. Other versions of this song come from the other versions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas including Jim Carrey’s rendition from the 2000 version of the movie and Tyler the Creators version from 2018.
22. “This Christmas” by Christina Aguilera (2000)
Peter: This is a song that’s all about fun. I’m going with the most fun version of this song, and that is Christina’s. Some songs are much better in a slow and soft tune, but this one is for sure not one of them
Rachel: While Christina’s version is great, I actually prefer the softer version by Lady Antebellum (2012). I enjoy a throaty riff from Queen Aguilera as much as anyone else, but I think the sweeter tunes from Lady Antebellum hit my ear a bit kinder on Christmas.
21. “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives (1965)
Peter: This song, sung by Sam the Snowman, is the best. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a fixture in my house. We would always watch it on December 1st, and this song, right at the end was great. The Bumble (before it was a dating app), was helping all of the elves decorate the massive tree, and this song really brings back great memories.
Rachel: Burl Ives’ version is obviously the OG version of this song, and although I’m usual partial to the originals (cc: all my Bing Crosby entries), I just love Buble’s version from 2012. It’s slightly less staccato and is the version I immediately think of.
20. “Santa Baby” by Taylor Swift (2008)
Rachel: I cannot stand Madonna’s baby voice version. I get that she’s trying to channel sexy Happy Birthday here but I’m not for it – definitely doesn’t make me feel comfortable if it’s playing while I’m opening presents with my family. But Taylor Swift’s version does! She gives the country twang to it and makes it much more inviting and fun to listen to.
Peter: Kylie Minogue (2000) Rachel’s take on Madonna’s voice is correct. This is not a present opening song. But this is a great song for a Christmas party. That’s where this version works. TSwift is my girl, don’t get me wrong, but this song is literally all about flirting with Santa (a married man no less), and it’s gonna take a bit more than innocent Taylor to be successful there. Kylie’s version is just as flirty and is bordering on sultry with the slower pace and jazz riffs, but it doesn’t have that cringe worthy baby voice added in.
19. “Please Come Home For Christmas” by The Eagles (1978)
Rachel & Peter: We also agree this is the correct answer, but an alternative version if you’re looking to create a more modern playlist is Kelly Clarkson’s version from 2013.
18. “Silver Bells” by Bing Crosby (1950)
Rachel: I think Bing’s version is perfection – there should be no “modern” versions of this song. It’s a classic and his voice is exactly what I want to hear when I hear this version in a store, at home or in a movie.
Peter: I agree in the sense that this song should never be covered by anyone under the age of sixty. It’s that kind of song. But Stevie Wonder’s Motown flair adds just enough to this classic song, without taking away any of the message that it is supposed to convey. Also I’m not the biggest fan of Carol Richards in Bing’s version.
17. “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Whitney Houston (1987)
Rachel & Peter: You can never go wrong with Whitney. We just think that she has the most unique version of this song, with its increased tempo and her once in a generation voice. For a classic version definitely listen to Bing Crosby here, and for a more modern one the version sung by Kristinia DeBarge really works.
16. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
Rachel: This is probably one of the most iconic Christmas songs – the only reason we don’t have it higher on the list is because it’s obviously pretty repetitive which to me makes it not as much to sing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dance to it! Alternative version for your modern playlist would be the Glee Casts version from 2012.
Peter: Daryl Hall & John Oates. This version adds a little more pop into Helms’ classic version. Both of them are really good, but I rank this one juuuust a bit higher. However the best video version of this is one billion percent Mean Girls. Fun fact about this version, it was released as a two sided single, one featured Hall as the lead singer, the other had Oates. I prefer the one featuring Hall, but I’m sure they both made Sara smile (Yeah I hate me too.)
15. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee (1958)
Rachel & Peter: This is the classic version of this song, and it’s really the only acceptable version to listen to. There are some out there that are fine, but this one (also on the Home Alone soundtrack) is by far the best.
14. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Carrie Underwood (2009)
Rachel & Peter: Carrie Underwood has a lot of good Christmas Music, but this one is definitely her best. Probably the most religious song we have in our top 25 but her voice and country flair pushes it to this height.
13. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande (2013)
Peter & Rachel: The song of the decade (at least the Christmas song of the decade). This is definitely the best Christmas song written in the past 15 years. If Mariah didn’t exist, this might be the greatest Christmas pop song ever.
12. “Last Christmas” by Taylor Swift (2008)
Rachel & Peter: Taylor in her innocent “Fearless” and country prime. This song is perfect for that version of Taylor, letting her channel her own young, slightly naive romantic life. Honestly, if this song didn’t exist prior to Taylor, it’s the type of song that might’ve actually been written by her.
11. “Winter Wonderland” by Louis Armstrong (1964)
Rachel: Per usual, I’m partial to the Bing Crosby version but I respect Louis Armstrong as well. This version is a bit slower I like Bing’s uppace version a bit more and his voice just soothes me more than the slightly garggly version Armstrong is so well known for. Alternate version for a more modern sound would be the Pentatonix & Tori Kelly from 2015.
Peter: I love the jazz version of this song that Satchmo has. It’s just so beautiful and it just gives me that vibe of walking down a street filled with Christmas lights. That first ” Sleight. Bells. Ring.” in his unique jazz swing is just a perfect opener too.
10. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Mel Torme, Hugh Martin (1990)
Rachel: You know it’s a good Christmas song when you simply can’t choose which version is the best. We wrestled with this one for a while. My favorite older version is by Judy Garland followed by Frank Sinatra or Mel Torme while my favorite modern version is by Sam Smith followed closely by Christina Agulera. The song was actually written by Hugh Martin in 1944 and performed by Judy Garland but this version from Home Alone is also very soothing and enjoyable.
Peter: It has to be Xtina. Her version of this song is the most fun, and that’s what this song is all about. It’s kind of like a Christmasy take on “I Will Always Love You,” and this version does that image the best. Also this take is coming from someone who watches Home Alone in July, so you should take that into consideration too. That’s just how much better Christina’s version is.
9. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Buble (2012)
Rachel: In my opinion, this is Buble’s most iconic entry into the Christmas music world. He made a huge splash when he came out with his album in 2012, sounding like a modern Bing himself, but I think this is his peak. I love this song and his rendition.
Peter: Again, Buble just makes me angry so he’s definitely not my choice. I prefer Johnny Mathis. This song is an absolute classic, and the best version of it deserves to be sung by a legend. Not by a guy who used to date Emily Blunt (she’s great btw, love Sicario).
8. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by ‘NSYNC (1998)
Rachel & Peter: If this song doesn’t have you dancing within the first 10 seconds then we don’t know what to say. Not only is it a great dance song, but it’s also a really fun song to sing – we know you’re trying to hit that final high note on Happy Holidays in the last 30 seconds… we know we are at least. We don’t want to hear any judgement we truly believe this belongs in the top 10 – it’s festive, fun and always gets us in the Christmas spirit.
7. “Christmas” by Mariah Carey (1994)
Rachel & Peter: We don’t believe you if you say your hips don’t start moving the second you hear the tambourines start hitting in the background when the song starts. Mariah Carey is obviously a Christmas ICON. Her 1994 album literally changed the Christmas music landscape forever and while we’ll get to her more famous song in a bit… Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is also extremely iconic, catchy and important.
Peter: One quick addition here. This is the best version, but I also love Bon Jovi’s live version. Check that one out too, because let’s be honest you’ll be binging all of these.
6.“Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill (2000)
Rachel: Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas movies, not just for it’s amazing cast, great memes and nostalgic entertaining vibes, but because it has a great soundtrack too with this song being the crown jewel. In the movie, this song is sung by Cindy Lou Who in Taylor Momsen’s cute 7 year old voice, just a girl who wants to have the perfect Christmas and make sure everyone, even the Grinch, feels the love on a holiday that reminds us to appreciate our family and friends. The Faith Hill version is played in the credits and her voice, along with Cindy Lou Who’s message, makes this song easily in the top 10.
5. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen (1978)
Rachel & Peter: Bruce’s joyful demeanor and rock vibe makes this easily the best version of this Christmas classic. Plus, this is a Dad & Mom favorite that make them extremely excited when it comes on, which can’t be understated. This is my (Peter) all time favorite Christmas song. Springsteen’s uncanny ability to make this song hit even when he plays at concerts in the summer is awesome too. Though I would be wrong if I didn’t mention that this song is absolutely not the same without Clarence Clemons acting as Santa and giving us one of his best sax solos.
4. “Silent Night” by Mariah Carey (1994)
Rachel: When I think of this song, I think of the power of Mariah’s voice with the huge percussion behind her, bursting into the final chorus. This song definitely can bring me to tears. Also, I love the Bing Crosby version (what’s new).
Peter: Stevie Nicks- This is a top three song for me. That’s how much I love this version. I used to torture my family by listening to this song over and over and over again. Her unique and unmistakable voice makes this Christmas classic a must have on any playlist.
3. “O Holy Night” by Celine Dion (1998)
Rachel & Peter: There are a lot of great versions of this song. It’s a classic, and there really are so many good ones to pick. Mariah, Bing Crosby, Sinatra etc. There are even some great modern versions, like John Legend’s and the ‘NSYNC acappella rendition. But none of these hold a candle to Celine. Her version is just so beautiful, and it is one of the songs we listen to most this time of year. The pure raw emotion that she brings to the table here is second to none.
2. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby (1942)
Rachel: This is actually my number one favorite Christmas song of all time. I hear this and I immediately picture myself back at my childhood home with our huge 9 foot Christmas tree sparkling as I spend time with my parents. It encapsulates everything I think is magical about the Christmas season: warmth, family, love.
Peter: The doo-wop version by the Drifters. This one is from Home Alone. You know that scene where Kevin is putting on the aftershave? For me “White Christmas” exemplifies the excitement the dreams that people have on Christmas. Bing’s version is a classic, but it doesn’t have that same energy that 5 year-old (or let’s be honest 23 year-old me) has when anticipating Christmas.
1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey (1994)
Rachel & Peter: It’s a testament to the Queen of Christmas that she didn’t have a single song pop up on this list until contributing three to the top 10. We think it’s fair to say this is the most iconic Christmas song of all time – it genuinely baffles us that other people try to make their own version. This song is an absolute banger that returns to the top of the charts every single year around this time because it’s just that good. We don’t know what people did before 1994 – we’ll forever love belting out this song. Merry Christmas!
