Whether you’re in charge of DJ-ing the staff Christmas party, or just looking to set the mood at your family gathering over the holidays, these 20 songs will be sure to liven up the spirit of the season.
Non-Traditional
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
A hippopotamus, of all animals. Kids usually want a pony or a puppy, but we give this one points for originality.
Run DMC – Christmas in Hollis
They may sound tough, but listen to the lyrics and you’ll hear how sweet a song it really is.
James Brown – Soulful Christmas
Funky and upbeat, James will make this Christmas soulful.
Jona Lewie – Stop the Cavalry
Jona gets it right when he says he wishes he were home for Christmas. This song is one of the catchiest and has many folks singing along.
Treacherous 3 – Santa’s Rap
A funny (and slightly vulgar) rap spoofing the traditional holiday.
Badly Drawn Boy – Donna and Blitzen
A Christmas love song. Need we say more?
The Who – Christmas
A rock version of the Christmas song from the 1975 film Tommy.
River – Joni Mitchell
Not the happiest Christmas song in the world, we’ll admit that, but a holiday tune nonetheless. And a classic from this Canadian songstress.
Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band – Merry Christmas Baby
This one’s for the ladies. Although it makes the gals swoon, it’s still one of the catchiest Christmas songs.
Bob and Doug McKenzie – The 12 Days of Christmas
We just had to include this one – a Canadian take on this popular song offers you some (potentially) great gift ideas!
Traditional
Mariah Carey – All I Want for Christmas is You
Since its release in the early 90s, this song is heard every holiday season since and is recognized – if not loved – by all. One of the last great songs of this era to become an instant classic.
Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmastime
“Simply having a wonderful Christmastime” pretty much sums up what we all want for the holiday season.
Wizard – I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday
Wise words coming from a Wizard. Most people would most certainly agree with this song.
Band Aid – Do They Know it’s Christmas
A collaboration of some of the most famous musicians keeps us grounded each year as we start to lose ourselves in presents and wrapping paper.
Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song
A classic not to be missed, The Christmas Song makes us all reminisce and want to cuddle up by the fireplace.
Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without this famous ditty.
Judy Garland – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
From her 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis, Judy Garland’s beautiful version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is timeless.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono – Happy Christmas (War is Over)
One of the few songs that give a sense of the world in a new light, John Lennon’s Happy Christmas brings people together every year, exclaiming peace for all.
Dean Martin – Let It Snow
Dean Martin’s Let It Snow is considered a classic at its best.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Carol of the Bells
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is one of the world’s greatest symphonies and does a spectacular instrumental of Carol of the Bells.