Top 100 Pop Christmas songs

Top 100 Pop Christmas songs

Christmas and holiday music are an indispensable part of pop music. These are 100 of the top Christmas and holiday songs of all time with details on each and links to pop performance videos. The list is an admittedly subjective one. Please enjoy comparing with your own favorites.

Note: this list was taken from the site http://top40.about.com/od/holidaymusic/tp/Top-100-Christmas-Songs.htm

1. Happy Xmas (War is over) - John Lennon 1971

One of Beatles John Lennon’s dreams in the music industry was to create a classic Christmas song. Undoubtedly, he was successful with the song 'Happy Xmas (War is over)' that is simultaneously a holiday song and plea for world peace.

2. The Christmas song - Nat King Cole 1961

Co-written by singer Mel Torme [Melvin Howard Tormé], 'The Christmas song' became one of the defining performances of the career of Nat King Cole. He recorded the song at least 3 times of which the 1961 recording is often considered the best. Sometimes the song is referred to as 'Chestnuts roasting on an open fire' from the lyrics in the song’s first line.

3. Have yourself a merry little Christmas - Judy Garland 1944

This song was introduced by Judy Garland in a poignant moment in the 1944 movie musical Meet me in St. Louis. The filmmakers complained that the first version of the song’s lyrics was too depressing and commissioned a rewrite that became the most popular interpretation.

4. O holy night - Celine Dion 1998

'O holy night' composed in 1847, has become a favorite carol for solo vocal performances. Celine Dion applied the huge sound of her voice to the classic song on the 1998 collection These are special times.

5. Santa Claus is coming to town - Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi 2003

'Santa Claus is coming to town' was written in 1934 and first performed on the Eddie Cantor radio show. It was an instant hit. Bruce Springsteen’s live version of the song has been a seasonal rock radio favorite. Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi collaborate in a live performance of the song for an Asbury Park, New Jersey reunion concert.

6. Christmas (baby please come home) - U2 1987

'Christmas (baby please come home)' was first recorded by Darlene Love in 1963 for the legendary Phil Spector album A Christmas gift for you from Phil Spector. U2 put together their cover of the song for the 1987 Special Olympics benefit A very special Christmas.

7. Jingle Bell rock - Billy Idol 2006

'Jingle Bell rock' was first released by Bobby Helms in 1957. It became a hit and has become a Christmas standard. Billy Idol recorded a version for his 2006 album Happy holidays.

8. The little drummer boy - David Bowie and Bing Crosby 1977

Katherine K. Davis composed 'Little drummer boy' in 1941. It was popularized in an arrangement by the Harry Simeone Chorale. An animated TV special was created based on the song’s story in 1968. David Bowie and Bing Crosby collaborated for a version televised on a Bing Crosby Christmas special in 1977.

9. Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer - NSYNC 1998

The story of Rudolph, Santa’s 9^th reindeer, was created by Montgomery Ward employee Robert L. May in 1939. The story was adapted into song and turned into a hit by Gene Autry in 1949. Boy band NSYNC turned in their own jovial version in the late 1990’s.

10. White Christmas - Bing Crosby 1942

'White Christmas' was introduced in the 1942 movie musical Holiday Inn. It went on to win an Academy Award for Best song from a Motion Picture. Bing Crosby’s version from the film has sold over 50 million copies.

11. Winter Wonderland - Jason Mraz 2003

This song was originally written and recorded in 1934. It quickly became considered a Christmas classic despite the fact the holiday is never specifically mentioned in the song. Jason Mraz performed the classic live on The late late show with Craig Kilborn in 2003.

12. All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey 1994

'All I want for Christmas is you' was featured on Mariah Carey’s hit 1994 holiday album Merry Christmas. In the past decade the song has quickly become a contemporary holiday standard selling over 4 million copies around the world.

13. The 12 days of Christmas - Taking Back Sunday 2006

This English Christmas carol was popular in Europe as early as the 16^th century. It features an increasingly more grand set of gifts with each successive day of Christmas. The song is cumulative in that each gift is sung with the previous gifts as the song progresses. Rock band Taking Back Sunday recorded their own version of the classic for AOL Sessions in 2006.

14. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl 1988

There seems to be a bit of irony that one of the most popular of all Christmas songs in the UK would be set in New York. Irish folk rockers the Pogues released this single in 1987 and it has been a favorite ever since.

15. Do they know it’s Christmas? - Band Aid 1984

Bob Geldof and Midge Ure put together the impromptu 'Do they know it’s Christmas?' project to provide aid for victims of a famine that was ravaging the people of Ethiopia. The recording featured a who’s who of current British pop stars. It has become a radio Christmas standard.

16. Jingle bells - Diana Krall 2005

'Jingle bells' was first copyrighted under the title 'One horse open sleigh' in 1857. It became one of the most popular of secular Christmas songs around the world. Jazz singer Diana Krall included 'Jingle bells' in her 2005 album Christmas Songs.

17. Silent night - NLT 2007

It is believed that 'Silent night' was first composed in German in 1816. The song was later translated into English and sung by both sides in the World War I Christmas truce due to the fact it was the primary Christmas carol that both German and British soldiers knew. The boy band NLT released their video of them singing 'Silent night' during the 2007 Christmas season.

18. The Chanukah song - Adam Sandler 1994

Comedian Adam Sandler created an instant novelty classic in this tune that strings together a wide range of celebrities and public figures that are Jewish.

19. Joy to the world - Michael Bolton 1997

Scripture forms the basis for the lyrics of 'Joy to the world' written by Isaac Watts. Michael Bolton performed his version at Placido Domingo’s 1997 Christmas celebration concert in Vienna.

20. River - Sarah McLachlan 2006

'River' first made its appearance on Joni Mitchell’s album Blue in 1971. The song is a reflection on the ending of a relationship near Christmas time. 'River' has been re-recorded many times by a wide range of artists. Sarah McLachlan included it on her 2006 collection Wintersong.

21. It came upon a midnight clear - Josh Groban 2007

Unitarian pastor Edmund Sears wrote the words to 'It came upon a midnight clear' in 1849. Josh Groban lent his golden pipes to the song on his 4 times platinum album Noel.

22. Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC 1987

The ultimate Christmas rap classic was put together by Run DMC for the Special Olympics fundraising album A very special Christmas, released in 1987.

23. Christmas time is here - Vince Guaraldi 1965

Jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi will forever be identified with the music he wrote for Peanuts TV specials. This song written for A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic.

24. Christmas wrapping - Spice Girls 1998

The Waitresses, a moderately successful punk band, put together this classic Christmas hit in 1981. It remains a clever combination of punk attitude and experimentation with the young genre of rap. The Spice Girls recorded their own version as the B-side to their hit single 'Goodbye'.

25. The Chipmunk song - David Seville 1958

Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. recorded under the pseudonym David Seville. His first major hit single was 'The witch doctor' in 1958. It included experiments with speeded up audio tracks. Those experiments ultimately led to the creation of the Chipmunks whose voices were speeded up human voice. 'The Chipmunk Song', released later in 1958, was a #1 smash. The Chipmunks have become durable pop culture characters even performing in their own movie.

26. Sleigh ride - JoJo 2005

Leroy Anderson's classic orchestral piece became something of a signature tune for Arthur Fiedler’s Boston Pops Orchestra after they recorded 'Sleigh ride' in 1949. JoJo performed the song as part of a Christmas in Washington TV special.

27. Frosty the Snowman - Leon Redbone and Dr. John 1987

Recorded as a follow up to the success of 'Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer', 'Frosty the Snowman' gave Gene Autry a top 10 pop hit in 1950. Ultimately the song was adapted into a popular perennial TV special.

28. Angels we have heard on high - Relient K 2007

'Angels we have heard on high' originated as a French carol but was translated into the English version we know well in the mid 1800’s. Christian rock band Relient K add a bit of a pop punk feel to their interpretation.

29. Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley and Martina McBride 2009

'Blue Christmas' was best known as a country Christmas song in a version recorded by Ernest Tubbs in 1948 until Elvis Presley made it a rock and roll classic with his 1957 recording. Contemporary technology made possible this duet with country star Martina McBride.

30. Grandma got run over by a reindeer - Elmo and Patsy 1983

This novelty classic was performed on stage in 1978 and quickly spread in popularity through exposure on pop radio.

31. Gabriel's message - Sting 1987

'Gabriel’s message' is a folk carol that originated in the Basque region of France and Spain. Sting recorded the song and brought it much wider popularity on the first A very special Christmas album in 1987.

32. Carol of the bells - Destiny's Child 2004

This is a Ukrainian holiday song based around a 4 note motif taken from a pagan Ukrainian New Year’s chant. Destiny’s Child stopped by the Early show to deliver their masterful a capella performance of the song.

33. Christmas is the time to say 'I love you' - Billy Squier 1981

MTV was young and rock singer Billy Squier was at his peak of popularity when this cheery holiday song was filmed as sort of an office party singalong.

34. Do you hear what I hear? - Carrie Underwood 2007

Noel Regney and his wife Gloria Shayne Baker wrote 'Do you hear what I hear?' in 1962 as a plea for peace during the Cuban missile crisis. It quickly became a Christmas classic in recordings by the Harry Simeone Chorale and Bing Crosby. Carrie Underwood’s performance was part of a celebration of the 75^th lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

35. Oh Santa! - Mariah Carey 2010

16 years after her first Christmas collection became a smash hit, Mariah Carey released the album Merry Christmas II You. This is the opening single from the project.

36. It’s the most wonderful time of the year - Jonas Brothers 2006

This song is most closely associated with pop singer Andy Williams. The Jonas Brothers performed the classic Christmas tune live for a Radio Disney promotion.

37. Rockin’ around the Christmas tree - Mel & Kim 1987

The first significant recording of 'Rockin’ around the Christmas tree' was Brenda Lee’s version released in 1958. It didn’t become a hit single until Lee’s pop breakthrough in 1960. The song has been a holiday favorite ever since. Mel & Kim’s version was a #3 pop hit in the UK.

38. God rest ye merry gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies 1997

This traditional English carol dates to the 15^th century or possibly even before. It is mentioned in Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas carol. Canadian band Barenaked Ladies recorded their version in 1997 and included it on the Barenaked for the holidays album in 2004.

39. Christmas song - Dave Matthews Band 1998

'Christmas song' is one of the favorite songs of dedicated fans of the Dave Matthews Band. It was included on the band's independently released album Remember two things.

40. We three Kings - Billy Corgan, Emilie Autumn & Dennis DeYoung 2004

Reverend John Henry Hopkins, Jr. put 'We three Kings' together for a Christmas pageant at New York’s General theological seminary in the mid-1800's. This performance of the song was put together for WGN TV in Chicago featuring the leader of the Smashing Pumpkins (Corgan) and the leader of the classic rock group Styx (DeYoung).

41. The Holly and the Ivy - Natalie Cole and José Carreras 1995

This is a Yuletide carol which has changed little from its pre-Christian roots. R&B legend Natalie Cole performed the song with opera star José Carreras in Vienna in 1995.

42. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano 1970

Puerto Rican guitarist and singer José Feliciano wrote and recorded this Christmas classic in 1970. It has since become a perennial favorite.

43. Silver bells - Clay Aiken and Megan Mulally 2006

Bob Hope introduced this classic holiday song in the movie The lemon drop kid in 1951. Clay Aiken joined Megan Mulally on her talk show for this performance.

44. Santa Baby - Kylie Minogue 2003

Written in 1953 by Joan Javits, niece of politician Jacob Javits, 'Santa Baby' was a big hit for singer Eartha Kitt. Pop star Kylie Minogue shows off the sex appeal of the song in her version.

45. Step into Christmas - Elton John 1973

Elton John recorded and released 'Step into Christmas' in 1973, a year in which he released 3 top 10 pop singles and 2 #1 albums. It has since become a holiday classic.

46. Hark! The Herald angels sing - Mariah Carey 1994

'Hark! The Herald angels sing' was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley. The first publication date for the carol was 1739. Mariah Carey recorded the traditional song for her hit 1994 holiday album Merry Christmas.

47. This Christmas - Chris Brown 2007

'This Christmas' was most often identified with R&B legend Donny Hathaway until Chris Brown recorded it as the title song for the movie This Christmas.

48. Merry Christmas darling - The Carpenters 1978

'Merry Christmas darling' was written for the Carpenters and is usually considered to be their signature holiday tune. Karen Carpenter’s voice fits the melancholy nature of the lyrics perfectly.

49. Please come home for Christmas - Aaron Neville 1993

'Please come home for Christmas' first achieved fame in a recording by blues performer Charles Brown in 1960. New Orleans R&B legend Aaron Neville recorded his version of the song in 1993.

50. I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus - John Mellencamp 1987

The first recording of 'I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus' in 1952 by Jimmy Boyd was attacked by the Catholic Church in Boston because it allegedly mixed sex with Christmas. John Mellencamp’s version was recorded for the first A very special Christmas collection, a benefit for Special Olympics.

51. Merry Christmas, baby - Christina Aguilera 2000

'Merry Christmas, baby' was written by the Beach Boys’leader Brian Wilson and recorded by the group in 1964. Christina Aguilera turned in a soulful version for David Letterman with Dr. John on the piano.

52. What Child is this? - Charlotte Church 2000

'What Child is this?' dates back to 1865. It was reportedly inspired by a near-death experience of the author of the lyrics William Chatterton Dix. 14 year old operatic singer Charlotte Church included the classic on her Christmas-themed album Dream a dream.

53. Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys 1963

The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson wanted his own Christmas classic. 'Little Saint Nick' was released in late 1963 and has been a holiday favorite ever since.

54. Christmas is all around - Billy Mack 2003

Billy Mack is a character in the film Love, actually portrayed by British actor Bill Nighy. His song 'Christmas is all around' is a holiday variant on the Troggs’ classic 60’s hit 'Love is all around'. In the movie, Billy Mack refers to the recording as a ‘festering turd of a record’.

55. Run Rudolph run - Hanson 1997

In the late 1950’s Chuck Berry recorded his own song about Rudolph the reindeer. The Hanson brothers revived the song on their 1997 Christmas collection Snowed in.

56. Baby, it’s cold outside - Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson 2004

The inclusion of this Frank Loesser song in the movie Neptune’s daughter earned the songwriter an Academy Award for Best song in 1949. Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson turned in their own sweetly romantic version in 2004.

57. Merry Christmas (I don't want to fight tonight) - The Ramones 1989

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members the Ramones had moved past their pioneering punk days, but remained a force to be reckoned with when this holiday tune was included on their Brain drain album.

58. Marshmallow world - Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra 1966

Although the song was first written in 1949, it became a signature song for Dean Martin in the 1960’s.

59. O come all ye faithful - Twisted Sister 2006

This Christmas hymn dates to the mid 1700’ and is often performed in Latin as 'Adeste Fidelis'."Heavy metal band Twisted Sister, superstars of the mid 1980’s, included this decidedly different version of the song on their 2006 Christmas comeback.

60. Up on the housetop - Jackson 5 1970

This Christmas song about Santa Claus dates back to 1860. The Jackson 5 chose to include the child-friendly carol on their 1970 Christmas album.

61. Cool Yule - Bette Midler 2006

Co-written by comedian and composer Steve Allen, 'Cool Yule' is a jazzy Christmas classic. It is the title cut of Bette Midler’s 2006 holiday album.

62. O little town of Bethlehem - Sarah McLachlan 2006

Episcopal priest Phillips Brooks was inspired to write the words to 'O little town of Bethlehem' when he visited the historical town in 1865. Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan included the song on her Wintersong album.

63. Here comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley 1957

'Here comes Santa Claus' was co-written by country music legend and actor Gene Autry. Elvis Presley’s version is one of many treasured recordings of this classic song.

64. Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives 1965

Johnny Marks, the songwriter who created 'Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer' and 'Rockin' around the Christmas tree',"also wrote 'Holly Jolly Christmas'. Academy Award winning actor Burl Ives’ version of the song is often considered the definitive.

65. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! - Jessica Simpson 2004

Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne wrote 'Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!' in 1945. It is a winter love song that is associated with Christmas although the lyrics never mention the holiday. Jessica Simpson recorded her version in 2004.

66. Mary’s boy Child - Boney M 1978

This Christmas classic was first recorded by Harry Belafonte in 1956. However, this version by the disco-pop group Boney M topped the UK pop singles chart in 1978.

67. Last Christmas - Wham! 1984

Wham!, the duo featuring George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, were just coming off their worldwide #1 smash hits 'Wake me up before you Go Go' and 'Careless whisper' when they released this holiday single. It failed to reach #1 at home in the UK due to Band Aid’s 'Do they know it's Christmas'.

68. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Perry Como 1951

Meredith Wilson, composer of The Music man, wrote 'It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas' in 1951. Perry Como released his version of the song that year and it has become an evergreen classic.

69. What are you doing New Year’s Eve? - Rufus Wainwright 1998

Frank Loesser, the composer of 'What are you doing New Year’s Eve?' is probably best known for his musical Guys and dolls. Rufus Wainwright’s performance of the classic song in a Gap commercial brought him strong attention for his debut album.

70. Good King Wenceslas - Loreena McKennitt 1995

This Christmas carol tells the tale of a king, St. Wenceslas of Bohemia, who gives out alms to the poor on St. Stephens Day, the day after Christmas. The legend is over 1,000 years old, but the lyrics date to the 1800’s. Canadian singer Loreena McKennitt recorded her version in 1995.

71. Don’t shoot me, Santa - The Killers 2007

The Killers released this song during the 2007 holidays as a benefit for AIDS charities.

72. Grown-up Christmas list - Amy Grant 1992

In a few short years from being written in 1990, 'Grown-up Christmas list' has become a Christmas classic. It was included on Amy Grant’s second holiday album Home for Christmas.

73. Go tell it on the mountain - James Taylor 2006

'Go tell it on the mountain’" is a rousing spiritual that dates back to at least 1865.

74. When a Child is born - Johnny Mathis 2005

Although there is not specific mention of Christmas in this song, it has come to be associated strongly with the birth of Jesus. Legendary R&B and pop singer Johnny Mathis earned his only #1 pop single in the UK with a 1976 version of the song.

75. I'll be home with bells on - RuPaul 1997

Drag performer RuPaul put together one of the campiest Christmas specials yet for VH1 in 1997. This is one of the performances from that event.

76. Santa Claus Lane - Hilary Duff 2002

This is the title song for teen pop star Hilary Duff’s Christmas album. It was also featured on the soundtrack for the movie The Santa Clause 2.

77. All alone on Christmas - Darlene Love 1992

One of Phil Spector’s favorite studio singers of the 1960’s recorded this song for the soundtrack to the hit movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

78. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney 1979

John Lennon already had a Christmas classic under his belt. This is Paul McCartney’s effort and features a distinctive synthesizer riff.

79. (There’s no place like) Home for the holidays - The Osmonds 1977

Originally published in 1954, this song has become a frequently recorded classic. This version is from an Osmond family Christmas special in the late 1970’s.

80. The first Noel - Crash Test Dummies 1991

Some believe this classic carol dates to as early as the 13^th century. Canada’s Crash Test Dummies recorded a version of the song for an obscure Australian compilation titled A lump of coal.

81. This one’s for the children - New Kids on the Block 1989

As part of their platinum album Merry, Merry Christmas, New Kids on the Block released this top 10 pop hit.

82. 12 days of Christmas - Bob and Doug McKenzie 1981

Bob and Doug McKenzie are the fictional brothers who hosted the 'Great White North' segment of Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV. The brothers were portrayed by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. At the peak of their popularity they released this unique take on the classic '12 days of Christmas' song.

83. Christmas in America - Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo 2001

Pat Benatar capped her pop and rock career with her own Christmas classic. That's husband Neil Giraldo on guitar.

84. Merry Xmas everybody - Slade 1973

Glam rockers Slade unleashed this single on British pop fans in late 1973 and it promptly became the band’s 6^th #1 single. It is often considered the top British working class Christmas song.

85. 'Zat you Santa Claus? - Buster Poindexter 1987

New York Dolls lead vocalist David Johansen made a big comeback in the late 1980’s with his lounge singing alter ego Buster Poindexter.

86. Mele Kalikimaka (The Hawaiian Christmas song) - Bette Midler 2006

The title 'Mele Kalikimaka' comes from a Hawaiian mispronunciation of the phrase 'Merry Christmas'. Bette Midler revived this mid-20^th century tune in this version from her album Cool Yule.

87. A New York Christmas - Rob Thomas 2002

This Christmas song was the first solo single release from Rob Thomas, lead vocalist of Matchbox Twenty.

88. We need a little Christmas - Mitzi Gaynor 1967

When Patrick Dennis’ comic novel Auntie Mame was turned into a musical in 1966, it needed a Christmas tune for a key point in the plot. Mitzi Gaynor performed this version on a classic celebrity Christmas TV special in 1967.

89. Leroy, the redneck reindeer - Joe Diffie 1995

Country singer Joe Diffie has had some of his greatest success recording novelty songs. This tale informs everyone of Rudolph’s forgotten cousin Leroy.

90. I wish it could be Christmas everyday - Wizzard 1973

Led by Roy Wood, the pop-rock group Wizzard released this single at home in the UK in late 1973. Unfortunately, it was prevented from hitting #1 on the pop singles chart by Slade’s classic 'Merry Xmas everybody'. That's Roy Wood with the white hair and beard in the video.

92. I saw three ships - Jon Anderson 1985

The earliest printed version of this English carols dates back to the 1600’s. Jon Anderson of the progressive rock band Yes put together his own version in 1985.

93. I heard the bells on Christmas day - Harry Belafonte 1958

The words of this Christmas carol are based on the 1864 poem ‘Christmas bells' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Johnny Marks added the music in the 1950’s and Harry Belafonte recorded his classic version in 1958.

94. Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea 1988

Although he’s considered a bit of a one-hit wonder in the US for his 1978 smash 'Fool (if you think it’s over)', Chris Rea has had a long, distinguished pop career in the UK. This is his most memorable Christmas tune.

95. All I want for Christmas (is my two front teeth) - Spike Jones 1948

This simple recording remains possibly the most effective Christmas song parody 60 years after it was originally recorded.

96. Funky, funky Xmas - New Kids on the Block 1989

The New Kids on the Block were at the peak of their popularity when they put out a Christmas album titled Merry, Merry Christmas. It was certified double platinum and included this charming sign of the times.

97. Another rock'n roll Christmas - Gary Glitter 1984

Glam rock pioneer Gary Glitter had found his popularity at home in the UK well on the fade before the release of this big Christmas hit. It went on to become one of the 30 biggest selling UK Christmas hits of all time.

98. Gee Whiz, it’s Christmas - Suzanna Choffel 2008

Carla Thomas is often referred to as the Queen of Memphis Soul. Her debut hit 'Gee Whiz' was her only pop top 10 and arguably Thomas’ signature song. She was able to spin her biggest hit into a soulful Christmas classic. Here Texas artist Suzanna Choffel turns in an inspired cover.

99. The Christmas waltz - The Carpenters 1978

Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne, 'Christmas waltz' was recorded by Frank Sinatra in the 1960’s and then possibly its most popular version by the Carpenters in 1978.

100. Deck the halls - Rza 2006

'Deck the halls' is a traditional Yuletide carol that was originally sung in Welsh. The earliest records of the song being written down date to the 1700’s, but the song is probably older than that. In late 2006, rapper Rza of the Wu Tang Clan showed up on the Late late Show with Craig Ferguson to perform his own version of the classic.