Let’s be honest—nothing sets the holiday vibe quite like a killer Christmas playlist. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, cooking for the family, or sipping on some spiked eggnog (because you need it), the right tunes make everything better.
But with so many options out there, it can feel like a minefield of Mariah Carey repeats (no offense, Mariah—we still love you).
That’s why I’ve crafted the ultimate Christmas playlist for every age—a collection of 45 songs that’ll keep everyone from your grandma to your five-year-old niece happy and singing along. So, crank it up, and let’s get festive.
Classic Christmas Songs (For the Old Souls)
These are the songs that make you feel like you’ve been transported to a black-and-white movie where everyone’s gathered around the fireplace, wearing those uncomfortable Christmas sweaters (you know, the ones with reindeer that look like they’re having an existential crisis).
Classics never go out of style, just like that one aunt who’s always overdressed for family dinners.
- “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
- “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Frank Sinatra
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
- “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Perry Como
- “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” – Dean Martin
- “Winter Wonderland” – Ella Fitzgerald
- “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano
- “Silver Bells” – Bing Crosby & Carol Richards
These songs are like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, no matter how many times you hear them. Plus, they make any room feel instantly classier—perfect for when you’re trying to convince people you’ve got your life together.
Kids’ Christmas Songs (For When You Need a Little Chaos)
If you’ve ever been in charge of keeping kids entertained during the holidays, you know that music is key. The trick is finding songs they love that won’t make you want to rip your hair out after hearing them for the 400th time.
Here are a few that strike the perfect balance between festive fun and sanity preservation.
- “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry
- “Frosty the Snowman” – Jimmy Durante
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Jackson 5
- “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – Gayla Peevey
- “Jingle Bells” – The Singing Dogs (Yep, barking dogs. And yes, it’s actually kind of amazing.)
- “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” – Spike Jones & His City Slickers
- “Here Comes Santa Claus” – Gene Autry
- “12 Days of Christmas” – The Muppets and John Denver
- “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Thurl Ravenscroft
- “Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” – Alvin and the Chipmunks
These songs are pure energy and silliness. Warning: you may end up humming the Chipmunk song in the shower. Apologies in advance.
Modern Christmas Hits (For the Millennials and Gen Z)
Okay, so we love the classics, but sometimes we need something a little fresher. Enter the modern Christmas hit. These songs have all the holiday feels with a dash of new-age flair (and less of that “I just stepped out of a time machine from 1952” vibe).
Let’s just say, these are the ones you put on when you’re hosting a Christmas brunch with mimosas.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey (Obviously. Like, did you think I’d forget?)
- “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
- “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
- “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande
- “Christmas Lights” – Coldplay
- “Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love (Okay, this one’s older, but it’s too good to leave out.)
- “Last Christmas” – Wham!
- “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift
- “Holiday” – Lil Nas X
These songs are the modern-day bops that’ll get you through the holiday chaos. Put them on while you’re making that Instagram-worthy gingerbread house—or, you know, buying one from the store because life’s too short.
Chill Christmas Tunes (For When You Just Need to Relax)
Christmas can be stressful, and sometimes you need to chill out with some more relaxed tunes. These are the songs you play when you’re winding down after a long day of holiday madness—or when you’re sipping on hot cocoa and contemplating why you’ve eaten your weight in cookies (again).
- “River” – Joni Mitchell
- “Christmas Time Is Here” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
- “Silent Night” – Sufjan Stevens
- “O Holy Night” – Josh Groban
- “Winter Song” – Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson
- “Snowman” – Sia
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Sam Smith
- “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” – David Bowie & Bing Crosby
- “The Christmas Waltz” – She & Him
- “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses
These songs are perfect for those hygge moments—when you’re snuggled up in a blanket, staring at your Christmas tree, and feeling like everything might just be okay in the world.
Party Christmas Jams (For When You Need to Get the Party Started)
Let’s not forget about the holiday parties. You need songs that will keep the energy high and the good times rolling. These are the ones to play when you’re gathering friends and family for a night of holiday cheer (and maybe some questionable dance moves).
- “Run Rudolph Run” – Chuck Berry
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – Hall & Oates
- “Merry Christmas Everyone” – Shakin’ Stevens
- “Step Into Christmas” – Elton John
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Miley Cyrus
Crank these up and let the holiday fun begin. Don’t worry—everyone’s a better dancer after a couple of glasses of spiked punch.
What’s Your Tunes This Christmas?
Whether you’re cozied up by the fire, keeping the kids entertained, or dancing the night away at a Christmas party, this playlist has got you covered. With these 45 songs, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack for every holiday moment.
So, press play, enjoy the season, and remember—it’s Christmas, not a competition to see who can listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” the most times in one day. But, you know, if you’re keeping score, I’m already ahead.
