Christmas Music Playlist List For Every Occasion

The holidays are all about music that makes you smile, sing along, and feel the festive spirit in every room. Whether you’re setting up the tree, hosting a cookie exchange, or celebrating with friends and family, the right playlist can turn any moment into a holiday memory.

We’ve put together a joyful collection of Christmas songs, organized by category, so you can easily find the perfect tunes for every holiday occasion—from playful kid-friendly songs to classic crooners, modern hits, and quirky favorites that get everyone laughing.

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a set of headphones and smartphone sitting on an aesthetic christmas table abackground with text overlay what to include on a Christmas music playlist

All-Time Classics

These songs have stood the test of time and instantly put everyone in a festive mood. They’re perfect for family gatherings, tree decorating, or any moment when you want that warm, nostalgic Christmas feeling.

Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Frank Sinatra
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
Sleigh Ride – Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters
Winter Wonderland – Johnny Mathis
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
Do You Hear What I Hear? – Perry Como
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Bing Crosby
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Nat King Cole
O Holy Night – Celine Dion
Away in a Manger – Bing Crosby
Silver Bells – Dean Martin
Joy to the World – Frank Sinatra

Little Kids’ Favorites

Short, playful, and full of holiday magic, these songs are geared toward the little ones. Ideal for baking cookies, wrapping presents, or simply keeping the kids entertained while spreading cheer throughout the house.

Frosty the Snowman – Jimmy Durante
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Burl Ives
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Jackson 5
Jingle Bells – Barney & Friends
Here Comes Santa Claus – Gene Autry
Up on the Housetop – Gene Autry
We Wish You a Merry Christmas – The Wiggles
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jimmy Boyd
Deck the Halls – Bing Crosby
Away in a Manger – The Laurie Berkner Band
Do You Hear What I Hear? – Carrie Underwood (Kids Version)
Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Jolly Old St. Nicholas – Raffi
Christmas Alphabet – Dickie Goodman
Twelve Days of Christmas – The Countdown Kids
Santa Baby – Ariana Grande (Kid-friendly version)
Joy to the World – Disney Sing-Along
Up on the Housetop – Raffi
Let it Snow! – Kidz Bop
The Twelve Days of Christmas – Kidz Bop Kids

Tweens & Teens (Ages 11–17)

This mix of modern pop, upbeat covers, and sing-along hits is perfect for holiday sleepovers, school parties, or teen-friendly family gatherings. These tunes keep the energy lively and fun while still celebrating the season.

Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Shake Up Christmas – Train
One More Sleep – Leona Lewis
My Only Wish (This Year) – Britney Spears
Christmas Tree – Lady Gaga
Sleigh Ride – Megan Trainor
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
Last Christmas – Wham!
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
This Christmas – Christina Aguilera
Winter Wonderland – Demi Lovato
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Justin Bieber
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon
Santa Baby – Kylie Minogue

Grown-Up Favorites (18+)

Classic crooners, jazzy renditions, and heartfelt ballads make this section perfect for adults. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party or enjoying a quiet evening by the tree, these songs bring warmth, sophistication, and timeless holiday cheer.

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Last Christmas – Wham!
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
Winter Wonderland – Tony Bennett
Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin & Martina McBride
Silver Bells – Bing Crosby & Carol Richards
Do You Hear What I Hear? – Whitney Houston
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Bing Crosby
O Holy Night – Celine Dion
Joy to the World – Nat King Cole

Party Starters & Dance Hits

Looking to get your guests moving? These upbeat and lively tracks are guaranteed to energize any Christmas party, from office get-togethers to festive friend gatherings. They’re fun, celebratory, and impossible not to dance to.

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
Santa Claus is Back in Town – Elvis Presley
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
Step into Christmas – Elton John
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jackson 5
Christmas in Hollis – Run-D.M.C.
Shake Up Christmas – Train
Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon
Jingle Bell Rock – Hall & Oates
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) – The Darkness
Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé
Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson

Cozy & Chill

For moments when you want to relax and soak in the holiday spirit, these slower, acoustic, and soothing tracks are perfect. Great for tree decorating, gift wrapping, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Norah Jones
Silent Night – Sarah McLachlan
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
O Holy Night – Celine Dion
Away in a Manger – Sufjan Stevens
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Winter Wonderland – Tony Bennett
Silver Bells – Bing Crosby
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
Silent Night – Bing Crosby
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
What Child Is This? – Josh Groban
Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio
O Come All Ye Faithful – Nat King Cole
The First Noel – Bing Crosby
Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
Mary, Did You Know? – Pentatonix
Carol of the Bells – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Fun & Quirky / Novelty Songs

Add a playful twist to your holiday playlist with silly, offbeat, and humorous songs. Perfect for kids, adults with a sense of humor, or anyone who loves a little unexpected fun in their holiday music mix.

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas – Gayla Peevey
Dominick the Donkey – Lou Monte
The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – The Chipmunks
Nuttin’ for Christmas – Stan Freberg
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – Spike Jones
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Christmas Don’t Be Late – Alvin and the Chipmunks
Must Be Santa – Bobby Helms
Boogie Woogie Santa Claus – Peggy Lee
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jimmy Boyd
Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
Rockin’ Robin Christmas Version – Bobby Day
Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season – Bing Crosby
Here Comes Santa Claus – Elvis Presley
Step into Christmas – Elton John

No matter your holiday plans, this playlist has something for everyone—kids, teens, adults, and party-goers alike. Print these ideas out, share it, or stream it while you decorate, bake, or celebrate, and let the music bring even more joy to your Christmas season.

Remember, the holidays are about connection, laughter, and making memories—and the perfect playlist can make every moment a little more magical.

🎬Want some festive movie ideas, too? We’ve got the perfect streaming playlist sorted out for every age group- These are the all-time best family Christmas movies

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