Most people love Christmas music, but it’s easy to get tired of hearing the same handful of songs circulating on the radio or holiday playlists. If you’re like me, the initial excitement for Christmas sets in as soon as Thanksgiving ends, and Christmas music quickly follows. For the first couple of weeks, the songs are comforting and nostalgic—but by the time December 25th actually comes around, you definitely don’t want to hear “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for the 100th time.
If you’re trying to remain festive without Christmas music burnout, this playlist is for you! It’s a mixture of original songs by mostly indie artists (with the exception of Taylor Swift, of course!), and covers of Christmas songs we all grew up listening to.
Even the covers included in this playlist are enough of a change of pace to renew your holiday spirit! I hope you can find a new favorite Christmas song, or at least enjoy a nice break from the versions of songs you’ve likely been hearing for the past month.
“Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift
This is an original Taylor Swift feel–good Christmas song filled with too many seasonal references to count. It’s a love song about how spending Christmastime with a partner can bring back the childhood joy associated with the holidays.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Phoebe Bridgers
This is an emotional, almost haunting take on the original. Airy and melancholic, Bridgers makes this cover her own. Even though you’ll probably already know the lyrics, it’s impossible for this cover to feel like a Christmas song you’ve heard before.
“Holiday–ish” – The Regrettes (feat. Dylan Minnette)
Channeling the same vibe as Christmas Tree Farm, this song is a love–filled duet between Lydia Knight of the Regrettes and her boyfriend Dylan Minnette of Wallows. Although it’s filled with many references to the holiday season, it’s mostly about how love elevates the excitement of typical traditions.
“White Christmas” – Billie Marten
This gentle, acoustic folk cover is guaranteed to make your heart feel warm. Marten’s voice is unique and light, adding a layer of originality to her version of this classic. This is the perfect song to listen to under a warm blanket with a hot beverage of your choice, or while driving around looking at Christmas lights.
“Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose)” – Blossoms
A few details in this song like the jingle bells in the background, the references to Christmas Eve and “peace on Earth,” and the chorus of children at the end, are enough to make you feel festive. However, this indie pop song is an exciting change of pace from typical Christmas songs, so much so that you may even forget you’re listening to one (in a good way!)
“Last Christmas” – Pale Waves
This song is such a classic that even some of its covers are overplayed. The way the Pale Waves add a dark, synth edge to this cover makes it feel new again. If you’re a fan of bands like The 1975, you’ll love this version of the song.
“30 Days” – Never Shout Never
This was a personal favorite of mine in middle school. It’s about counting down the days to Christmas and the end of the year, and using the holidays as a reason to confess your love to the person you’ve spent the year dreaming about. Complete with jingle bells, this song is so nostalgic to me—I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite for some of you!
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Death Cab for Cutie
For those who are familiar with Death Cab for Cutie, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say the band makes this song they’re own perfectly with this cover. It’s laid–back enough to still feel comfortable and slightly familiar, but it’s the perfect way to bring new life into such a well–known Christmas song.
“Is This Christmas?” – The Wombats
If you’re looking for a song that completely subverts the expectations of a Christmas song, this is the one for you. It’s witty and actually talks about the lack of festive cheer that’s associated with adulthood. With references to family disagreements over politics, and the fact that holiday traditions are often not as great as they’re made out to be, this song is a fun change of perspective from classic Christmas songs.
“Father Christmas” – The Unlikely Candidates
Perhaps a lesser known classic, this song is originally a Christmas rock song by The Kinks. The original song has been called “deceptively festive.” It’s largely about class divides, and The Unlikely Candidates’ version gives the song a slightly rougher edge than the original—which aligns perfectly with the story behind the song.
As much as I recognize that Christmas classics are classics for a reason, what plays on the radio usually lacks variation or excludes amazing new artists. I hope this playlist brings you some newfound holiday spirit, and maybe even introduces you to some new favorite artists. Merry Christmas!