One may argue that the best way to get in the holiday spirit is by listening to the best Christmas songs ever. Mariah Carey or Paul McCartney singing their Christmastime classics is something that will always make people excited for December 25, regardless of age. Widely referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the time period from the end of November up until Christmas is full of tree lighting, present giving, cookie making, and, of course, listening to all time Christmas music classics. The following is the ultimate ranking of the greatest Christmas songs ever.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Since its release in 1994, this is one of the top selling Christmas songs in the 21st Century. It is also the 11th best-selling single of all time and got as high as number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 last December. Listening to this track is the easiest way to get in the holiday spirit.
2) “Last Christmas” – Wham!
Pop duo George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley released this song in December 1984 and reached the top of multiple European charts, including number one in Slovenia and Sweden. Various other popular artists including Ariana Grande and Carly Rae Jepsen have created their own versions.
3) “Wonderful Christmastime” – Paul McCartney
The legendary British guitarist and singer, most known for his work with The Beatles, dropped this single in 1979 that remains a classic to this day. McCartney reportedly makes an estimated $400,000 a year from the song.
4) “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” – Bruce Springsteen
“The Boss” recorded this song 41 years after the original version was first sung in November of 1934. A TV film named after the song was produced in 1970 and currently airs on ABC.
5) “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
This 1941 classic is the world’s best-selling single with about 50 million copies sold. It is the most recorded Christmas song ever, over 500 versions of the song have been recorded, with Crosby’s recording being the most well known.
6) “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
John Lennon released this song as part of his protest against the Vietnam War along with his wife Yoko Ono. It was a top song on British billboards after being released and peaked after Lennon’s death in December of 1980.
7) “Do They Know It’s Christmas” – Band Aid
Reacting to the reports of the Ethiopian Famine of 1983-1985, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure wrote this composition that became the top British Christmas song of 1984. Geldof had hoped that the song could help raise about $80,000 for Ethiopia but ultimately raised over $9 million within a year.
8) “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
Lee recorded this song in 1958 when she was only thirteen years old. It has been featured in Christmas films such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Home Alone. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 last December.
9) “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
The Nat King Cole Trio recorded this classic Christmas song in 1946 and was super successful on both the pop and R&B charts. It is best known for its strong Christmas imagery that is used throughout. Cole ultimately recorded the song three more times before his death in 1965.
10) “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” – Andy Williams
Pop singer Andy Williams recorded this in 1963 as part of his first Christmas album, The Andy Williams Christmas Album. During the song, various different holiday traditions are described such as spending time with family, sledding, and singing Christmas carols.
The month of December is known for many things including preparing and celebrating the various holidays that take place during the month. Preparation for Christmas always requires listening to the top Christmas songs, among other activities. These ten popular holiday recordings rise to the top of the charts each December as people around the world countdown the days until Christmas. While various artists can attempt to recreate classics, these ten artists will have their holiday songs played every December for generations to come.
