Top 10 Christmas Songs of All Time

Is it really Christmas if you don’t hear Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” blasting in every store 24/7? I always get hate for this, but I really dislike Christmas music, like really dislike it. Maybe it’s the trauma of singing the same songs every year for the school pageant or listening to those songs get “rejuvenated” by pop singers. 

I think most people who have worked in retail feel my pain to some extent. And yes, I know I sound like the Grinch right now. I mean, who in their right mind hates music that inspires and carries us into a season of family, love, and hope? Don’t worry. I do have some favorites that I still love. So without further ado, my top 10 Christmas songs. 

#10: Winter Wonderland by Soft Eyez  

Sometimes we want to listen to Christmas music to get in the holiday spirit, but we can’t listen to music with words since it distracts us from studying for finals, so I gift you the world of LoFi Christmas. Chill hip hop/electronic beats mixed with the most Christmas-y melodies you can remember. Winter Wonderland by Soft Eyez is probably my favorite LoFi Christmas song at the moment, but that can always change. 

#9: What Christmas Means to Me by Stevie Wonder

If Stevie Wonder doesn’t make you want to get up and dance, then we can’t be friends. Who doesn’t want a little Wonder with their Christmas? 

Christmas music can feel redundant and overplayed at times, but there is something magical about it. It sets the mood for a whole season of giving. Hopefully, you enjoyed this list, and if you want to listen to it here is a link to my Spotify playlist. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!! 

#8: Like It’s Christmas by Jonas Brothers

It’s the Jonas Brothers singing their own Christmas song. Need I say more? And if you don’t like the Jonas Brothers, I’m sorry for you. The real question is, which one is your favorite? (P.S. They released another Christmas Song earlier this year.) 

#7: Mary, Did You Know? by Pentatonix

I love this version for so many reasons. First things first, they absolutely crushed this song. Second, I love this song is because Pentatonix has two openly gay members, and the band is an LGBTQ ally, and anyone who knows me knows that I love to spread mild chaos anywhere I go. So watching some of the super religious people in my life struggle on whether they should listen to the song brings me chaotic joy. But for real, Pentatonix absolutely crushes this song and should be a must-listen during the Holiday Season. 

#6: The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) by Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole singing one of the most recognizable songs of all time puts you in the Christmas-y mood. I just want to sit next to a fireplace while drinking hot chocolate surrounded by those I love. It’s just the perfect cozy Christmas song, and I love everything about it.

#5: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Bublé

Welcome to another overplayed Christmas song, but just like Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Bublé’s voice hits you where it counts. 

#4: Let It Snow by Tori Kelly

The best vocalist of our generation (I said what I said) released a Christmas album this year, and I would be remiss if I didn’t put at least one of her songs on this list. If you haven’t already listened to it, then do yourself a favor and go. This list will be here when you come back. 

#3: Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande

Do I think this song is my generation’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”? Absolutely! You can’t deny the fact that she can sing. There is something fun about this song. Will it make the Family Christmas Party Playlist? Probably not, but that’s more because my family is pretty boring. (Love you guys!) But I do get a little pep in my step when I hear it blasting in a store when I’m Christmas shopping. 

#2: Baby It’s Cold Outside by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan

We have all heard the Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga version of this song. And yes, I know about the “controversy” over some of the lyrics, but that’s a different issue. Why do I love this version of this Christmas classic? The answer is simple, Ella Fitzgerald. I could listen to her sing me the alphabet on repeat, so hearing the Queen of Jazz sing a song that has been overplayed for God knows how long really does make me feel the Christmas spirit. 

#1: All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey 

Do I like this song? Maybe. Did I have to listen to it on repeat for 8 hours straight one time because the Music Player at the Barnes and Noble I was working, broke so it could only play the one song for my whole shift? Yes. 

I’m not equating Mariah’s whistle tones with torture because it could have been any song playing, and around hour 4, I still would have wanted to shove a knife in my ear. So why did I put this at number one? Because regardless if you like this song or not, you have to respect the fact that Mariah Carey made one of the all-time catchiest Christmas songs ever. She makes an excessive amount of money a year off of one song. And for that reason, she is number one on this list. 

Ok. Your turn. Which Christmas songs are your absolute favorite?

P.S. If you need some ideas on what to bring to Christmas Dinner, we got you.