The 7 Consensus Best Christmas Songs Of All Time, Ranked

‘Tis the season when familiar melodies fill the air, transforming everyday spaces into winter wonderlands of sound. From cozy coffee shops to bustling department stores, Christmas music has a unique power to instantly transport us back to cherished holiday memories while creating new ones. But in a sea of seasonal tunes that spans decades and genres – from traditional carols to modern pop interpretations – some songs have risen above the rest to become true holiday classics. Whether you’re curating the perfect playlist for trimming the tree, hosting a festive gathering, or simply want to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season, we’ve compiled a definitive collection of the best Christmas songs that continue to capture hearts year after year. From soaring orchestral arrangements to intimate acoustic performances, these timeless tracks showcase the many moods and meanings of the holiday season.

The List: Best Christmas Songs, According to Music Experts

1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey (1994)

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a timeless holiday classic that has become synonymous with the festive season. Released by Mariah Carey in 1994, this iconic song has not only captured the hearts of millions but has also solidified its place as one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time.

This song is totally the unofficial anthem of the modern holiday season. What started as just another track on a holiday album has evolved into something truly remarkable, with Good Housekeeping noting that the song achieved an incredible milestone in 2021 by hitting Number One on the Billboard charts – a full 27 years after its initial release.

The magic of this holiday earworm lies in its perfect formula, as Time Out points out. From those first magical notes of the twinkly intro to Mariah’s powerhouse vocal performance, every element has proven itself timeless. While some might playfully grumble about hearing it everywhere during the holiday season, there’s no denying its status as the ultimate signal that Christmas is on its way.

Billboard breaks down exactly what makes this track so special – it’s all in those details that have been delighting listeners for nearly three decades. The song’s journey from that sugar-sweet opening line to its ’60s-inspired groove, complete with church bells and sleigh bells, builds to those legendary whistle tones that only the Queen of Christmas herself could deliver. The result? A modern Christmas classic that manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh every single time those first notes start to play.

2. “Last Christmas” by Wham! (1984)

“Last Christmas” is a beloved holiday classic that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release. Written and performed by Wham!, the song has remained a staple on Christmas playlists worldwide. As Good Housekeeping points out, this ’80s gem had an interesting journey to the top. While it inspired countless cover versions over the years, it didn’t actually reach #1 until 2017, following George Michael’s passing, proving some classics take time to reach their ultimate recognition.

What makes this song truly special is the way it wraps raw emotion in glossy ’80s production. Time Out explains how George Michael’s delivery steals the show – from his devastated exclamation about misplaced trust to those signature sultry whispers, all set against a backdrop of sleigh bells and synthesizers. Even the simple phrase “Merry Christmas” becomes something entirely different in Michael’s hands.

Billboard describes the track as the “brightest jewel” in Wham’s impressive catalog, and it’s easy to see why. Created when the duo was at their commercial peak, the song masterfully balances pristine synth-pop production with genuine emotional depth. What makes it eternally relevant isn’t just the tale of romantic disappointment – it’s the underlying message of hope and resilience, with Michael’s performance capturing both the pain of past mistakes and the determination to love better next time around.

3. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby (1942)

Bing Crosby’s iconic rendition of this beloved song has captured the hearts of millions and continues to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. With its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics, “White Christmas” has become an anthem of hope, love, and the joyous spirit that surrounds us during this magical time of year.

If there’s ever been a song that transcends the holiday genre to become a piece of American history, it’s “White Christmas.” As Good Housekeeping notes, this isn’t just another Christmas tune – it’s officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling single of all time, a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.

The magic behind this timeless classic lies in its perfect pairing of talents. Town and Country points out that when Irving Berlin’s songwriting genius met Bing Crosby’s velvety vocals in the 1942 film “Holiday Inn,” they created something so definitive that no cover version has ever quite measured up to the original, despite countless attempts.

But what makes “White Christmas” truly extraordinary is its deeper significance in American culture, as Billboard beautifully explains. Here’s a song crafted by a Jewish immigrant from Russia, brought to life by America’s first multimedia star, that became a source of comfort for homesick troops during World War II. When Crosby performed it for soldiers who would never make it back home, he transformed what could have been just another seasonal tune into something far more profound – a piece of music that captures both the melancholy and hope that define the American experience.

4. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl (1988)

“Fairytale of New York” is a timeless Christmas classic performed by the Irish band The Pogues and British singer Kirsty MacColl. The song tells a bittersweet tale amidst the backdrop of the bustling city of New York during the holiday season. When it comes to unconventional Christmas classics, “Fairytale of New York” stands in a league of its own. As Time Out writes, this isn’t just a song – it’s a four-minute emotional rollercoaster through the streets of New York, packed with enough hope, heartbreak, and raw humanity to leave even the most stoic listener misty-eyed by its final notes.

What makes this story even more fascinating is its origin – Smooth Radio reveals that the whole thing started as a dare. Producer Elvis Costello bet The Pogues they couldn’t write a Christmas hit, and boy, did they prove him wrong. Sometimes the best art comes from someone saying “you can’t,” doesn’t it?

The song’s journey to becoming a holiday staple is as complex as its narrative. According to uDiscoverMusic, despite (or perhaps because of) its gritty lyrics once getting it banned by the BBC, this Celtic folk ballad has emerged as the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century in the U.K. The collaboration between The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl created something truly unique – a Christmas song that dares to show the holiday season in all its complicated, bittersweet glory, yet somehow still leaves us with a message of love.

5. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love (1963)

Released in 1963, this iconic song was performed by the talented Darlene Love, who brought her soulful and powerful vocals to the forefront. With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” has become synonymous with the joy and longing that often accompany the Christmas season. Time Out boldly suggests it might be the most emotionally powerful holiday tune ever created, and it’s hard to argue – the combination of Darlene Love’s heart-wrenching vocals, Phil Spector’s gleaming Wall of Sound production, and the magical songwriting of Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry created something that could melt even the frostiest holiday cynic.

Billboard paints a perfect picture of what makes this track so special – it’s like a musical landscape painting, with layers upon layers of sound creating something as cozy as your favorite holiday blanket. Love’s powerful vocals soar over the orchestration as she pleads for her love to return home for Christmas, creating a symphony of emotion that feels both grand and deeply personal.

The song’s path to becoming a holiday classic is a fascinating journey. Pitchfork explains that while it wasn’t an immediate hit, its reputation grew steadily over time, helped along by its re-release on Apple Records in 1972 and Love’s legendary annual performances on David Letterman’s shows for nearly three decades. What makes it truly special is how it acknowledges the melancholy that can come with the season while simultaneously lifting us up through Love’s soaring performance – a perfect balance of joy and longing that captures the complex emotions many of us feel during the holidays.

6. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” by Nat King Cole (1946)

Released in 1946, “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” captured the hearts of listeners around the world with its warm and nostalgic lyrics. From the moment Nat King Cole’s smooth and velvety voice graces our ears, we are transported to a magical winter wonderland filled with joy, love, and the enchantment of the holiday season.

This tune stands as one of Nat King Cole’s finest gifts to the holiday season, even if, as Town and Country points out, most of us have never actually tried roasting chestnuts on an open fire. It’s just one of the many tracks that earned him his unofficial title as the King of Christmas.

What makes this song pure magic is its ability to wrap you in musical warmth. USA Today perfectly describes how Cole’s velvety voice blends seamlessly with the sophisticated arrangement – piano, strings, and guitar weaving together to create a jazz-inflected lullaby that feels like a musical embrace. It’s the kind of song that instantly transports you to a cozy fireside, whether you’re listening in December or July.

Speaking of July – there’s a delightful irony in this winter classic’s origin story. According to Smooth Radio, songwriters Bob Wells and Mel Tormé penned it during a sweltering summer day in 1945, trying to beat the heat by conjuring up winter scenes. While Cole recorded it multiple times over the years, his 1961 version with Ralph Carmichael became the definitive recording, proving that sometimes the most perfect Christmas moments are born in the most unlikely circumstances.

7. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and the Harlem Community Choir (1971)

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a timeless track that transcends the traditional cheerfulness associated with Christmas songs. Released in 1971, this iconic song carries a profound message of hope, peace, and the desire for a world free from the horrors of war. As Good Housekeeping notes, when John Lennon and Yoko Ono collaborated with the Harlem Community Choir, they weren’t just making a Christmas song – they were crafting a powerful statement against the Vietnam War that would eventually become a beloved holiday classic.

The song represented the culmination of Lennon and Ono’s dedicated peace activism. Building on the momentum of their famous 1969 bed-ins, uDiscoverMusic says the couple created something that would first hit the U.K. Top 5 in 1972 and go on to secure its place in the pantheon of great Christmas songs, proving that meaningful messages and holiday music could coexist beautifully.

Pitchfork describes it as a masterclass in musical strategy – Lennon’s approach of delivering a political message “with a little honey” resulted in something truly extraordinary. By combining Phil Spector’s lavish production, the Harlem Community Choir’s uplifting counter-melodies, and Ono’s perfectly placed vocals within that Wall of Sound, they created a holiday song that worked on multiple levels. What started as a protest anthem wrapped in tinsel evolved into something even more powerful: a Christmas standard that makes you both think and feel.

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