Listening to music is a sure way to help set the right tone for a party or event. 13 iPhone Apps to Plan and Host an Amazing Party. 13 iPhone Apps to Plan and Host an Amazing Party. If you're throwing a party, you'll want to get it right. Fortunately, there are a few apps designed to help make it all go smoothly. Read more . This is perhaps never more true than during the holiday season, when a playlist of holiday songs can help set the perfect mood for your gathering with family or friends.
There is no shortage of Christmas songs available for download 13 Legal Online Sources to Download Free Christmas Music 13 Legal Online Sources to Download Free Christmas Music Looking to download free Christmas music? Here are the best websites to download Christmas music for free. Read More And they range from old classics and standards to fresh new takes on familiar favorites. So we've sorted the wheat out of the chaff and compiled a list of the best Christmas songs available to stream over the holidays.
All 30 Christmas songs on this list are available to stream on Spotify. Listen to Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud. All in One app. Listen to Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud. All in One app. Tired of juggling three different apps to listen to Spotify. , iTunes and SoundCloud? Use this app to combine all three in one. Read More But even if you don't use Spotify, most (if not all) of it will also be available on the music service of your choice. Or, in the worst case, there is always YouTube..
1. Nat King Cole's Christmas Song
We start our list with one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever made. There have been many versions of this song recorded by a wide swath of artists, but no version is as classic or as timeless as the one sung by Nat King Cole.
2. All I want for Christmas is you by Mariah Carey
It's hard to believe that this most modern classic is already over 20 years old. Mariah Carey has recorded several Christmas songs and a couple of albums during her career, but no song is as memorable (or as funny) as this one..
3. Christmas is here by Vince Guaraldi Trio
A Charlie Brown Christmas It remains one of the best TV specials of the season, and "Christmas Is Here" is one of the best songs on the special. This version includes vocals, but there is also an instrumental version that you may want to consider for your list.
4. Cool Yule by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong is known for playing the trumpet, of course, but his singing voice is sometimes underrated. Similarly, Armstrong is mostly known for playing jazz, but this Christmas song from the legend is also often underrated. One listen and you'll be hooked..
5. Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra
You can't have a proper Christmas song list without "Jingle Bells." The question is which one to choose. While there are plenty of good versions out there, our favorite is the Frank Sinatra version, if only for the J-I-N-G-L-E bells.
6. Have a Merry Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald
Like many Christmas classics, there are a number of versions of "Have a Merry Little Christmas." Some versions border on the gloomy side, but Fitzgerald's jazzed-up version is much more fun and upbeat.
7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé's Christmas picks are something of an anomaly. They're relatively new, particularly compared to many of the best Christmas songs, but still retain a vintage feel Find GIFs from the classic era using this nostalgic search engine Find GIFs from the classic era using this nostalgic search engine Do you want the golden years ? from the internet? When everything was new and Geocities ruled the web? Well, you can taste the past using this amazing search engine. Read more . The singer has a handful of good ones, but we recommend starting with "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
8. I saw mom kissing Santa for The Jackson 5
The Jackson 5 Christmas songs have a more modern feel compared to other more classic songs. However, the voice of a young Michael Jackson keeps the group's offerings timeless in their own right. One of his best is "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."
9. Mele Kalikimaka by Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby may always be associated with "white Christmas," but possibly more notable is this dyed-in-the-wool classic from Hawaii. It may also be particularly memorable for those who have seen National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation .
10. White Christmas by The Drifters
Speaking of “white Christmas,” this time around, check out this slightly sped-up version of The Drifters. Sure, the song was made famous by Crosby, but The Drifters took it to a whole new and slightly different level.
11. (Must have been old) Santa Claus by Harry Connick Jr.
Harry Connick Jr. is another artist who has recorded several Christmas songs and albums over the years. He has plenty of insights into old standards, but he also has a long list of originals, including this one about a boy's encounter with Santa. Google's Santa Tracker Returns for 2016 Google's Santa Tracker Returns for 2016 He travels around the world, but he can do a lot more than that this year. Read more.
12. The Sound of Christmas by Ramsey Lewis Trio
One of the few strictly instrumental selections on this list, “The Sound of Christmas” is exactly what the title says. Simply put, it just sounds like Christmas. Oh, and it also features a funky, jazzy piano solo.
13. Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas
“Blue Christmas” was first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948, but was made more famous nearly a decade later by The King. His version is now considered a more modern rock and roll classic..
14. This Time of Year by Brook Benton
On “This Time of Year,” Benton slows it down a bit, so you might consider putting this further toward the end of your holiday song selection. In any case, just make sure this classic is included.
15. Got my love to keep me warm by Dean Martin
From the album A winter romance , this Dean Martin song is about what you expect. That's nice, especially if you want to include one of the most well-known crooners from his era..
16. This Christina Aguilera Christmas.
It may seem sacrilege to include a version of "This Christmas" apart from Donny Hathaway's 1970 version. However, Christina Aguilera definitely has her own more modern take on the classic Christmas song.
17. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
Just like you can't have a vacation playlist without "Jingle Bells," you probably shouldn't have one without "Jingle Bell Rock" either. Of course, there are many versions to choose from, but we recommend sticking with the Bobby Helms original.
18. Winter Wonderland / Dolly Parton's Sleigh Ride
Both “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride” are required holiday standards. While you can find solid versions of each, Dolly Parton's two-in-one version is among the best.
19. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
Like many other songs on this list, there are endless versions of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." And like other songs, it's probably best to stick with the original Brenda Lee version.
20. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry
There are many iterations of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" on the run, including the Burl Ives classic. This time we'll go with Gene Autry's classic version of his own song..
21. I'll be home for Christmas by Al Green
The best versions of "I'll be home for Christmas" Have a little sadness for them. Al Green certainly offers that on his version, along with the smooth soul singing he's best known for.
22. Or Tannenbaum by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Perhaps better known as the “O Arbol de Navidad” tune, this jazzed-up version of the Vince Guaraldi Trio doesn't sing but makes the perfect background music Video Game Music Radio:The Perfect Background Noise for Geeks Radio Game Music:The Noise perfect background for geeks There is something about video game music that gives it a special place in the hearts of gamers. All seven stations broadcast all the video game music you could want! Read More
23. Christmas Dreams by Seth MacFarlane
You probably don't expect to see the creator of Family Guy on this list. But MacFarlane is a surprisingly effective crooner on the side, and his version of "Christmas Dreams" shows off his enviable talent.
24. Silent Night by Pentatonix
There aren't many a cappella songs on this list, but Pentatonix's version of “Silent Night” is more than worthy of inclusion. It's what they do, after all.
25. Oh Come, All Ye Faithful by Lionel Richie
No matter what your preferred style of music is, there's a version of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" out there for you. The Lionel Richie version offers a nice modern flavor while maintaining a classic feel.
26. Run Rudolph Run for Chuck Berry
If Chuck Berry knows anything, it's how to deliver a rock and roll song in the classic 12-bar blues style. He does it perfectly with "Run rudolph run."
27. O Holy Night by Mariah Carey (Live)
There was a time when Mariah Carey was primarily known for her strong, powerful voice. Those were the days. That's no more apparent than on “Oh holy night,” this version is even more impressive considering it was recorded live.
28. silver bells by Tony Bennett
“Silver Bells” is on the list of golden songs for the holidays. There are plenty of good versions to choose from, but we think there's something special about Tony Bennett's version.
29. Frosty the Snowman by Glenn Miller Orchestra
You have to include “Frosty the Snowman” on your holiday list, but the challenge is selecting a favorite version. We are heading towards an instrumental version of the Glenn Miller orchestra..
30. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Nancy Wilson
Okay, it may not technically be a Christmas song. But “What Are You Doing New Year's Eve” by Nancy Wilson is the perfect song to end any holiday gathering with family and friends.
Now that you've digested our list of the best Christmas songs of all time, you can listen to them all on Spotify by opening the playlist below.
There are so many Christmas songs available to stream, there's no way we could include every single one. So the rest is up to you..
Do you have a favorite holiday song that didn't make our list? So please tell us what it is in the comments section below! There are no right or wrong answers here, just some awesome Christmas songs guaranteed to make the holidays a hit.
