The Best Christmas Songs List: Popular Christmas Music
Christmas songs are a beloved part of the holiday season, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and joy to homes around the world. Whether you’re decking the halls, wrapping gifts, or settling in by the fire, the right festive tunes can set the perfect mood. In this post, we’ll dive into the most popular Christmas songs of all time, celebrate iconic UK Christmas hits, and explore how you or your teen can create their own Christmas classics.
The 12 Most Popular Christmas Songs
These global favourites have become synonymous with the holidays, filling homes and hearts with festive cheer:
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
This powerhouse ballad has topped the charts every December since its release in 1994. With its timeless melody and upbeat energy, it’s an undeniable holiday staple. Did you know that Mariah Carey supposedly makes over 2 million pounds a year from the song?
2. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
George Michael’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s bittersweet story make this a must-listen every year. In fact, it’s so popular that it has been streamed over 4 billion times. To celebrate its 40 year anniversary BBC has even made a film, WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped.
3. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
This toe-tapping hit blends traditional holiday themes with rock-and-roll vibes. Your kids may recognise this song from Lindsey Lohan singing it in Mean Girls but the original song actually came out in 1957.
4. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé
Personally, I think the whole Michael Bublé Christmas album is a classic, but this is definitely the most famous track. Bublé’s silky vocals breathe new life into this holiday classic, making it a playlist essential.
5. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Who doesn’t love a bit of snow during the holiday season? This nostalgic tune is the best-selling single of all time, capturing dreams of a snowy festive season.
6. “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
This catchy tune is always stuck in my head – even if it isn’t Christmas time. A bilingual Christmas anthem that uniquely combines simplicity and joy.
7. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Bruce Springsteen
Originally released in 1934 this song has been resung by the links of Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Frank Sinatra and…. Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen’s rock version brings a fresh twist to this cheerful track.
8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Judy Garland
This sentimental classic has been covered by countless artists, yet Garland’s original in Meet Me in St. Louis remains unforgettable. Judy Garland may be too “old school” for your kids to remember but mention that Billie Eilish and Sam Smith have also had a go at it and they may recognise the tune.
9. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Dean Martin
This playful duet adds charm and romance to the holiday repertoire. It’s the perfect track for Christmas karaoke!
10. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry
Sung by parents around the world, it would be a challenge to find a child who doesn’t know this song. This song is perfect for family gatherings and brings to life a beloved Christmas character.
11. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
Darlene Love’s iconic Christmas song, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), was originally recorded in 1963 and has since become a holiday classic. The song features Love’s powerful vocals and an emotionally charged plea for a loved one to return home for Christmas. Over the years, it has been featured on various Christmas albums, films, tv-series and performances, becoming a staple of festive playlists.
12. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” – Nat King Cole
Written by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells, the song is famous for its warm, cosy imagery of a perfect Christmas, with lyrics about chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Santa Claus coming to town. Nat King Cole’s smooth and rich voice adds a timeless charm to the song, making it a staple on holiday playlists year after year
The Top 10 Christmas Songs by UK Artists
The UK has given the world some of the most unforgettable Christmas tracks, each with its unique style and charm:
1. “Merry Xmas Everybody” – Slade
A high-energy anthem that captures the festive spirit of 1970s Britain. Its iconic opening shout, “It’s Christmaaaas!”, is impossible to ignore.
2. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
A raw, emotional ballad that contrasts the joy and struggles of the season. The song, though never a UK Christmas number one, has remained a beloved classic, reaching the UK Top 20 twenty times since its 1987 release, including every Christmas since 2005.
3. “Step Into Christmas” – Elton John
Four years ago, Step Into Christmas gained a fresh audience on TikTok through the #StepIntoChristmas challenge, which amassed over 100 million views. A seasonal favourite, it was the ninth most-played Christmas song in the UK in 2009 and has re-entered the charts every December since 2011. Elton’s playful lyrics and lively melody make this song an instant mood booster.
4. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney is from the world-renowned band, The Beatles but when they broke up he struck out on his own. McCartney’s warm vocals and cheerful synth tune have made this a seasonal favourite.
5. “Stay Another Day” – East 17
Some say the boyband East 17 walked, so One Direction could fly. This heartfelt ballad became a surprise Christmas hit, capturing the mood of the holiday season.
6. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid
This is a charity single written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to support relief efforts for the 1983–1985 Ethiopian famine. It was initially recorded by Band Aid, a supergroup formed by Geldof and Ure, featuring renowned British and Irish artists.
7. “2000 Miles” – The Pretenders
Okay so The Pretends are a British-American band but we still think it counts. A dreamy and melancholic tune, often overlooked but cherished by its fans.
8. “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” – The Darkness
This rock-infused track combines humour and holiday spirit in true Darkness fashion. Released on 15 December 2003, the song reimagines the typical Christmas tune, blending festive references to Santa and bells with Justin Hawkins’s signature falsetto.
9. “Driving Home for Christmas” – Chris Rea
A soothing ballad that perfectly captures the feeling of returning to loved ones for the holidays.
10. “Thank God It’s Christmas” – Queen
Unless you’re a die-hard fan you may not have known that Queen had a Christmas song. However, Freddie Mercury’s powerful voice shines in this reflective, celebratory anthem.
10 Newer Christmas Songs Your Kids Might Know (Released After 2010)
In recent years, a new wave of Christmas songs has taken over playlists and social media feeds, capturing the hearts of a younger generation. While timeless classics like “Last Christmas” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You” continue to dominate, these modern hits have introduced festive cheer to children and teens who might not resonate as strongly with older tunes.
With catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and viral moments on platforms like TikTok, these contemporary Christmas songs are becoming the soundtrack of the season for today’s youth.
1. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
Beliebers unite, this song is the one for you. A romantic, acoustic-driven song released in 2011 that quickly became a holiday staple for younger audiences.
2. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
This upbeat track released in 2013 captures the joy and magic of Christmas with Clarkson’s powerful vocals.
3. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
Grande released her debut Christmas EP, Christmas Kisses, on December 17, 2013. But, this song is a 2014 pop favourite that blends festive cheer with a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics.
4. “Everyday Is Christmas” – Sia
From Sia’s album of the same name (yes she has more than one Christmas song), this song brings a whimsical, uplifting energy to the season.
5. “Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers
The Disney Channel watchers of the world will know what I am talking about. This is a cheerful track released in 2019 that celebrates the love and warmth of the holidays.
6. “Cozy Little Christmas” – Katy Perry
A jazzy, light-hearted song about the joys of spending Christmas with friends and family.
7. “All I Want (For Christmas)” – Liam Payne
A heartfelt ballad that highlights the emotional side of the holidays. Tragically, Payne recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of memorable hits and a devoted fanbase.
This song is a testament to his artistry and the way he could touch hearts, especially during the festive season. As we listen to this beautiful track, it serves as a poignant reminder of his incredible contribution to the music world and the joy he brought to so many fans worldwide.
8. “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift
The real Swifties will know this song. Released in 2019 and inspired by her childhood on a Christmas tree farm, this song evokes nostalgic holiday imagery.
9. “Glittery” – Kacey Musgraves feat. Troye Sivan
Public service announcement: Spud can sing – but you probably knew that already! Glittery is a duet that feels intimate and magical, perfect for a cosy Christmas evening.
10. “Merry Christmas” – Ed Sheeran & Elton John
In 2021, at the age of 74 Elton John was still releasing music – and still releasing amazing music at that. This song is a fun and heartfelt collaboration filled with festive spirit, released to support charity.
How To Write Your Own Christmas Songs
Creating a Christmas song is a unique challenge that allows for creativity and self-expression. Here’s how to get started:
1. Find Your Theme
Every great Christmas song has a strong theme. Think about what resonates with you:
- Joy and celebration (Step Into Christmas).
- Family and nostalgia (Driving Home for Christmas).
- Heartbreak and longing (Last Christmas).
- Charity and giving back (Do They Know It’s Christmas?).
2. Choose a Catchy Hook
The best Christmas songs are instantly recognisable. Your chorus should be simple and memorable, with lyrics that listeners can easily sing along to. For example, Slade’s “It’s Christmaaaas!” is iconic.
3. Add Festive Imagery
Include seasonal elements like snow, lights, carols, and mistletoe. Vivid imagery helps listeners feel the holiday spirit.
4. Incorporate Traditional Sounds
Use instruments or effects that evoke Christmas: sleigh bells, choirs, pianos, or strings. These details create a magical atmosphere.
5. Use Emotion
Whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or reflection, Christmas songs resonate when they connect emotionally with the audience.
6. Experiment With Genres
Christmas music isn’t limited to one style. Blend genres like pop, rock, R&B, or even rap to make your track stand out.
7. Refine Your Lyrics and Melody
Keep your lyrics concise and your melody uplifting. A strong opening line is essential for grabbing attention.
At Song Academy, we offer workshops and clubs to help young songwriters bring their ideas to life. Whether your kid wants to create a festive ballad or a quirky holiday anthem, our expert guidance ensures they’re on the right track.
Why not make songwriting part of your child’s Christmas holidays? It’s a rewarding creative outlet—and who knows, it might become the next big hit! Don’t forget to check out our Young Songwriter Competition to showcase their work.
Conclusion
Christmas songs are more than just music—they’re part of the memories we cherish during the holiday season. From timeless classics to modern UK hits, these tracks bring people together in celebration.
If your teen is inspired to create their own festive song, Song Academy is here to help. With our courses, clubs, and workshops, they can turn their ideas into something truly magical. Let this holiday season be the start of their musical journey.
So, press play on these iconic tracks, pick up a pen, and let the music of Christmas inspire you!
