Classic Christmas tunes get more annoying and overplayed every year. If the thought of hearing “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey on repeat gives you a tension headache, here are some Christmas covers and originals by artists you might already know and love.
All of these tracks are good picks for any occasion: a Christmas party playlist, a holiday function at work, taking a stroll through the Christmas village with your friends, to have in the background while wrapping gifts or decorating, or just to listen to with a cup of hot cocoa by yourself!
1. “Winter Wonderland/Last Christmas” – Remi Wolf
Remi Wolf adds her signature spunky charm to these two Christmas classics. Her bright vocals and unique production bring fun and vitality to the two tracks, keeping the original holiday feel while adding a funky Remi Wolf twist.
2. “Did I Make You Cry on Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved it!)” – Peach Pit
The Canadian quartet, known for their “chewed bubblegum pop” sound, has a somewhat gloomy Christmas cover tucked away in their discography. This track, beloved by hardcore Peach Pit fans (known as PP heads), is actually a cover of an original Christmas track by Sufjan Stevens. The track fits perfectly into the rest of their discography, with melodramatic lyrics and elements of pop and psychedelia.
3. “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” – Bleachers
“Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” is a melancholy holiday ballad that many Bleachers fans eagerly anticipated the release of. It was teased at many shows over the past few years before finally being released in November 2024. The song features echoey lead vocals contrasted with the sounds of Christmas bells. Through its lyrics, it illustrates a strained yet still lingering love story among the joyful sounds of the holidays.
4. “Winter Wonderland” – beabadoobee
beabadoobe’s silky, delightful vocal talents perfectly embody the romance of this lovely Christmas classic. With classical instruments like violins, flutes, and harps, this cover feels like someone pulled it right from a whimsical winter storybook.
5. “Love to Keep Me Warm” – Laufey ft. dodie
It would be a crime not to mention the velvety voice of pop-jazz sensation Laufey in a list of Christmas songs and covers. Laufey has blessed the music world with many captivating Christmas covers throughout the years. Her collaboration with bedroom pop artist dodie, however, is my personal favorite. The distinct charm of this song comes from its delightful simplicity. The subdued yet sweet vocals from both singers, along with a simple backing track, give this cover the feeling of hearing two of your friends singing together in the cozy corner of a Christmas party.
6. “Alone Again For Christmas” – Teenage Dads
Australian indie up-and-comers Teenage Dads recently delighted fans with a festive new single, chock full of fun and Christmas cheer! It has the energy and silliness the dads are known for, with added festive lyrics and instrumentals that will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit in no time.
7. “Holidays” – Conan Gray
This track is not exactly a Christmas song per se; however, it still offers a nostalgic, teary-eyed look back at holidays gone by. These lyrics remind the listener of returning home for the holiday season. It explores the idea that oftentimes, being home forces someone to recognize how much their lives have changed since they were young, as told through Gray’s comforting vocal talents. It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of fleeting Christmas magic and growing pains, all while confronting the never-slowing hands of time in your own hometown.
8. “December ’04” – The Oh Hellos
This track charms listeners with its indie-folk components. Featuring a soothing acoustic guitar lead, Christmas bells, and dual harmonies, this track provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It captures the simplicity of keeping loved ones in your heart during the season. “December ’04” would fit perfectly in a dreamy mountain cabin somewhere far, far away.
9. “Christmastime” – The Smashing Pumpkins
This song is best known for appearing in the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, but it can absolutely stand on its own outside of that. It includes all the elements of a more traditional Christmas song with twinkling instrumentals, piano notes, and bells throughout. “Christmastime” is a festive, cozy, musical treat for everyone.
10. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Phoebe Bridgers
The striking yet somber sounds of the talented Phoebe Bridgers make this track stand out from the rest. The strums of her acoustic guitar, combined with her subdued, serene vocals, perfectly complement each other to create this exceptional Christmas cover.
