- A fresh ranking of the 10 best Christmas songs, from classic crooners to modern pop anthems.
- Songs chosen for nostalgia, melody, vocal performance and lasting cultural impact.
- Includes instrumental favorites and iconic pop hits you’ll hear every holiday season.
- Watch links to original recordings included for immediate listening.
Top 10 Christmas Songs — Ranked
Christmas music shapes holiday memories. Here are the 10 songs our editors rank highest for timelessness, emotional pull and replay value.
10. Christmas Wrapping — The Waitresses
A quirky, joyful pop tune that tells a tiny holiday story in four minutes. The catchy guitar riff and brass bridge make it a year-round feel-good track.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYE7UJSA7k0&ab_channel=TheWaitresses-Topic
9. What Christmas Means to Me — Stevie Wonder
An exuberant celebration of the season, driven by Stevie Wonder’s exuberant vocals and a soulful harmonica solo. It’s pure holiday joy.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIJ2FlM06yE&ab_channel=StevieWonder-Topic
8. All I Want For Christmas Is You — Kelly Clarkson (cover)
A powerhouse cover that showcases Clarkson’s vocals and a brassy production. A lesser-known version that still delivers big festive energy.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOvU2dCB5pI&ab_channel=KellyClarkson-Topic
7. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year — Andy Williams
A radio staple that signals the start of holiday playlists. Warm, nostalgic and instantly recognizable—classic holiday radio fodder.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANR4pR1hck&abchannel=AndyWilliamsVEVO
6. White Christmas — Bing Crosby
Possibly the single most iconic Christmas song in history. Crosby’s gentle delivery and the song’s longing for a snowy holiday remain timeless.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At0gAwAvFeA
5. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 — Trans-Siberian Orchestra
An electrifying instrumental that fuses rock and holiday tradition. Its “Carol of the Bells” arrangement and shredding guitars make it unforgettable.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw0-nhQeqbc&ab_channel=LorenzoSperduti
4. All I Want for Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey
A modern classic and the quintessential pop Christmas anthem. Its infectious chorus and joyful production have made it a seasonal cultural phenomenon.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXQViqx6GMY&ab_channel=MariahCareyVEVO
3. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) — Nat King Cole
Warm, velvety and serene—Nat King Cole’s version wraps the holidays in a blanket of nostalgia. Piano, strings and that voice define classic Christmas elegance.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8UmqvOqB1A&ab_channel=NatKingCole-Topic
2. Last Christmas — Wham!
A bittersweet pop ballad about love lost at the holidays. Its earnest emotion and memorable hook have kept it on repeat for decades.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0T9GyM28tg&ab_channel=Wham%21-Topic
1. Christmas Time Is Here — Vince Guaraldi Trio
This instrumental from A Charlie Brown Christmas captures holiday nostalgia like no other. The plaintive piano and gentle rhythm create instant seasonal warmth.
Watch (instrumental): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvIFNrczzQ&abchannel=VinceGuaraldiVEVO
Why these songs matter
These selections blend nostalgia, songwriting craft, vocal performances and cultural staying power. Whether you prefer jazzy instrumentals or pop anthems, this list highlights the holiday tracks that keep reappearing on playlists year after year.
Image Referance: https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/pop-culture/2025/12/18/best-christmas-songs-all-time/87811427007/
