{"id":41214,"date":"2023-12-06T20:33:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T19:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1939729"},"modified":"2023-12-06T21:19:58","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T20:19:58","slug":"best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Christmas songs of all time \u2013 from Mariah Carey to Wham!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? <\/p>

By Molly Moss\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 06 December 2023 at 19:33 PM<\/p>

\n\n

It\u2019s that time of year again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With temperatures beginning to drop, all of the major channels releasing their festive TV schedules<\/a>, and jingle bells beginning to ring, it\u2019s time to <\/span>curate the best Christmas songs for your holiday playlist.<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you happen to need a little help putting together your list this year, then look no further.<\/span><\/p>\n

From Mariah Carey\u2019s festive ode, All I Want for Christmas Is You to Shane MacGowan<\/a>\u2019s controversial Christmas classic Fairytale of New York, read on for some of the <\/span>very best Christmas songs in no particular order.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Christmas songs of all time<\/strong><\/h2>\n
All I Want for Christmas Is You \u2013 Mariah Carey\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
It\u2019s impossible to even imagine Christmas without Mariah Carey\u2019s quintessential track All I Want for Christmas If You.<\/span><\/p>\n
A 1994 recording from Carey\u2019s album Merry Christmas, the song has become synonymous with Christmas cheer.<\/span><\/p>\n
When it first came out in 1994, the song didn\u2019t make it higher than 12th place on the Billboard Hot 100 list.<\/span> But its popularity has grown in years come by, with the track making <\/span>the Hot 100\u2019s top 10 for the first time in December 2017 and soaring to No. 1 for the first time in December 2019 (for three weeks).<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h2><strong>White Christmas \u2013 Bing Crosby<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Over eight decades since it debuted on Bing Crosby\u2019s radio show, White Christmas remains one of the most popular Christmas tunes, c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">apturing the feelings of nostalgia and longing that surround Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Originating on Irving Berlin\u2019s soundtrack for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, the song is a bittersweet classic and transports you back to the festive periods of yesteryear.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re not crying, you are.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"White Christmas (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v5ryZdpEHqM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Last Christmas \u2013 Wham!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pop duo <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/documentaries\/wham-director-netflix-george-michael-exclusive-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wham!<\/a>, composed of Andrew Ridgeley and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/people\/george-michael\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">George Michael<\/a>, released Last Christmas in 1984, but it didn\u2019t <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">hit the top of the charts until 2017, following Michael\u2019s death.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The song has continued to resonate year after year, a true ode to heartbreak and once again nails that bittersweet mix that people can\u2019t help but be attracted to at Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>The song even went on to inspire a festive film penned by Emma Thompson \u2013 Last Christmas, starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.<\/p>\n<p>Not to mention, the original music video is an absolute classic.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Wham! - Last Christmas (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E8gmARGvPlI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Rockin\u2019 Around the Christmas Tree \u2013 Brenda Lee<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s really the only way to interact with your Christmas tree, but Brenda Lee\u2019s song is another long-lasting classic.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In need of a Christmas boogie, then Brenda will get you up on your feet \u2013 and she\u2019s up on hers too in the more recent joyful official video.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (Official Music Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TFsZy9t-qDc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><b>Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) \u2013 Darlene Love<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the most iconic Christmas songs ever that\u2019s bound to get you in a festive mood, Love\u2019s vocals and the lyrical longing only serve to add poignant depth to the merry melody.<\/span><\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Darlene Love - All Alone On Christmas (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/r1uJPGRfO5Y?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/> <h2><b>Fairytale of New York \u2013 The Pogues (featuring Kirsty MacColl)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A drunken \u2018cheers\u2019 and ode to the world and, let\u2019s face it, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">brilliant contrast to some of the cheerier and gooier Christmas songs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>In 2023, the song has even more poignance following the passing of lead singer Shane McGowan, meaning both singers of the song have now passed \u2013 distinctive singer Kirsty MacColl died in 2000.<\/p>\n<p>The perennial \u2018cool kids\u2019 Christmas song and another bittersweet masterpiece. Once again, another iconic music video too.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"The Pogues - Fairytale Of New York (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j9jbdgZidu8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Feliz Navidad \u2013 Jos\u00e9 Feliciano<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Over 50 years after its release in 1970, Feliz Navida<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d continues to unite people with its bilingual charm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A song that only gets better the bigger the crowd you\u2019re with too \u2013 an ideal addition to any festive party playlist.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Jose Feliciano feat. FaWiJo - Feliz Navidad (Official Video 2016)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0UVUW11FENs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Baby, It\u2019s Cold Outside \u2013 Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The music titans Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong have a whole festive album together, but Baby It\u2019s Cold Outside remains the most popular track from their repertoire \u2013 one of many versions of the song.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The song was originally popularised in the 1949 film Neptune\u2019s Daughter and even won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1950.<\/p>\n<p>While some have felt the lyrics have not stood the test of time, the song in its entirety continues to endure and has been covered by endless big names but Ella and Louis\u2019s remains the best.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Baby, It's Cold Outside (feat. Louis Armstrong)\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o8Uid4yRtg4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas \u2013 Judy Garland<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Judy Garland first sang Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas for a scene in Meet Me in St Louis (1944).<\/p>\n<p>Considering Garland\u2019s own tragic life, the song has only gathered an even greater melancholic resonance. The nostalgic and hopeful lyrics in the face of adversity feel forever relevant for many and are another example of a song capturing the complicated feelings many can experience at Christmas time.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Meet Me In St. Louis | Warner Archive\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CreWsnhQwzY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<div class=\"_title_vapn8_9\">\n<div data-testid=\"tile-link_testID\">\n<h2 class=\"_h3_cuogz_1\" data-testid=\"tile-title_testID\"><strong>Stay Another Day \u2013 East 17<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cDon\u2019t think I could take the pain\u201d \u2013 the lyrics of longing from 90s boyband East 17 are incredibly emotional and on the whole for a pop song and Christmas no. 1, Stay Another Day proves to be an incredibly downbeat Christmas song but one that touches hearts after all these years.<\/p>\n<p>Songwriter member Tony Mortimer revealed that the song was inspired by his brother\u2019s suicide, adding another angle of poignancy to the pop track.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"East 17 - Stay Another Day (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-wNhdjoF-6M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Sleigh Ride \u2013 The Ronettes\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Another song from Phil Spector\u2019s festive album, Sleigh Ride is one of the most quintessentially festive songs and one with a sense of flirtation and exuberance.<\/p>\n<p>An upbeat, catchy earworm that remains a firm favourite after all these years and lead singer Ronnie Spector\u2019s distinctive vocals surely is one of the chief reasons we keep coming back for more.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"The Ronettes - Sleigh Ride (Official Music Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DkXIJe8CaIc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><strong>Blue Christmas \u2013 Elvis Presley<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>No music list is complete without the presence of The King himself and Elvis\u2019s cover of the 1948 country song Blue Christmas is another melancholic wonder that utilises the vocal charisma and tone of the biggest solo artist of all time.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a testament to Elvis\u2019s version that every cover since has approached the tune in the same way.<\/p>\n<p>The song was re-released in 2009 to some success with singer Martina McBride being edited in to provide a moving duet, the video of which can be found below.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Elvis Presley, Martina McBride - Blue Christmas (Official HD Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3KK6sMo8NBY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>It\u2019s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas \u2013 Michael Bubl\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Yes, the original titan of this song has to be Bing Crosby, but you would be hard-pressed to enter a shop during the Christmas season that doesn\u2019t play the cover by Michael Bubl\u00e9 which boasts the crooner\u2019s vocals at his smoothest.<\/p>\n<p>You know Christmas is on the way if you hear this wherever you go. Gooey Christmas goodness in a toasted bun.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Michael Bubl\u00e9 - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas [Official HD Audio]\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QJ5DOWPGxwg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>2000 Miles \u2013 The Pretenders<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s a theme here. Some of the best festive tunes are rich with melancholy and this downbeat wonder from The Pretenders can\u2019t help but capture that bittersweet and mature mix of emotions many can\u2019t help but feel at Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>The unique and earthy vocals from singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde are always instantly recognisable and you can\u2019t help but ponder on the heartbreak that the Yuletide brings with her lyrics dropping with grief for a lost love.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Pretenders - 2000 Miles (Official Music Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AEyGZlBdkaA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>The Power of Love \u2013 Frankie Goes to Hollywood<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the song having no allusions to Christmas, the release and marketing of the song have made The Power of Love a Christmas classic.<\/p>\n<p>The nativity portrayal in the music video is iconic but the lyrics capture an almost operatic sense of spirituality and raw emotion.<\/p>\n<p>Co-writer and lead vocalist Holly Johnson told <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/music\/musicblog\/2012\/nov\/15\/power-of-love-magical-hit\">The Guardian<\/a>: \u201cI always felt like \u2018The Power of Love\u2019 was the record that would save me in this life. There is a\u00a0biblical aspect to its spirituality and passion; the fact that love is the only thing that matters in the end\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Johnson couldn\u2019t be more right.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Frankie Goes To Hollywood - The Power Of Love\" width=\"200\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NyoTvgPn0rU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<h2><strong>Underneath the Tree \u2013 Kelly Clarkson\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>A more recent addition to many\u2019s festive playlist repertoire, Kelly Clarkson has delivered a modern Christmas classic with her upbeat tempo but once again bittersweet lyrical content in Underneath the Tree.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt just won\u2019t feel the same, alone on Christmas Day,\u201d notes Clarkson in the chorus, offering a romantic but thoughtful twist to an otherwise jolly festive tune.<\/p>\n<iframe title=\"Kelly Clarkson - Underneath the Tree (Official Video)\" width=\"200\" height=\"113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EM2Fnp_qnE8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\/>\n<p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/drama\/bbc-christmas-tv-schedule-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">BBC confirms Christmas TV schedule including Call the Midwife, Death in Paradise<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/entertainment\/channel-4-christmas-day-2023-schedule-newsupdate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Channel 4 confirms Christmas TV schedule including Alternative Christmas Message<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Looking for something to watch? Visit our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/tv\/tv-listings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">TV Guide<\/a> and <a title=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/streaming-guide\/\" href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/streaming-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/streaming-guide\/&source=gmail&ust=1668075087966000&usg=AOvVaw1Y8DkuXmGBtiUEGSAweaX3\">Streaming Guide<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only \u00a310 \u2013 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/magazine-subscription\/?utm_term=evergreen-article\"><strong>subscribe now<\/strong><\/a><strong>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/audio\/podcasts\/\"><strong>The Radio Times Podcast<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":41215,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham.jpg",620,413,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham.jpg",620,413,false],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham.jpg",620,413,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham.jpg",620,413,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2023\/12\/best-christmas-songs-of-all-time-from-mariah-carey-to-wham.jpg",620,413,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Are you dreaming of a White Christmas?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/41214"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41214"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}