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20 holiday songs released by popular artists we don’t talk about enough
Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

20 holiday songs released by popular artists we don’t talk about enough

Holiday music gets plenty of shine during the colder months, but some absolute gems slip through the cracks every year. From R&B deep cuts to unexpected pop moments, these festive tracks deserve way more love than they get.

 
1 of 20

"Spread A Little Love On Christmas Day," Destiny's Child

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Destiny’s Child didn’t just run the R&B charts; they sprinkled holiday magic on them, too. This one feels like a warm hug wrapped in glitter, and honestly, everyone should be playing it way more than they do. 

 
2 of 20

"Winter Paradise," Destiny's Child

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If winter had a soundtrack, this silky smooth DC cut would be on loop. It’s all cozy vocals and dreamy harmonies. 

 
3 of 20

"Santa Is Me," Coco Jones

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Coco Jones said, “I’ll be the gift, actually,” and delivered a whole vibe. This playfully flirty song is so festive, it's the kind you queue up when you want to feel like the main character at the holiday party.

 
4 of 20

"Mary Did You Know?," The Braxtons

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The Braxtons take this classic and give it that signature family-harmony, velvety R&B glow. It’s a powerful classic that's absolutely deserving of a yearly replay.

 
5 of 20

"Noel," Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle

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Lauren Daigle’s vocals soar like she’s sending them straight to the North Pole on "Noel," and Chris Tomlin anchors it with pure warmth. Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your candlelight Christmas service? Look no further. 

 
6 of 20

"Mistletoe," Justin Bieber

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Justin Bieber dropped this modern holiday staple when he was a teen, and it still hits every single December. 

 
7 of 20

"Silent Night," Beyoncé

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Only Beyoncé can belt a carol and make it feel like a spiritual event. Her take on "Silent Night" is elegant and guaranteed to make you pause mid gift wrapping to appreciate her spectacular talent.

 
8 of 20

"Do You Hear What I Hear?," Kelly Rowland

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Kelly Rowland floats through this classic with a calm, cozy elegance that makes the whole song feel like a deep exhale. Her vocals are buttery smooth, a little dreamy, and honestly? It’s the kind of Christmas track you play when you want instant peace with a hint of sparkle.

 
9 of 20

"Hallelujah," One The Duo

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This soulful country duo puts a smoky, heartfelt spin on "Hallelujah" that sneaks up on you in the best way. 

 
10 of 20

"What Christmas Means To Me," John Legend

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John Legend understood the assignment and brought pure Motown sparkle back to this classic. It’s so powerful that it feels like the full orchestra is about to materialize in your living room.

 
11 of 20

"Mary Did You Know?," Maverick City Music

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Maverick City turns this beloved song into a full-on cinematic moment, layering harmonies that feel and sound unreal. 

 
12 of 20

"Revelation 19:1," Maverick City Music

© Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK

This one goes from gentle sway to full praise-break energy in seconds, and yes, it’s as infectious as you’d expect. By the time the choir hits its stride, you’re essentially celebrating the holidays and having church at the same time.

 
13 of 20

"Here I Am To Worship," Maverick City Music

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Warm, soulful, and beautifully stripped down, this group takes a classic worship song and gives it that signature Maverick City glow.

 
14 of 20

"Carol of The Bells," Pentatonix

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Honestly? We don't want to listen to anyone else's version of "Carol of the Bells" after hearing this a acapella group nail the Christmas classic with the dramatic flair they're known for. 

 
15 of 20

"Baby It's Cold Outside," Glee cast

Fox

The Glee cast takes on this playful duet, leaning all the way into charm and cheesiness, and to be real, that’s exactly what makes it so much fun. 

 
16 of 20

"Let It Snow," Boyz II Men

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Leave it to Boyz II Men to turn a winter classic into a slow-jam moment that somehow feels both festive and… well, grown. The harmonies melt like butter, making it pure R&B holiday perfection.

 
17 of 20

"Christmas Party For Two," Brandy

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Brandy brings silky vocals and just the right hint of flirtation on her holiday project, making this track feel like the soundtrack to a cozy night in. 

 
18 of 20

"On My Mama (Christmas Medley)," Victoria Monét

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Even without lyrics, Victoria Monét delivers on this Christmas medley album, giving her biggest tracks a holiday feel with an expansive orchestra and added flair. 

 
19 of 20

"The First Noel," Giveon

Giveon via Instagram

Giveon’s deep, velvety tone wraps around this classic like a weighted blanket in song form. Simple, soulful, and somehow makes a centuries-old carol feel brand-new again. But that's to be expected when it comes to this Grammy-nominated singer. 

 
20 of 20

"Santa Tell Me," Ariana Grande

© Kevork Djansezian-USA TODAY

OK, people DO talk about this song, but it's too good not to be mentioned, so here we are. Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" is catchy, playful, and practically engineered to get stuck in your head after your first listen.  

Jacquez Printup

Jacquez Printup has been writing about all things entertainment, including reality TV, pop culture, and celebrity news, since his time as a student at Ohio University. Since graduating, he's continued binging seasons of "Vanderpump Rules" and “Big Brother” and talking about them online. His writing has been featured in publications like ScreenRant, Yahoo, RealityTea, Yardbarker, and in the popular television series "The Real Housewives of Atlanta

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