As an avid music fan, I am constantly making playlists. I have a playlist for fall, for what I’m listening to in 2023, and even a playlist inspired by my dad’s taste in music! I think music is a great way to get yourself into a good mood or mindset, and it’s an even better way to get to know someone. Keeping that in mind, I am also a huge fan of Christmas! I love the aesthetic that Christmas brings, with all the twinkling lights illuminating windows, the glistening of snow, and the heavy, warm clothes. Nothing beats the feeling of throwing on some flannel pajama pants, making a hot cup of cocoa, and listening to your favorite Christmas songs. While we all have our favorite classics, there are so many other great Christmas songs that have been slept on! Here are some songs that should definitely be added to your Christmas playlist if they aren’t already.
“Santa Claus is coming to town” by Justin Bieber
As a child of the early 2000s who grew up in the 2010s, Justin Bieber had a chokehold on me. I did have Bieber Fever, and I was not afraid to admit it. When his Christmas album Under The Mistletoe dropped in 2011, my mind was blown. Justin Bieber and Christmas? Sign me up! The peppiness of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town” is absolutely unmatched, and you really can’t help but just bop your head along and enjoy baby Bieber.
“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has done it again, folks! “Christmas Tree Farm” brings the good vibes all around. It’s such a bright and cheery tune that always lifts my spirits, regardless of the time of year. You can almost hear Taylor smile as she sings about her childhood growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. The jingle bells, drums, and choral “Ooohs” fill my heart with such holiday joy that I can’t help but (poorly) sing out loud for everyone to hear.
“Like it’s Christmas” by the Jonas brothers
“Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers is a perfect pop Christmas song. The song’s instrumentals consist of spirited claps and upbeat drums that keep the rhythm cheery, and there are hints of sleigh bells in the background that build a solid Christmasy-feeling foundation. Joe and Nick Jonas rotate taking the lead on the verses and come together in the choruses, creating a solid sound that ties it all together.
“feliz navidad” by céline Dion
I’m not even going to say much about this one. Just do yourself a favor and listen to Céline Dion’s interpretation of “Feliz Navidad.” Ms. Dion never fails to boost my serotonin. Just trust me, okay?
“SANTA, CAN’T YOU HEAR ME” BY KELLY CLARKSON AND ARIANA GRANDE
Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande arguably have two of the most powerful singing voices of this generation. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can still appreciate the artistic talents these two women possess. “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me” is a big band-inspired Christmas song full of bold harmonies and perfectly executed high notes. Both Clarkson and Grande know they’re extremely talented and aren’t afraid to show off their talents on this track.
“OH SANTA!” BY MARIAH CAREY, FEATURING ARIANA GRANDE AND JENNIFER HUDSON
What happens when three pop music divas come together to make a Christmas song? Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson will gladly tell you. “Oh Santa!” starts off with high energy that is consistent throughout the entire piece. Mariah Carey, the undisputed Queen of Christmas, is still killing whistle notes like it is nobody’s business, and Ariana Grande’s harmonized whistle notes add a layer of richness to the track. Both sing with such effortlessness, in addition to Jennifer Hudson’s brilliant riffing.
“Dominick the donkey” by Lou monte
Growing up in an Italian-American family, “Dominick the Donkey” was a childhood staple around Christmastime. It’s very campy and goofy. Listening to Italian-American singer Lou Monte sing about Dominick, the Italian Christmas donkey who climbs the hills of Italy to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve never fails to put a smile on my face. It’s catchy and has a bouncy rhythm that will, without fail, get stuck in your head. In a strange way, it makes me feel connected to my Italian roots, even if it might be parodying Italian-American culture.
“Baby, it’s cold outside” by darren criss
As controversial as Glee was, I must hand it to Ryan Murphy for creating some of my favorite cover songs to come out of the 2010s. I’m also especially grateful for Mr. Murphy because he gave us Darren Criss’ cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” featuring Chris Colfer. There’s just something about Darren Criss and Chris Colfer’s flirty duet that really makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Their voices compliment each other wonderfully and you can feel the chemistry between the two of them. It’s a jazzy tune that makes me feel a little classy when in reality I am fully aware that I’m listening to a song from Glee. Nevertheless, it’s a song I keep on repeat during December.
There are plenty of other songs I enjoy during the Christmas season, but sometimes it’s hard to narrow them down! Here’s my playlist I personally made and listen to when it’s that special time of year: