It’s that time of year again. The time for sleigh bells, carols, and fa-la-las. Yes, you know it. It’s time for Christmas music!
You may have guessed that I am a fan. Pretty much from Halloween to Groundhog Day, I am blasting the Christmas tunes. And OF COURSE I have to share my favorites with you.
Top 10 Holiday/Winter Tunes from My Playlist
1. Angels We Have Heard On High – The Piano Guys
This is one of my favorite videos to get in the Christmas mood. The Piano Guys are spectacular musicians, and their holiday arrangements are some of my favorites. Both of their holiday albums are fantastic, so check them out! This song makes me want to find three friends and a grand piano and take this show on the road!
2. Do You Hear What I Hear – Home Free
Ahhhhh I love me some a capella magic, and as always, Home Free delivers! Vocal percussionist Adam Rupp’s arrangement of this classic is AMAZING. And Tim Faust’s growly bass makes my bones shake (I’m surprised that ice castle is still standing, tbh). Plus shout out to some homegrown MN pride! Sing it, boys!
3. Sparkle and Shine – Nativity! cast
WARNING: If you don’t want this song stuck in your head for approximately 72 hours, DO NOT PLAY THIS VIDEO. Actually, do play it. And savor every second. This song is catchy, it’s bouncy, and I am here for it! Also, if you haven’t seen the movie Nativity! you are seriously missing out. It will give you all sorts of feels right up to the big musical climax. The soundtrack is excellent (both the classic Christmas tunes and the original songs). Listen, watch, change your life. And don’t forget to sparkle.
4. The First Noel – Pentatonix
Oh, Pentatonix. And their always wonderful Christmas albums (even if they are a bit liberal with the definition of what actually constitutes a Christmas song). I’m not gonna lie, a large percentage of my holiday spotify is Pentatonix. They make beautiful music and put on a great show, what more do you need? This is one of my favorite arrangements of theirs. Enjoy!
5. Where Are You Christmas? – Faith Hill
I remember really relating to this song when it first came out in 2003, and ever since it’s been a staple on my holiday playlist (even these days when I wonder if I’ve actually turned into the Grinch). I’m glad it’s been getting more cover love (Voctave, Pentatonix, and The Piano Guys all have excellent versions), but I will stop my decorating long enough to belt out the final verse regardless of the version!
6. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town – Jackson 5
You may have noticed that I tend to take my time with my Christmas songs – most of these are on the slower side and really focus on the vocals. But as far as holiday bops go, this one is always at the top of the list. Sometimes you need to just bounce around the room throwing balls on the tree, you know? The Jackson 5 brought some fun and life to this song, and I love it!
7. Christmas Canon – Tran-Siberian Orchestra
I know, I know. I wrote a whole post about Pachelbel and how I wouldn’t mind not hearing that Canon ever again. Hear me out though – it’s not overdone as a Christmas Song, right? Or maybe it’s just the nostalgia from watching Home Alone as a child. Anyway, Christmas is the one time of year when I willingly put on the tried and true Canon in D as envisioned by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
8. The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
My relatives always complain at the lack of Bing on my Christmas playlists. This my snarky response to them- I need Bowie with my Bing. The Little Drummer Boy is one of my favorite carols (check out versions by Pentatonix, The Roches, and The Piano Guys), and I love what this arrangement does for the song.
9. The 12 Days of Christmas – Straight No Chaser
I am a big fan of medleys in general, and this is one of the best Christmas medleys out there (right up there with Mark Weston’s Christmas in About 3 Minutes). These guys definitely know how to have a good time (and are pretty good at music too). Happy listening!
10. All I Want For Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
There’s a reason this song has been at the top of the Holiday charts pretty much since its release; it slaps, period. My goal is to turn my apartment into this window display so I pretend I am in fact Mariah Carey singing this song. It’s good to have dreams.
Bonus: Let It Go/Winter – The Piano Guys
Ok, I couldn’t resist throwing another one of these on there. I mean, does it get anymore winter than this song? Prepare yourself for controversy: Vivaldi’s Spring is overrated and overplayed. But Winter? Oh my… yes please! Especially when it is combined with Disney’s megahit. Look at these guys go! I would like to know how they got the piano in there, just as an aside.
What are your favorite Christmas/holiday/winter songs? Comment below!