25 classic Christmas songs that will never go out of style

No matter which version of this classic Christmas song you listen to, you’re sure to feel the immediate joy it brings. “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is one of the most hopeful and exciting holiday songs, detailing the magic and coziness of the season. Although first released in the 1950s, it has remained a massive hit, covered by countless musicians over the decades.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is perhaps the most popular and iconic Christmas song out there. In fact, many joke that Mariah became the voice of the holiday after the song’s 1994 release. Not only is it wildly catchy and upbeat, but it also conveys the deeply relatable feeling of longing for a lover on Christmas Day. 

This song was first released in the 1960s, and it still has a well-deserved spot on the “Christmas Classics” playlist. Various artists have released their own renditions of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” each bringing a different energy to the heartbreaking holiday track. Whatever version you prefer, this song is sure to comfort your cold heart with relatable yearning.

With a title like “The Christmas Song,” it’s clear why this holiday hit remains a classic. It’s essentially the song of the season, painting the holiday with comforting imagery and warm energy. First released in the 1940s, this Christmas song will never go out of style.

It’s nearly impossible not to dance while grinning ear-to-ear when this song comes on. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” first blessed the world in the 1960s, but it’s still one of the most popular Christmas songs. Not only that, but it also has a place on one of the most iconic holiday albums out there: The Andy Williams Christmas Album.

First released in the 1940s, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is as classic as it gets. This holiday song is gentle and endearing, like a warm cup of coffee or a long hug from your grandma. Not only that, but its lyrics provide a sense of hope, love, and togetherness—which is what the holiday is all about.

An iconic 1980s release, “Last Christmas” remains one of the most popular Christmas songs to this day. Countless artists have covered the catchy track, but Wham!’s original version remains a top hit. You just can’t beat an ‘80s Christmas song.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is yet another classic Christmas song—and a hilarious warning to any misbehaved children out there. This hit was first released in the 1930s, but various artists have covered the track since then, keeping it alive and well.

The Beach Boys’ 1960s release of “Little Saint Nick” was a massive hit during its time, but it’s still a popular Christmas classic to this day. The upbeat, lighthearted track playfully details Santa’s sleigh as some souped-up hot rod: “just a little bobsled we call the old Saint Nick” / “candy apple red with a ski for a wheel.” This catchy tune will never go out of style. 

The 1940s holiday hit “White Christmas” has stolen hearts for generations. The cheerful track paints a picturesque holiday scene, fit with glistening snow and heartfelt Christmas cards. Many artists have released their own versions of the song, fueling its ongoing popularity. 

“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is the ultimate Christmas banger. This late 1950s hit was recorded by 13-year-old Brenda Lee, and with its release a few years later, it became a popular holiday song. It’s hard not to rock around your own Christmas tree when this classic Christmas song comes on shuffle.

“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” is as merry and romantic a Christmas song as it gets. It’s all about cozying up indoors with your lover next to a fire as the snow falls outside. Interestingly enough, this 1940s song was apparently inspired by a California heatwave and the desire for colder weather. However, released during the holiday season, it quickly gained traction as a Christmas classic. 

Released in the 1950s, this classic Christmas song has thrived over the decades, remaining a holiday favorite. With its catchy melody and rockabilly, it’s hard not to dance around to this track. Its lyrics are quite literally about sleigh riding, festive dancing, and joyful celebrating with loved ones.

“Sleigh Ride” is yet another upbeat Christmas classic you can’t help but love. What started as a late 1940s instrumental song soon became a classic holiday hit with jolly lyrics. This song is sure to get even the most “Scrooge-like” holiday haters in the Christmas spirit. 

“Blue Christmas” is an iconic yet gut-wrenching Christmas song, describing a deep pining for a past lover during the holiday season. The track was first released in the 1940s by country artist Doye O'Dell. However, Elvis Presley’s late 1950s release became the most beloved rendition, which quite literally brings the “blues” to “Blue Christmas.”

“Deck the Halls” is the ultimate holiday hype song—one that will never go out of style. The song, or at least its melody, dates back centuries. This traditional Christmas carol has stolen the hearts of many, and it continues to do so each holiday season.

“Santa Baby” is a legendary, slightly suggestive, hilariously playful Christmas hit. First released in the 1950s, the song has been covered by some of the most iconic female artists, from Madonna to Taylor Swift. It details a young woman’s long, extravagant Christmas list, delivered through alluring, intentionally seductive vocals.

The classic Christmas song “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is about as, well, jolly as it gets. This 1960s track was featured in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer TV special. The upbeat holiday hit essentially wishes everyone “the best time of the year,” encouraging people to spread cheer throughout their community. 

“Please Come Home for Christmas” beautifully paints the loneliness and longing that often accompany the Christmas season. For example, consider the devastating lyrics: “My baby’s gone, I have no friends to wish me good once again.” Nevertheless, this 1960s release has become one of the most popular Christmas classics, likely due to its deep relatability. 

This dreamy Christmas carol was first released in the mid-1960s, debuting with A Charlie Brown Christmas. “Christmas Time Is Here” captures the magic and beauty of the holiday, reminding us that it’s life’s small blessings that matter most.

“Jingle Bells” is one of the most well-known Christmas classics out there. This catchy holiday tune is sure to lift anyone’s spirits—perhaps even the Grinch’s. Originally titled "The One-Horse Open Sleigh,” this song dates all the way back to the 1800s.

We’ve already covered “Jingle Bells,” but what about “Silver Bells”? Released in 1950, “Silver Bells” is a nostalgic holiday hit that describes Christmas in an urban setting. “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas.”

A gorgeous, timeless holiday song, “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” was first released in the 1940s. However, its popular renditions include covers by Ella Fitzgerald and the Carpenters. To this day, it remains a romantic Christmas classic.

“Silent Night” is one of the most beautiful and oldest Christmas carols to date. The original version of this song was released in the early 1800s and called “Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht,” which is German for “Silent Night, Holy Night.” This peaceful, spiritual track brings an air of tenderness to the holidays.

A hilarious holiday tune, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” is one of the most legendary Christmas classics. The song is from the perspective of a little boy witnessing his mother kissing Santa. Through the lyrics, he threatens to tell his father of the infidelity, without realizing—of course—that the other man was really his father in costume.