Here, you have my Top 25 Christmas Songs of All Time. Music has the power to conjure up memories and images of days gone by, of romanticized moments, of traditions with family. Because my family is VERY much into Christmas, I have a healthy Christmas music collection and therefore a lot of very distinct memories when it comes to the seasonal music. So, you may find yourself reading song titles or artists you've either never heard of or renditions you didn't know existed. I'd be glad to make you a mix-CD (even beyond what you see here).
A lot of factors went into the order and which renditions would make it. For example, O Holy Night is my favorite Christmas song, hands down. But I've never been fully satisfied with any one recording of it, nor is there any clear association with that song and any movies or moments from Christmas' past. So it peaks at number five on the list below. Other songs are great fun, or dramatically poignant, but don't lend themselves to being played as a single, over and over again, the entire season through. Durability is certainly an important factor. Some songs fit better within the context of their album, but can't stand alone. And all of us find ourselves listening to artists that we would otherwise never considered listening to outside of loosing a bet. These are the best twenty-five songs that can and do stand alone, every year, on my playlist.
So, without further introduction, here are the 25 Greatest Christmas Songs of All Time.
25. You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (Thurl Ravenscroft)
- The definitive version, with a deep voice and such wonderful lyrics. Such a clear picture is drawn of the creature with a heart three sizes too small. "Stink. Stank. Stunk.
24. Little Saint Nick (The Beach Boys)
- Fun and up-beat, I'm able to look beyond the fact that it's a song with re-written lyrics. The imagery of the Coca-cola bears sliding down the hill certainly helped squeak this one into the Top 25.
23. This Christmas (Straight No Chaser)
- I've always liked the feel of this non-traditional song, originally recorded by Joe, then remade my American Idol winter Reuben Studdard. This a capella version by a group from IU just feels good to belt out when driving alone.
22. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Nicole C. Mullen)
- This is certainly a darker, moodier song than any other on the list. It harkens to the sentiment in a pre-Christ world, of needing a Saviour.
21. Santa Claus (Harry Connick, Jr.)
- An instant classic. Everything that is right about this song is what we should hope to find in any new Christmas song we add to our collections. If only all of this album had this feel and tone.
20. Do You Hear What I Hear? (Whitney Houston)
- I've never really loved this song, not wholly understanding the lyrics. But with Whitney belting it out, it's easy to stop caring about the lyrics and just take in the force of her pipes.
- One of the better songs in the genre I call, rock-carols. It works great in movie soundtracks and is another great roadtrip song to be blasted far too loud.
18. Up On The House Top (The Jackson 5)
- If you haven't been exposed to the Jackson 5 Christmas, go get a copy right now. Yes, the music is clearly dated to circa 1973, but it's fun, it's throwback, and little Michael has some amazing vocals, creating a really fun sense of Christmas through kids eyes. Just detach yourself from the current state of Michael Jackson.
17. Baby, It's Cold Outside (Dean Martin)
- The first of three Dean Martin songs, it's a fun duet that makes you want to snuggle and cuddle and have a blizzard. If the version from Elf were available, it may
16. Silent Night (Boyz II Men)
- Another great a capella rendtion. Some wonderul, if not different harmonies created here. It adds depth and spice to a song that otherwise is pretty straightforward.
15. Winter Wonderland (Dean Martin)
- I'm surprised I put this so low, but there are just so many great songs. This is the second song from Dean.
14. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee)
- This song just says Christmas party. Anyone else hear this and think of trains, Michael Jordan, a turntable, and partying while home alone?
13. All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)
- Probably the most popular new-classic in the Christmas canon. She does have an amazing voice, no doubting that.
12. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Vince Guaraldi Trio, Charlie Brown)
- It starts with humming, continues with stained, stlightly off-key kids voices, and finishes by melting my heart. Being part of the Charlie Brown soundtrack instantly qualifies it to be considered for the best ever.
11. Carol of the Bells (John Williams, Home Alone)
- Great song, great rendition. It leaves me with anticipation because of where it rests in the movie, Home Alone.
10. Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells (Andy Williams)
- Probably one very few have heard of. It's Christmas - higher, faster, louder. An adrenaline filled version that will force you to smile and get excited to string some lights.
9. Let it Snow! (Dean Martin)
- It just sounds so perfect. The imagery in the song just transports you to a beautiful winterscape and brings you into a total state of Christmas-minded wonderfulness.
8. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams)
- It's the Most Wonderful song to go Christmas shopping to. If every store played this song every ten minutes, their sales would increase by 40-50%. Guaranteed.
- The Velvet Fog has a voice like no other. And here, it'll make you melt, 'like buttah.' Another one from the Home Alone soundtrack. Regardless of where it comes from, it's what you listening to when you've turned of the lights, snuggle with your wife on the couch, and stare at the Christmas tree.
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Bruce Springsteen)
- It's not Christmas unless you here this song. The Boss gives you fair warning about the list being checked, twice. The sax, the voice - it's just perfect really.
5. O Holy Night (Kelly Clarkson)
- The best rendition of this song I've found. It's not perfect, but it's close. She has the voice to pull it off, and again, a capella brings out some of the true beauty in the song. It's my favorite song, but because it lacks the real strength that instrumentation can provide, it will rest at fifth for now.
4. White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
- He is the voice of Christmas. A great movie, even though it was the second movie with this song in it, you've got to love the sentiment involved here. And who doesn't want a white Christmas, really?
3. Sleigh Ride (Arthur Fiedler & Boston Pops)
- I love this song. With lyrics or without, it's great. It paints a picture in your mind, it goes through a few different musical styles, and it just makes you want to hope in a sleigh and be pulled through the countryside, bundled up and cozy.
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts) (Nat King Cole)
- If it were put to a vote, this would probably be the number one song overall. From the very beginning, with the strings bringing it in, you picture a fireplace. You sing along, even if you don't like singing. And the veluptuous voice of Nat King Cole will bring you back to your senses when you're angry at the slow walkers in the mall, the girl who won't wrap your present quickly, the ridiculous traffic, or when you realize you've spent double your budget. This songs brings it all together.
1. Christmastime Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio, Charlie Brown)
- Because of the place that Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown has in my heart, this was a no-brainer. The message of the show is wonderful. The animation is memorable. The soundtrack is unbeatable. I'm not even entirely sure I can do justice to the song (or the album) here, with words. It's an original song. It's light jazz feel soothes even the hardest heart. The innocence and simplicity of kids voices singing it goes a long way, too. I'm sure there is even more to it, but for now, just go and listen to it. That's the best way for me to explain it to you - just listen for yourself.
