There are two types of people in December: those who crank up Christmas music the second Halloween ends, and those who pretend they’re above it, until Mariah hits that high note and suddenly they’re the most festive person in town. I proudly belong to the first group. I LOVE Christmas music. I’ve thought way too hard about what makes a great holiday song: a little nostalgia, a little joy, and just enough sparkle to make me forget how cold Illinois is right now.
So here it is, my completely personal, undeniably correct ranking of the top Christmas songs ever recorded.
5. “Little Saint Nick” – The Beach Boys
This song feels like a peppermint scented time machine straight to a retro holiday party. The Beach Boys somehow mix surfboards and Santa Claus, and weirdly, it works. The harmonies are sweeter than Christmas cookies, and when those sleigh bells kick in, I’m instantly eight years old, staring out the window, hoping to see Rudolph’s nose in the sky. It’s goofy. It’s cheerful. And honestly, the world could use a little more cheerfulness.
4. “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley
Sometimes the holidays hit you right in the feelings. Elvis knew that. “Blue Christmas” is for sipping hot cocoa alone while staring dramatically at a window like you’re in a Hallmark movie, except it actually has emotional depth. Elvis melodizes heartbreak in a way that somehow makes sadness sound classy. You can practically hear the twinkle lights dimming a little as he sings. It’s the ultimate Christmas ballad for people who insist they’re fine but definitely aren’t.
3. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
Although not too familiar to many Americans, this song is very popular around Christmastime in the UK and Ireland. This is the Christmas song for the messy, complicated, beautifully imperfect parts of life. It’s not wrapped in shiny paper, but rather it’s gritty, emotional, and full of storytelling that hits hard. The Pogues remind us that not every holiday is magical, but the hope of something better keeps us going. It’s the kind of song that lingers. It’s real. And honestly, sometimes “real” is exactly what we need in December.
2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Look, we can pretend we’re tired of this song. We can roll our eyes every time it starts playing in Walmart. The truth is, though, once that jingle bell intro starts, we’re all Mariah Carey. It is impossible, and I do mean impossible, not to sing along. This track doesn’t just define modern Christmas music… it owns it. If Santa has a sleigh playlist, this is track #1.
Even if you’ve listened to it 600 times already, you’ll still voluntarily press play again. It’s pure festive serotonin.
1. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid
This isn’t just the best Christmas song; it’s a global cultural event wrapped in a synth-pop bow. The energy? Perfect. The lyrics? Powerful. The chorus? If angels formed a rock band, this is what they’d sound like.
This song transcends seasons. I will boldly admit that I will listen to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” in July. Windows down, sun blazing, absolutely no shame. It’s that good.
And the fact that it was created to raise money for famine relief and showcases artists coming together to make a difference gives it a deeper heart. It reminds us that the holidays aren’t just about presents or playlists, they’re about people.
When that chorus hits, I’m done for. Pure. Christmas. Euphoria.
So, whether you agree with my list (which you should) or you’re currently angry about the absence of Last Christmas, just remember that the best part of Christmas music is how it brings us together even when we disagree. Turn up the volume, sing off-key, and celebrate the weird little tradition of listening to the same songs every year like they just came out yesterday.