Top 10 Christmas Songs in No Particular Order

A Listicle by Kate Noel

All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey

Honestly this is nothing short of a bop. This timeless banger would be put to shame if it didn’t make this list. The fact that people of all ages can recognize the opening to this song truly shows how iconic it is. Not to mention that this song proves to stay posh when it's not the Christmas season. I’m not gonna lie, I was listening to this in mid to late September and felt absolutely no remorse. Not only is there a peppy rhythm but there’s an actual narrative to the lyrics which makes it all the more enjoyable. I’d like to meet someone who doesn’t know every word to this song. I think it’d be the 8th wonder of the world. 9/10.

Santa Baby by Michael Buble

This song has a certain irony that I can appreciate. Michael Buble has always been a classy, sassy man but this song takes the cake. You see, the man the myth the legend took it upon himself to change the lyrics to Santa Baby in order to stay masculine and straight. This is nothing short of comedic gold. With phrases like “santa buddy” and (arguably the worst) “santa pally”, this cringefest is sure to lighten your mood at any point. 7/10

Last Christmas by Wham!

Okay the name of the band is just entertaining. At the very least, that’s a reason to love this song. Also, it serves as one of the most iconic melancholy Christmas songs (more on that later). You can feel that sadness in his voice!! Not to mention that it holds true to that paradigm 80s feel. The potent synth is undoubtedly amiable but the lyrics are meaningful and (again) they tell a story. Listening to this transports you to a vintage Christmas party where everyone is wearing ugly (but era-appropriate) Christmas sweaters and you’re put into the mind of that one sad kid wishing his girlfriend didn’t leave him. Too specific? Try me. I’m the best at creating false scenarios. 8/10

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan

This one is up there with my all time favorites. I grew up on this Christmas album- my parents love this band and thus this was one of the only albums playing in our house come the holiday season. However, this song really has a special place in my heart. I mean the acoustics just FEEL like a warm crackling fire, casting dancing light across the brick mantle. Next to it is a rocking chair with one scratchy- but warm- blanket draped across it; there's a tree in the corner of the room and everything is chill and cozy. There's also a certain authenticity to the echoey sound that feels candid and as if they’re performing live. Also, lyrically, this is just a splendid Christmas song. 8.5/10

Did I Make You Cry on Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved it!) by Peach Pit

Yes, I’m bringing indie music into the mix. I’m absolutely bias about this (and ya know every single song on this list) as Peach Pit is one of my favorite bands. Similar to Last Christmas, this is a very melancholy addition to the Christmas song scene. There’s an odd tension expressed throughout the lyrics but the overall tone of the mellow guitar and the perspective of the singer makes it seem that he is at fault. Just… give it a listen. As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of sad songs, I would highly recommend. 7/10

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by The Carpenters

This is actually my mom’s favorite Christmas song. It's always been very familiar to me since the singer has a very distinct, calming voice. It sounds like a lullaby and gives me vivid memories of driving downtown to see the Liberty Pole and the lights they hang around the streets. The lyrics are sweet and cheery and there’s nothing bad to say about this song. It evokes a very particular harmonious mood and this to me is just an absolute classic. 8/10

Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby and David Bowie

Once again this is a classic for me. You really can’t go wrong with Bowie because his voice is just divine. Plus, you have the king of memorable Christmas songs, Bing Crosby. There’s a monologue at the beginning that feels very authentic and warm and then the harmonies of their voices just completes this. 7/10

Do They Know It’s Christmas? - 1984 Version by Band Aid

This song always felt very nostalgic to me and I remember singing along with my brother from a very young age. Plus, it’s got a great message. Very wholesome. This song really embodies the true meaning of Christmas which is giving to those who are in need. Not to mention the catchiness of the beat. 7/10

Thank God It’s Christmas by Queen

With the new Bohemian Rhapsody movie out with everyone on their Queen craze, there's no question as to why this song made the list. The waltzy, swaying rhythm that this song just captures my little heart. It’s easy to get lost to the tune of this timeless banger. You don’t even have to know all the words to have a good time (I mean, I don’t know the words. I think it’s just important to belt “thank god it’s Christmas” during the chorus). 8/10

Holy Night by Josh Groban

Although it’s number 10 on this list, this song is number 1 in my heart <33 Yes this is my all time favorite Christmas song. Josh Groban is a Christmas god. I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a million times- Josh Groban can convert me back to Catholicism. This song makes me want to weep. His vocals and the tempo really set the Christmas mood. 11/10

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