60 Best Christmas Songs To Sleigh Your Playlist In 2025
Turn up the twinkle lights and pour yourself some hot cocoa. No holiday season is complete without the perfect soundtrack!
Whether you’re wrapping gifts, baking cookies, or driving around to see the lights, the right playlist makes everything more magical.
From timeless classics that never get old to fresh hits lighting up today’s holiday charts, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas songs of this year to keep your spirits bright all season long.
So plug in your speakers, hit shuffle, and let’s jingle all the way into Christmas cheer!
Would you like to save this idea?
Enter your email and I'll send the link straight to you.
This post contains affiliate links. See our disclaimer for more.
Note: This list contains song recommendations only. We encourage parents or guardians to review lyrics and content to ensure they’re appropriate for their family.
Christmas Songs for Kids
Fun, upbeat, and family-approved, these Christmas songs keep little ones singing and dancing all season long.
1. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry
This 1949 hit has guided generations through foggy Christmas Eves.
Fun fact: It sold over 25 million copies, making it one of the best-selling singles ever!
2. “Frosty the Snowman” – Jimmy Durante
“Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soul…”
And we still can’t help but sing along! A holiday must-play for snowy winter days.
3. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Jackson 5
This funky, high-energy version is perfect for dancing with the entire family while decorating the tree.
4. “Jingle Bells” – Frank Sinatra
“Jingle Bells” Fun Facts:
- It was originally written for Thanksgiving, not for Christmas.
- This song was first titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.”
- It was also the first song ever broadcast from space in 1965 by astronauts on the Gemini 6 mission.
5. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Thurl Ravenscroft
Fun Fact: Thurl Ravenscroft sang this song in the 1966 animated TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. He was also the voice actor for Tony the Tiger for more than five decades, delivering the famous “They’re gr-r-reat!” catchphrase.
6. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” – Burl Ives
“Say hello to friends you know…”
Instant nostalgia in song form. Burl Ives’ voice feels like a warm hug.
Related: Finish The Christmas Songs Lyrics (FREE Printable!)
7. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – Gayla Peevey
Gayla Peevey was only 10 years old when she recorded this adorable 1953 hit!
The popularity of the song resulted in a real hippo named Matilda being purchased for the Oklahoma City’s zoo.
8. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
A rockabilly twist on a holiday classic, this song has been spreading cheer (and dance moves) for nearly 70 years. From Mean Girls to Christmas parties everywhere, it’s the ultimate feel-good anthem that never goes out of style.
9. “Here Comes Santa Claus” – Gene Autry
Gene Autry wrote it after riding his horse in a Christmas parade. The crowds of children were excitedly chanting, “Here comes Santa Claus!” as the sleigh float approached, giving him the idea for the song.
10. “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”
This is a cheerful and traditional Christmas carol that’s easy to sing and learn.
11. “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
Fun fact: Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded this! It hit #1 again in 2023, 65 years later.
12. “Christmas Don’t Be Late” – Alvin and the Chipmunks
This squeaky classic has been making kids giggle for generations! Written by Ross Bagdasarian Sr., it even won a Grammy.
Proving that sometimes all you need for Christmas magic is a hula hoop and a few chipmunks.
13. “Away In A Manger”
A gentle lullaby celebrating the nativity, this timeless carol captures the peaceful beauty of that first Christmas night. It’s perfect for candlelight services and bedtime sing-alongs.
14. “Silent Night” – Frank Sinatra
First performed on Christmas Eve in 1818, this serene hymn has been translated into over 300 languages.
15. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jackson 5
This is a mischievous holiday tune sung from a child’s point of view.
16. “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” – Johnny Mathis
It’s a classic Christmas song you can’t help but sing along with.
17. “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” – Nat King Cole
Written in the 1800s, this carol paints a peaceful picture of the holy city on the night Jesus was born. It’s still one of the most beloved church hymns of the season.
18. “Run Rudolph Run” – Chuck Berry
It’s a high-energy rock ’n’ roll Christmas hit that proves Santa’s sleigh has serious speed. Perfect for dancing while wrapping gifts!
Related: Must-Try Reindeer Punch Game
19. “O Christmas Tree”
What other name is given to this carol?
Find the answer on #57 on Christmas Song trivia questions.
20. “Deck the Halls” – Pentatonix
Their a cappella harmonies are pure Christmas magic. No instruments needed!
Related:
Christmas Song Classics
21. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
The best-selling single of all time (over 50 million copies!). It’s as dreamy now as it was in 1942.
Trivia question: Which musical film was this song written for?
Trivia answer: Holiday Inn
22. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” – Nat King Cole
Cole recorded this four times, but his 1961 version became the gold standard.
23. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Frank Sinatra
First sung by Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis, this one tugs on every heartstring.
24. “Silver Bells” – Dean Martin
It was originally written for a film called The Lemon Drop Kid. And it’s now a staple of every Christmas playlist.
25. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
This 1963 classic is still a popular holiday song to stream every year.
26. “Sleigh Ride” – The Ronettes
With jingling bells and that unmistakable “giddy-up!”, this cheerful tune makes you feel like you’re dashing through the snow. Even if you’re just driving to the mall.
27. “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley
Even if you aren’t having a blue Christmas, that famous “woo-oo-oo-oo” vibrato makes it pure Presley magic.
28. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Part Christmas song, part peace anthem, and it’s still powerful decades later.
29. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
This song was written and recorded in just a few days on a vintage synthesizer.
30. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid
This 1984 charity hit raised millions for famine relief. Talk about the true spirit of giving.
31. “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys
This is a sunny, surf-rock twist on Santa’s sleigh, in true California Christmas style. The Beach Boys song shows Santa’s sleigh as a Nordic hot rod.
32. “Carol of the Bells” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Epic electric guitars + classical melody = instant Christmas goosebumps.
33. “O Holy Night” – Celine Dion
Fun fact: “O Holy Night” was the first song ever broadcast on the radio! In 1906, inventor Reginald Fessenden played it on his violin during the world’s first radio transmission, sending its beautiful melody out into the night on Christmas Eve.
34. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – Dean Martin
Did you know? “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” was written during a heatwave in July 1945 in Hollywood. Songwriters Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne were dreaming of cooler weather and ended up creating one of the coziest Christmas classics ever!
35. “The Little Drummer Boy” – Bing Crosby and David Bowie
This song’s famous “pa rum pum pum pum” beat was meant to sound like the soft rhythm of a drum offered as a humble gift to baby Jesus.
36. “Winter Wonderland” – Bing Crosby
Fun Fact: Bing Crosby earned the nickname “The Emperor of Christmas” thanks to his many timeless holiday hits.
37. “The First Noel” – Josh Groban
The First Noel is one of the oldest traditional English Christmas carols, dating back to at least the 17th century. Its name comes from the French word Noël, meaning “Christmas”.
Its gentle melody has made it a favorite for Christmas Eve services for generations.
38. “Christmas Time Is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Fun Fact: There are approximately 10,000 songs with “Christmas” in the title.
39. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Dean Martin
Baby, It’s Cold Outside was originally written in 1944 by Frank Loesser as a playful duet for him and his wife to perform at parties. The song became a holiday classic after being featured in the 1949 film Neptune’s Daughter, where it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
40. “The Twelve Days Of Christmas” – Perry Como
This playful carol dates back to the 1700s and is packed with hidden meaning and repetition. It’s perfect for testing your memory (and breath control!).
By the time you get to “twelve drummers drumming,” you’ve sung a total of 364 gifts!
Related:
- 12 Days of Christmas Gifts Ideas
- Gift Ideas for Kids: 12 Days of Christmas
- Best New Year’s Eve Songs
41. Mele “Kalikimaka” – Bing Crosby
This is a Hawaiian Christmas classic. It was popularized by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters in 1950, and it translates to “Merry Christmas.”
Its sunny melody and tropical vibes make it the perfect song for anyone dreaming of a warm Christmas.
42. “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
‘Santa Baby’ is the flirty, playful holiday classic that has been tempting Santa for decades! From diamond rings to fancy cars, it’s all about the wish list with a wink. It’s impossible not to sing along.
43. “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
This is a timeless bilingual classic and one of the most frequently played and recorded Christmas songs in the world. It has charted on the Billboard Hot 100 many times over the years.
44. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
It’s the holiday jam for anyone who’s ever wished their favorite person would magically appear under the mistletoe.
Modern Holiday Hits Everyone Loves
45. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Still the Queen of Christmas 30 years after its release.
46. Last Christmas – Wham
Wham released this song in 1984, but it did not rank in the charts until 2017.
47. “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” – Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton
It’s a country-pop duet that sounds like two people in love under twinkle lights.
48. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
Flirty, festive, and totally fun. It’s now one of the most-streamed Christmas songs on Spotify.
49. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
This is a modern favorite that’s cracked the Billboard Holiday 100 every year since 2013.
50. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – U2
“U2’s ‘Christmas’ brings the band’s signature rock energy to the holiday season. It’s heartfelt, stirring, and perfect for anyone who wants a little edge with their festive cheer.
51. “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift
This song was inspired by her real childhood Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. (Yes, it’s real!)
52. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
This song is over a decade old, and it’s still one of the most-played modern pop Christmas songs globally.
53. “Merry Christmas” – Ed Sheeran and Elton John
This song was released in 2021. It’s still topping Apple Music’s holiday charts in 2025.
54. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” – Michael Bublé
This is a modern favorite that instantly makes any place feel festive. You can almost smell the pine and hot cocoa.
55. “DJ Play A Christmas Song” – Cher
This catchy holiday track showcases Cher’s signature style, blending classic Christmas cheer with modern pop vibes. It’s a must-play for any festive playlist.
56. “Christmas Tree” – Lady Gaga
Turn up the volume: ‘Christmas Tree’ is Gaga’s playful, unconventional take on Christmas cheer.
57. “The Christmas Song” – Ne-Yo
This is a smooth, modern R&B take that gives a timeless favorite new shine.
58. “Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers
This song is catchy, upbeat, and perfect for Gen Z holiday playlists. It returned to Spotify’s Top 50 in 2024.
59. “Cozy Little Christmas” – Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s ‘Cozy Little Christmas’ is a sweet, festive anthem all about enjoying the simple joys of the season.
60. “Snowman” – Sia
Sia’s ‘Snowman’ is a tender, whimsical holiday song full of charm and heart. Its gentle melody and playful lyrics make it perfect for cozy winter nights.
Related:
What’s Next?
Sign up for free resources with the popular Family Connections Newsletter!
Plus, check out and join our family night club to get a movie, activity, and recipe each week!
Don’t forget to pin these Christmas Songs to Pinterest for later!
