Top 20 Christmas Songs That Light Up the Festive Season

Last Updated on October 9, 2023 by Chief Editor

Brief Overview of the Top 20 Christmas Songs

Melodies that evoke the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of the holiday season enhance the magic of Christmas. Let’s explore the top 20 Christmas songs that have not just graced our playlists but have also etched themselves into our hearts.

Our Ranking Criteria for the Top 20 Christmas Songs

We searched for Christmas songs on YouTube and checked the total views count for each song, whether they were published on their official channels or other channels. If you think there is a mistake in our ranking criteria, please let us know by leaving your comments at the end of this post, or you can tell us via the Contact Us form.

Rank	Song Name	Combined* Views On YouTube	Release Year
1	“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey	8.434 Billion	1994
2	“Last Christmas” – Wham!	940 Million	1986
3	Carol of the Bells”	385 Million	2017
4	“Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano	308 Million	2014
5	Santa Claus Is Coming to Town	228 Million	1994
6	O Holy Night	128 Million	2012
7	Silent Night	123 Million	2020
8	Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer	117 Million	1949
9	“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid	109 Million	1984
10	Deck the Halls	109 Million	1862
11	“Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms	105 Million	1957
12	Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas	90 Million	1944
13	“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams	70 Million	1963
14	“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”	55 Million	1946
15	Hark! The Herald Angels Sing	55 Million	2013
16	Santa Baby	50 Million	2022
17	Frosty the Snowman	50 Million	1950
18	The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole	43 Million	1946
19	I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus	18 Million	1970
20	“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby	15 Million	2011

* Combined = Total views count of the songs from their official channel and also from other channels.

See Also: Top 20 BEE GEES SONGS

20 “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby

Explanation: Crosby’s velvety voice combined with serene music evokes the beauty of a snow-clad landscape, emphasizing the peace and hope the holiday promises.

Highlights:

• Timeless golden-age charm
• Picturesque lyrical imagery
• Soul-stirring vocal delivery

19 “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”

Explanation: Through the innocent eyes of a child, this song captures a cheeky moment of Christmas mischief, adding a light-hearted touch to holiday playlists.

Highlights:

• Playful and mischievous
• Captures childlike wonder
• Light-hearted holiday tune

18 “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole

Explanation: Often recognized by its opening line “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”, this song paints a cozy picture of Christmas, filled with warmth and family moments.

Highlights:

• Cozy winter imagery
• Smooth, velvety vocals
• Timeless family favorite

17 Frosty the Snowman

Explanation: This whimsical song narrates the story of Frosty, a snowman come to life, emphasizing the magic of Christmas and the joys of winter.

Highlights:

• Animated, lively narrative
• Children’s holiday favorite
• Embodies winter magic

16 Santa Baby

Explanation: This cheeky, flirtatious song provides a humorous take on Christmas wish lists, with playful requests for extravagant gifts from Santa.

Highlights:

• Playful and sultry
• Modern Christmas Classic
• Humorous take on holiday wishes

15 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Explanation: A timeless carol that celebrates the birth of Christ, its soaring vocals and uplifting lyrics make it a staple in religious and festive gatherings alike.

Highlights:

• Celebratory and divine
• Emphasis on angelic joy
• Traditional church favorites

14 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Explanation: While not exclusively about Christmas, this song’s winter setting and the desire for snowy weather make it a festive favorite.

Highlights:

• Captures winter’s charm
• Upbeat and wishful
• Classic holiday warmth

13 “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams

Explanation: Andy Williams captures the exuberance of the season, highlighting the joy, togetherness, and traditions that make Christmas the cherished festival it is.

Highlights:

• Vibrant orchestration
• Encompasses festive activities
• Energetic and joyful

12 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Explanation: This heartwarming song, often associated with Judy Garland, resonates with the heartfelt wishes of joy, love, and reunions during the festive season.

Highlights:

• Tender and heartfelt
• Nostalgic undertones
• Wishes of joy and togetherness

11 “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

Explanation: Merging the traditional Christmas spirit with a playful rock twist, this song exudes an infectious energy that gets everyone tapping their feet.

Highlights:

• Fusion of classic and rock
• Dance-favorite
• Festive merriment personified

10 Deck the Halls

Explanation: Rooted in centuries-old traditions, this carol bursts with festive energy, encouraging everyone to decorate and prepare for the Yuletide season.

Highlights:

• Time-honored carol
• Emphasizes festive decorations
• Energetic and celebratory

9 “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band-Aid

Explanation: A collaborative charity single, this song blends the spirit of Christmas with a call for empathy, reminding us to think of those less fortunate.

Highlights:

• Star-studded collaboration
• Philanthropic cause
• A blend of festivity and awareness

8 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Explanation: A song that transports us back to our childhood, it tells the tale of Rudolph, Santa’s famous reindeer, and is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Highlights:

• Animated storytelling
• Children’s favorite
• A tale of acceptance and pride

7 Silent Night

Explanation: Celebrating the tranquil beauty of the night when Christ was born, this song offers a serene, soulful reflection on the meaning of Christmas.

Highlights:

• Peaceful and calming melody
• Deep spiritual significance
• Universal church favorite

6 O Holy Night

Explanation: This carol stands out for its divine melody and the profound reverence it holds for the birth of Jesus. It’s a song that moves many to tears with its deep spiritual connection.

Highlights:

• Soul-stirring hymn
• Celebration of Christ’s birth
• Profound vocal renditions

5 “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”

Explanation: This playful tune is filled with anticipation and excitement, as it tells children (and adults) to be on their best behavior because Santa is on his way.

Highlights:

• Playful warning to children
• Upbeat and lively
• Celebration of Santa’s magic

4 “Feliz Navidad” – José Feliciano

Explanation: Feliciano’s cheerful tune transcends language barriers, offering festive wishes in both English and Spanish, making it a global holiday favorite.

Highlights:

• Bilingual Christmas hit
• Universally celebratory
• Infectiously upbeat melody

3 Carol of the Bells

Explanation: This song is known for its repetitive melody and rich harmonies, creating a sense of urgency and excitement synonymous with the holiday season.

Highlights:

• Intricate harmonies
• Fast-paced and captivating
• A choral masterpiece

2 “Last Christmas” – Wham!

Explanation: Wham! masterfully contrasts the vibrant festivities of Christmas with the pangs of past heartbreak, creating a tune that’s both cheerful and contemplative.

Highlights:

• Synth-pop holiday classic
• Nuanced emotional narrative
• Memorable chorus

1 “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey

Explanation: Mariah Carey’s lively melody embodies both the excitement of the season and the universal desire to be close to loved ones during special occasions.

Highlights:

• The modern holiday anthem
• Catchy, upbeat melody
• Emotion-packed lyrics

Conclusion:

Christmas is a time for love, joy, giving, and music. These top 20 songs encapsulate the essence of the season, ensuring that the holiday spirit remains alive and well, year after year. Whether you’re singing along, dancing, or simply reflecting by the fireside, these tunes are bound to fill your heart with festive warmth.

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