“It’s the time to be jolly!” Well, isn’t it the happiest time of the year for most people around the world? Today, we are listing our editor’s favorite classic Christmas songs. Throughout the year, we are often questioned, doubted, relied upon, and motivated; however, at Christmas, everyone gathers simply in a fishbowl of happiness, joy, and family unity.
This list of top Christmas songs consists of some of the greatest hits which are perhaps the most popular Christmas songs of all time. To keep the list centered around the theme of Christmas, we are looking at songs that focus on Christmas time, rather than tracks released during Christmas time. Hymns and Carol songs are excluded to keep the list concentrated on popular Christmas music. The list consists of Christmas tracks in the English language.
Without further ado, let us peek at the list.
Last Christmas
Release Year: 1984
Artist: Wham!
“Last Christmas” is a classic Christmas song. This melodious track about a broken heart gives its listeners the hope that a broken heart is not something to constantly grieve over. The track and its music video recite the story of a guy who is seeing her lover on Christmas Eve while they are both with different partners at the same feast.
The song conveys that every broken heart heals, love brings hope, we must encounter our past while believing in present, and self-happiness goes hand-in-hand with forgiveness.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 999,872,000+
White Christmas
Release Year: 1942
Artist: Bing Crosby
“White Christmas” is one of the most iconic Christmas tracks of all time. The song was originally released as a single for the film, Holiday Inn. The song describes a need for a traditional Christmas in the tumultuous era when the men of the house were in combat during World War II. This song not only signifies the need for a traditional, classic Christmas, but it also symbolizes the desire for normalcy during times of despair.
The song consists of only eight lines in its lyrics, yet every word hits hard; especially when we go back and think about what this song symbolizes to people – prayers, and hope that God hears those prayers.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 14,611,000+
All I Want for Christmas is You
Release Year: 1994
Artist: Mariah Carey
“All I Want for Christmas is You” is perhaps the Christmas anthem of every millennial. This classic Christmas song not only elevated the Christmas spirit but also made Mariah Carey a prominent household name in non-English-speaking countries. This popular Christmas song is on every Christmas playlist for its romantic lyrics, warm vocals, and cosy, comfortable vibe.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 814,871,000+
Blue Christmas
Release Year: 1957
Artist: Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” is an ode to lovers who have recently had their hearts broken. The song has a positive character to it. However, the classic Christmas song is written for couples and loved ones who are longing for physical presence, even if it is for one last time.
“Blue Christmas” is poetry in its finest form, yet Elvis Presley makes it soothing to hear despite the heartbreaking lyrics. This is a must-have song in your Christmas playlist.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 5,465,000+
Jingle Bell Rock
Release Year: 1957
Artist: Bobby Helms
Another classic Christmas song from 1957, “Jingle Bell Rock”, is perhaps one of the most recognised Christmas songs globally. This Christmas track is a feel-good song that is perfect to kick-start any Christmas gathering. Bobby Helms’ peculiar vocals truly capture the Christmas essence while providing the comfort of a hot chocolate. A true masterpiece in its own right – “Jingle Bell Rock” is a top Christmas song.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 63,367,000+
River
Release Year: 1971
Artist: Joni Mitchell
“River” by Joni Mitchell is a Christmas song that focuses on the themes of longing and ever waiting. Though the song starts with the iconic Christmas jingle – “Jingle Bells Jingle Bells”, the lyrics quickly divulge the listener to a more serious and deeper thought.
As Emma Thompson’s character in Love Actually said, “Joni Mitchell makes you feel.” Truly this classic Christmas song is one for ages. It touches the soul and pushes the mind to experience peace, nostalgia, and eagerness altogether, even if it is for a few fleeting seconds.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 3,642,000+
Christmas in New Orleans
Release Year: 1958
Artist: Louis Armstrong
“Christmas in New Orleans” is a classic Christmas song by one of the most renowned jazz musicians of the 20th century, Louis Armstrong. The song starts with a jazz rendition of “Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells” and transitions to a symphony that does not determine the song’s genre. Nonetheless, the lyrics in the signature Louis-gravitas vocal make this song a must-listen Christmas song.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 257,000+
̉It’s Christmas Time Again
Release Year: 1953
Artist: Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee is often associated with Christmas music, and rightfully so. She has released at least three full albums in her musical career over four decades. However, one of the most underrated Christmas songs from Peggy Lee is “It’s Christmas Time Again/Ring Those Christmas Bells”.
This song is a Christmas classic with soulful lyrics, soft music, and the sweetest voice to bring warmth on Christmas Eve. Without a doubt, “It’s Christmas Time Again” is a classic Christmas song.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 106,000+
The Christmas Song
Release year: 1946
Artist: Nat King Cole
This classic Christmas song aptly describes the Christmas Eve everyone dreams and hopes for in Northern America and Europe. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” is one of the most popular Christmas songs in the western part of the world, however, in the Asian subcontinent the song is relatively undiscovered by most of the population.
The song gives a warm and cosy feeling –similar to a warm cup of cocoa under a blanket on Christmas Eve.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 26,198,000+
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Release Year: 1944
Artist: Judy Garland
Everyone has heard this classic Christmas song, though most recognize Frank Sinatra’s version. However, the song was originally introduced by Judy Garland for the musical Christmas movie, Meet Me in St. Louis.
Over the years, Frank Sinatra’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” has gained significant popularity. Nevertheless, the original version by Judy Garland is a classic. This song talks about having a merry time during Christmas and worrying about everything else later on. Besides, this top Christmas song also suggests leaving our worries in the year and not carrying them in the New Year.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 2,051,000+
Happy Xmas (War is Over)
Release Year: 1971
Artist: John Lennon and Yoko Ono
“Happy Xmas (War is Over)” is a classic Christmas song recorded by the former The Beatles man, John Lennon and his second wife, Yoko Ono. The song was written as a protest against the Vietnam War.
Over the past few decades, this track has gained popularity as a classic Christmas song. Rather than most Christmas songs on this list, “Happy Xmas” gives a happy and celebratory vibe to the listeners with upbeat music and energetic vocals by John Lennon and a chorus sung by kids.
Plays on YouTube till 25th December 2024: 24,240,000+
End of Classic Christmas Songs list
With this, we end our list of classic Christmas songs that have ruled the charts and hearts for the last few decades. We may witness other songs being added to this list in the upcoming years, nevertheless, the tracks on this list will always be popular and top Christmas songs.
You can listen to the Classic Christmas Songs playlist on YouTube.
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