My Top 20 Favorite Christmas Songs
The Christmas station on my satellite radio is already putting in work! I LOVE Christmas songs and like you, feel sad that I only get to listen to them for about a month! We host a Christmas Eve dinner party at my house every year and these songs absolutely have to be on the playlist.
Are your faves on this list? Did I miss some?
20. Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus?
My mom used to sing this song to my sister and I when we were kids! She grew up in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands and due to its close proximity to Puerto Rico she learned this song when she was a child. Of course, she sang the Spanish all kinds of wrong, so we had to re-learn the lyrics when we became adults!
19. Christmas Don’t Be Late (The Chipmunks)
How can you pass on the loveable singing of high-pitched rodents? I’ve never wanted a hula hoop for Christmas but I feel Alvin’s earnest desire and I belt along with him every time!
18, Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas (Carla Thomas)
I love this cheeky fun song! Carla has such a clear voice and it’s not heavy or overbearing in this song. It just makes you want to dance around the living room!
17. My Favorite Things (Supremes)
Always luxe level and loaded with glamour, Ms. Ross and the Supremes deliver a timeless classic. It feels like you can’t even try to sing this song without wearing cashmere or a boa, lol! This is one of those songs that should never be re-made. Although, I do giggle a little bit at Arianna Grande’s spin in her song 7 Rings.
16. Christmas-Baby Please Come Home (Darlene Love)
Totally opposite to Carla Thomas’s voice, Darlene Love belts this oldie out! Nicknamed the “Christmas Queen” she’s still singing this song live over 50 years later, and KILLING IT!
15. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
Oh Eartha, how I love thee!
No one else should EVER be allowed to sing this song! Something about a brown-skinned woman unapologetically demanding real estate, precious metals and a yacht just makes me tingle!
14. Merry Christmas Baby (Otis Redding)
If you’ve never done the “Stanky Leg” to a Christmas song, you ain’t heard Otis’ version of this son! Chile! The line that gets me is
“Haven’t had a drink this morning, but I’m all lit up like a Christmas tree.”
13. Rockin Around The Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)
Every time I hear this song I remember the movie “Home Alone”. I love the unpolished sound of this song. It just feels genuine and fun! Fun fact, Brenda Lee was 13 YEARS OLD when she recorded this song!
12. Christmas in Hollis (RUN- DMC)
I remember hearing this song for the first time back in 1987. “Mamas cooking chicken and collard greens”! When you see your self in a lyric, you never forget it.
11. This Christmas (Donny Hathaway)
This has to be one of the most re-made Christmas songs in history. I get it. It’s original, soulful, romantic and AWESOME! But, please stop. Almost every single remake of this song sucks. Just give us pure unadulterated Donny!
10. Last Christmas (Wham!)
Awww, Wham! Every time I hear this song I can’t believe that George Michael is gone. I love Christmas songs that give you a dose of reality. Heartbroken at Christmastime, sometimes it be like that!
9. It Must Have Been Ol Santa Clause (Harry Connick, Jr.)
This is a super fun Christmas song from down the Bayou! Very jazzy, very New Orleans! Harry Connick, Jr has some great original songs on his Christmas album. You should really check it out.
8. What Christmas Means To Me (Stevie Wonder)
Yet again, an iconic voice singing an iconic Christmas song that should never be soiled by other performers. The tambourine and harmonica remind me of my Nana, so this song is extra special to me. Any time you hear this song, you are going to dance and feel amazing!
7. Mary, Did You Know? (Straight No Chaser)
This is a very powerful and profound song. The way this impressive a capella group handles it is somber and breathtaking. Straight No Chaser has some really cool renditions of Christmas songs and a couple of original songs too.
6. Up On The Housetop (Jackson 5)
The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is the soundtrack of my Christmas Tree decorating memories. My mom would make sugar cookies and put this record on the record player while we trimmed our fake tree!
5. Baby, It’s Cold Outside (John Legend)
FINALLY! I can listen to this song again without feeling violated in the eardrum! John Legend expertly changed some of the lyrics with a modern twist and allowed us the opportunity to love a Christmas classic once again!
4. Carol Of The Bells ( Straight No Chaser)
The breath control it takes to sing this song is beyond me! I have loved this song for a very long time, but the Straight No Chaser version is my favorite. With their voices only, they give a richness and depth to this song. It’s beautiful!
3. Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto (James Brown)
Listen, if you grew up in a brick apartment building with no chimney, got a winter coat at the local coat drive, ate macaroni & cheese made with government cheese… then this ENTIRE album is for YOU (and me!). James Brown keeps it real and gritty with his completely original Christmas songs.
2. Christmas Time is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio-Charlie Brown Christmas)
At 43 years old, Christmas still is not complete until I watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on TV. This song is so beautiful and even though there are lyrics, I prefer the instrumental. You can snuggle with a pet or slow dance with your Bae, this song fits regardless.
1 . O Holy Night (Mariah Carey)
I know when people hear Mariah and Christmas, they think about the other song. But you are totally missing out if you haven’t sat down with your eyes closed and listen to 1990’s Mariah absolutely KILL this song! Your spirit needs this, trust me. This is my favorite Christmas song and I only want to hear Mariah’s voice belt this out from her very soul! 1990’s Mariah. Only 1990’s Mariah.
