10 Best Holiday Songs of All Time

10. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney 

Recorded during McCartney’s first solo album sessions, this catchy and distinctive song deserves a place on my list. With its unforgettable synth in the beginning, this song evokes extreme nostalgia. Released in 1979, McCartney’s hit continues to chart after decades.

9. “The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler

First introduced in a “Saturday Night Live” segment, Sandler’s humorous lyrics and catchy guitar chords make this a stand-out holiday song. Unfortunately, this is the only Hanukkah song on my list, however,it beats out hundreds of Christmas songs. Christmas songs are constantly being re-recorded, covered, and recycled; while the “Chanukah Song” is a refreshing original. There will always be a spot on my list for this amazing hit!

8. “Christmas Tree Farm (Old Timey Version)” by Taylor Swift

Another energizing original song that has been one of my favorite holiday songs since its release in 2019. Though there are two versions, the “Old Timey Version,” takes the cake. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm, Swift adds a level of authenticity to this dance-worthy hit. Embracing originality while also mimicking the wistful voice of the past makes this song so special. 

7. “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber 

This song deserves placement on my list for nostalgia alone. Myself, just like millions, were once victim of the “Bieber Fever,” which made his dropping a Christmas album even more special. If I could put his entire Christmas album on here I would, but “Mistletoe” and honorable mention “Drummer Boy” are standout tracks. Once again Bieber brings originality to the table in the 2010s, a refreshing notion. 

6. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon, Plastic Ono Band, and Yoko Ono

Paul McCartney isn’t the only past Beatle who created a hit Christmas song. In 1971, John Lennon along with Yoko Ono and their band released an unforgettable hit that became an immediate classic. Featuring the Harlem Community Choir, this song ensuthes childhood and nostalgia, making my list incomplete without it. 

5. “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway 

A popular yet somehow underrated holiday song that never fails to lift my spirits and put me in the Christmas mood. Despite appearing as just another Christmas song, “This Christmas” is a nod to the African American community, being one of the greatest holiday hits from an African American male. Coming out in 1970, a Christmas hit from a black man was not an overdone notion, creating not just a hit, but a legacy. Phil Upchurch, a popular jazz guitarist, deemed the song as “the premiere holiday song written by an African American". 

4. “Someday at Christmas” by Stevie Wonder

Another phenomenal song that helped create the legacy of black artists in holiday music. In 1967, Wonder released this child-like, beautiful hit that captures the essence of what Christmas is all about. This song represents hope and preaches peace masked with the Christmas spirit, making it a holiday list essential.

3. “Please Come Home for Christmas” by Eagles 

This song had to make my top three between its soft rock background and melancholy lyrics. Despite almost all the songs on my list resembling holiday spirit in the childlike sense, “Please Come Home For Christmas” has a more adult tone. This isn’t just a good Christmas song, this is just a good song, hence how high it is on my list. 

2. “Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses

The spirit-raising, wistful, and innocent Christmas song. This song has a special place in my heart. Originally when I was a kid, I hated this song because of its debatable obnoxious vocals, however, I grew to love it because of that. The song truly feels like it’s sung by a middle school choir, capturing the essence of childhood within Christmas. This song will not be in my top ten, and it should be in yours as well. 

1. “Last Christmas” (Pudding Remix) by Wham 

Despite this song being one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, it deserves this number-one spot. Not only is this song in my top ten favorite Christmas songs, but it is also one of my top ten favorite songs of all time. The devastating lyrics with a vivacious background create the perfect song. “Last Christmas” without a doubt is widely known, however, the “Pudding Remix” is a hidden gem. The remix features an extra verse of magic with the lyrics, “Who give me something in return/ Hold my heart and watch it burn.” I could go on and on about this remix and its lyricism as well as its sentimental value. No song deserves number 1 more.