A definitive holiday playlist

A song penned to honor World War II soldiers stationed overseas without their families during the holidays, this 1943 Bing Crosby classic is an important remembrance of the sacrifices of those in the United States Armed Forces during the season. 

Written by Puerto Rican superstar José Feliciano in 1970, “Feliz Navidad ,” or “Merry Christmas,” is perhaps the most recognizable Spanish-language song. Since its debut, “Feliz Navidad” has been covered by scores of talented artists, from tenor Luciano Pavarotti to country singer Garth Brooks. 

Judy Garland originally recorded “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as part of the soundtrack for 1944 musical "Meet Me In St. Louis." With its optimistic lyrics and memorable melody, this song is a holiday favorite for both fans and singers. Both Sam Smith and Michael Buble found hits with their own versions of the song decades later. 

Whether performed by Mariah Carey or Reba McEntire, “ O Holy Night” is a gorgeous Christmas classic for both the spiritual and secular. The tune was written in 1847 by French composer Adolphe Adam, and its lyrics were translated into English in 1855 by John Sullivan Dwight, a minister and music critic. 

In 1953, 13-year-old Jimmy Boyd lent his youthful voice to Tommie Connor’s “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” written the year prior. It’s since been translated into at least eight different languages and inspired cheeky covers like RuPaul’s “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus,” a gender-flipped version of the iconic scene of a parent smooching with Saint Nick. 

There is perhaps no more iconic Christmas song than “The Christmas Song ,” best known as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” its opening lyrics. Recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, the song has also appeared on albums recorded by Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston and Frank Sinatra, among others.

A relatively recent entry into the canon of American Christmas music, this dramatic hymn written by the Gaither Vocal Band’s Mark Lowry was first made a hit by Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd in 1996. Want goosebumps? Listen to a capella group Pentatonix’s version — it’s practically guaranteed to invite chills. 

The booming voice of Bing Crosby rings through the holiday season, and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” is perhaps his most recognizable holiday tune. It’s even got major historical significance — in 1975, the United States military used the song as a secret signal for American forces to pull out of Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. 

This 19th century Christmas song is Welsh in origin and beckons the beginning of the Christmas season. Bing Crosby’s version, recorded in 1942, is the song’s most iconic rendition, appearing in countless Christmas films.

In the modern era, the lyrics to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” a song about a gentleman caller begging a young woman to stay the night, feels dated and out of place. But for fans who assume that its intentions are innocent, versions recorded by Dean Martin and Amy Grant with Vince Gill are timelessly popular. 

A tribute to the humble beginnings of the Christ child, “Little Drummer Boy” was written by composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, and even in these exceedingly consumerist times, its message endures. Add the Jackson 5’s take, released in 1970, to your Christmas playlist. 

“Silver Bells ” made its debut into the American Christmas song anthology in 1950 when Bing Crosby made it a hit. Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, “Silver Bells” has been recorded by dozens of artists in all genres, including Elvis Presley, Michael Buble and Dean Martin. 

The most iconic sad Christmas song, “Blue Christmas” is also one of music’s most famous songs about being lonely after getting dumped. It appeared on Elvis Presley’s first Christmas album, released in 1957, alongside “White Christmas,” “Here Comes Santa Claus” and more classics. 

Even though it never mentions the actual holiday, “Winter Wonderland” is a perfect accompaniment to a snowy Christmas Eve. In 1946, Johnny Mercer made “Winter Wonderland” a hit and paved the way for future recordings of the song by Perry Como, Michael Buble and so many more artists. 

Taking its name from the Hawaiian phrase for “Merry Christmas,” “Mele Kalikimaka” is a favorite of folks who travel to the islands for Christmas and those who stay at home alike. Bing Crosby recorded the most famous version of the song written by Robert Alex Anderson, but Jimmy Buffett, Kacey Musgraves and Bette Midler, among other artists, have all put their own spin on this breezy Christmas classic. 

In 1958, 13-year-old Brenda Lee recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which would eventually become one of pop music’s biggest holiday hits. Whether you remember the original or were first introduced to the song during the iconic "Home Alone 2" scene featuring it, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” is a favorite for all ages. 

With “Jingle Bells,” James Lord Pierpont wrote one of Christmas’ most enduring songs in 1857, originally published as “One Horse Open Sleigh.” There’s even a historical plaque outside the Massachusetts home where Pierpont composed the tune, which eventually became the first song broadcast from space by astronauts on the Gemini 6 in 1965. 

Children of all ages can credit “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” with teaching them the names of all the reindeer who lead Santa’s sleigh. Recorded by singing cowboy Gene Autry in 1949, “Rudolph” is still one of music’s top-selling records. 

Country singer Gene Autry brought “Frosty the Snowman” to life in 1950, telling the story of a friendly snowman conjured by a group of kids who find a magical hat. In the song, Frosty has an unfortunate run-in with a traffic cop and is forced to skip town but reassures the kids that he’s planning to come back, as they listen to him “thumpety-thump-thump” away. 

Considering that Mariah Carey is one of the most successful pop superstars of all time, it’s no surprise that her infectious 1994 hit “All I Want for Christmas is You” remains one of the best and most popular tunes. Co-written by Carey, it’s the highest-selling modern pop Christmas song and has reportedly earned Carey more than $60 million in royalties. 

Written in the early 1700s by Isaac Watts and set to a melody composed by George Frideric Handel, “Joy to the World” is one of the globe’s most widely recognized holiday songs. Ella Fitzgerald’s recording of it is particularly compelling. 

With its saucy, materialist lyrics and the purring vocals of Eartha Kitt, “Santa Baby” is a gold-digger’s Christmas dream. Even if you’re not getting the deed to a platinum mine or cash money for Christmas, there’s no denying the appeal of “Santa Baby.”

Its title might be a little bit repetitive, but “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! ” has been a holiday refrain since it was written in 1945. The most iconic version, recorded by Vaughn Monroe, plays in the heads of anyone who’s hoping to wake up to a white Christmas. Rod Stewart, Carly Simon and Dean Martin have also recorded their own versions. 

Dating all the way back to the 16th century, the cheeriest recording of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” came in 2004, when pop-rock band Barenaked Ladies joined singer Sarah McLachlan to bring a modern arrangement and stellar harmonies to a classic melody composed by George Frideric Handel. 

Everyone can relate to the anticipation for the holiday season that builds in “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson. Recorded by musical icons like Perry Como, Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis, it’s the perfect song to listen to ahead of Christmas Day. 

Some may know “O Come All Ye Faithful” by its Latin name, “Adeste Fideles.” It’s uncertain exactly who wrote the classic hymn’s lyrics or melody, but one thing is clear: It belongs on every Christmas playlist. For a modern, non-choral version, consider Josh Groban’s take on this iconic song. 

Written by Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel himself, there’s no better descriptor of the Grinch, Christmas’ favorite villain, than “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” In 2000, Jim Carrey, portraying the green menace, performed his own version in full Grinch makeup, introducing a brand new generation to the song that originally debuted in 1966. 

With its building, a capella harmonies and rapid-fire, “Carol of the Bells” is one of the most recognizable holiday songs. It’s based on a Ukrainian folk chant and makes an appearance in an iconic "Home Alone" scene. For those who aren’t into the choral renditions of “Carol of the Bells,” a capella group Pentatonix recorded a decidedly more radio-friendly version of the song in 2012. 

It’s one of the more irreverent entries in the comedy Christmas song world, but “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is also one of the most classic. Penned by Elmo Shropshire and made famous by Ray Stevens, who also performs the most iconic version of the song, it’s the tale of a Granny who has too much eggnog and ends up getting blitzed by Blitzen as Santa makes his way to deliver gifts, complete with “hoof prints on her forehead!” 

Charles Brown’s lonesome “Please Come Home for Christmas” was quite popular upon its release in 1960, and it found an even broader audience when the Eagles recorded it in 1978, eventually producing a top-20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. 

One of Gene Autry’s many contributions to Christmas music, “Here Comes Santa Claus ” was a top-10 hit for the famed singing cowboy. Glen Campbell, Mariah Carey, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and more artists have recorded their own versions, but none may top the rendition performed by cartoon quartet Alvin and the Chipmunks. 

A translation of Austrian hymn “Stille Nacht,” “Silent Night” is a simple and beautiful telling of the birth of Christ. More than 100 years after it was written in 1818, Bing Crosby made his recording of “Silent Night” one of music’s best-selling songs of all time. 

Whether it’s the Jackson 5 or Justin Bieber version you prefer, the catchy appeal of “ Santa Claus is Coming to Town” will never end. Originally introduced in the 1930s, this song shares its name with a classic 1970 TV special that’s frequently rebroadcast during the holiday season. 

Doubling down on the namesake instrument in “Jingle Bells,” Bobby Helms’ 1957 hit “Jingle Bell Rock” is a Christmas playlist staple. For a little twangier rendition, listen to George Strait or Rascal Flatts’ cover of “Jingle Bell Rock.” 

The lyrics for “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” appeared in their original form in 1739, but the version we know today is a modern adaptation set to a melody written by Felix Mendelssohn. A hymn celebrating the birth of Christ, it’s also a holiday wish for peace on earth. Looking for a modern version? Consider country singer Martina McBride’s stunning cover. 

An advent calendar wrapped up in a song, traditional Christmas carol “12 Days of Christmas” is packed with holiday gifts given by one’s true love — turtle doves, golden rings and, of course, the all-important partridge in a pear tree. For a fun modern version, Harry Belafonte’s is a solid choice. 

Inspired by the angels rejoicing in the birth of Jesus, this 1862 hymn has French roots. Looking for the perfect version for a holiday playlist? Covers by Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin and violinist Lindsey Stirling are all worthy entries. 

With its repetitive chorus and cheery lyrics, traditional tune “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a favorite of carolers everywhere. Bing Crosby, Weezer and Mickey Mouse have all brought good tidings with their covers of the classic English carol. 

Even though it was recorded years ago, the message of “Grown-Up Christmas List” is still timely. With wishes for love to prevail over all, world peace and healing, Amy Grant’s 1992 version of the song written by David Foster and Linda Thompson is just as relevant today as it was back then. 

Somehow equally sad and upbeat, 1986 Wham! hit “Last Christmas ” is one of pop music’s finest Christmas hits. Frontman George Michael’s tender vocals lend an extra dose of heartbreak to the song, perfect for anyone who’s going through a breakup during the holiday season — or ever has before.