Since there are now so many different ways to buy music it’s become difficult for statisticians to provide verifiable sales figures. It could be quite some time until we receive definitive rankings for highest selling music across all media but there’s no denying we can still identify some of the biggest selling and most played Christmas songs. Get your singing boots on ladies cos we‘re going to rock around the Christmas tree.
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
1. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
Arguably the most famous and most loved Christmas song of all time, you can’t think about this time of year without subconsciously humming this classic tune.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
2. All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey could probably retire and never work again thanks to all of the royalties she gets from this classic Christmas song being played endlessly every single year!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
Frequently asked questions
3. Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
You can’t help but get up and dance when you hear this one; the smooth voice of Brenda Lee and an effortlessly cool old rock and roll vibe!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
4. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
This joyous Christmas song is not only entertaining but it’s also educational, letting your dance and sing and learn a little Spanish all at the same time!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
5. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
This one has always been an iconic Christmas song since its release in the 50s, and was given a fresh lease of life when it was covered in Mean Girls!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
6. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Can anybody in the world thing about Christmas without singing, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” in their heads? Nat King Cole definitely made his mark on the festive period!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
7. Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt makes Christmas sexy with this sultry smooth song. Who would have thought that a love letter to Santa could be so seductive!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
8. Last Christmas by Wham!
Christmas and 80s cheese - is that not just a combination made in heaven? Well, if you didn’t think so before, your mind will have almost certainly been changed the first time you heard this classic.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
9. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s honey-like voice made any song an instant classic, and it was definitely the case for this Christmas song. Melancholy but fantastic.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
10. Happy Xmas (War is over) by John Lennon
Not content with mastering the world of rock and roll, John Lennon also managed to release one of the best songs of all time too. What a clever guy!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
11. It’s the Most Wonderful of the Year by Andy Williams
There is something really comforting about this Andy Williams song. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia or just that is evokes the very happiest Christmas memories you can think of!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
12. Do They Know It’s Christmas by Band Aid
This great track killed two birds with one stone; it gave listeners an unforgettable Christmas song and it helped millions with the money that it raised.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
13. Step into Christmas by Elton John
Elton John displays his signature piano prowess in this catchy Christmas tune; one of the better Christmas songs from the 1970s.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
14. Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney
John Lennon wasn’t the only Beatle who got in on the Christmas fun, with Paul McCartney giving us a festive favorite in the form of this catchy song.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
15. Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses
This track by The Waitresses is probably one of the coolest Christmas songs out there. It’s not particularly cheesy; it’s just a great time!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
16. 2000 Miles by the Pretenders
Rock bands like The Pretenders don’t usually get involved with the Christmas music scene, but we’re certainly glad they decided to give it a go as 2000 Miles is an absolute gem.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
17. Christmas in Hollis by Run-DMC
If typical Christmas music isn’t your favorite, then try something a little different with some festive hip-hop from pioneering group Run-DMC!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
18. Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill
This is wonderful and touching song, sung by Faith Hill and used for the movie How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
19. 8 Days of Christmas by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child added some much needed R&B flavor to the Christmas music scene when they released a whole themed album in the 2000s. This one is the pick of the bunch.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
20. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Dean Martin
This song has been covered dozens of times, but the best version will always be the original by the late great Dean Martin.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
21. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town by the Jackson 5
If you look at the lyrics, this song can actually be quite creepy, but you can’t do anything but dance and sing along when you hear the Jackson 5 version!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
22. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
Best known for performing it every single year at Christmas on David Letterman’s show, Darlene Love’s classic is one of the most beloved festive tunes ever.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
23. Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys
The Beach Boys lend their signature, unmistakable surfer sound to this unconventional Christmas classic, so catchy!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
24. Sleigh Ride by the Ronettes
The Ronettes have come to define the quintessential Phil Spector sound of the 60s, and it is put to fantastic use in this version of Sleigh Ride.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
25. Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder
Someday At Christmas is a pretty song that really makes you think about the world and how we could make it a better place.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
26. The Magic of Christmas Day by Celine Dion
What could be better than one of the greatest singers ever providing you with the musical accompaniment to the best time of year? Not much!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
27. Peace on Earth/the Little Drummer Boy by David Bowie and Bing Crosby
This one is so special; a meeting of different musical stars from different generations and genres, coming together to create a wonderful Christmas song.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
28. Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
One of my absolute favorites. You can’t help but sing along to this Irish masterpiece, especially after a few drinks!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
29. Kelly Clarkson – underneath the Tree
Kelly’s 2013 Christmas album Wrapped In Red became an instant holiday favorite when it was released, equalling some of our long time classics.
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
30. Leona Lewis – One More Sleep
X Factor winner Leona has been one of the few Brit stars to have made it big across the pond, and her Christmas song One More Sleep is a real winner!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
31. Baby, It’s Cold outside by Michael Buble and Idina Menzel
You can’t complete a Christmas songs list with Buble! Have a listen to his duet with the amazing Idina Menzel, it’s a joy to hear!
Buy at: geo.itunes.apple.com
32. Merry ‘Xmas Everyone
If you’re British, like me, you simply can’t go through the holidays without hearing Noddy Holder belt out “It’s Christma-a-a-a-s “ at the end of this hugely catchy tune. Actually it was the most streamed Christmas song in 2104 and it is believed more than 40% of the world has heard this song.
Buy at: itunes.apple.com
33. I Believe in Father Christmas – Greg Lake
I’ve saved my absolute favorite ‘til last. You might imagine a jaunty little tune given the title, but it’s actually a hauntingly beautifully melodic tune.
Buy at: itunes.apple.com
Which Christmas tunes get you in the holiday spirit?
Comments
shanianawaz: Great songs, one and all.
GJP: It's not Christmas without these tunes
:
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge