Christmas is almost here, and if you need something to listen to this season aside from “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey or “Last Christmas” by Wham!, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 10 festive songs to get you started on your perfect holiday pop music playlist!
“Snow In California” – Ariana Grande
“Wrapped in his arms by the fireplace will be the perfect gift.”
We all know the classic that is “Santa Tell Me” and her 2015 EP Christmas & Chill, but we cannot exclude Ariana Grande’s first holiday EP, Christmas Kisses, from the conversation. “Snow In California,” in particular, is a truly underrated and timeless Christmas song.
“Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers
“Feelin’ like the first thing on your wishlist.”
We all remember how magical 2019 was when the Jonas Brothers reunited, and they wrapped up that year in a big red bow when they released “Like It’s Christmas.”
“One I’ve Been Missing” – Little Mix
“We’ll wrap the presents and put up the tree together.”
It’s hard to believe Little Mix have only released one Christmas song, because it’s almost like they have their own caroling trio. “One I’ve Been Missing” is a harmonious taste of what we can hope a future Christmas project would sound like.
“Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson
“Snow is falling as the carolers sing.”
Internet users far and wide marveled at Kelly Clarkson’s voice after a video of her performing this song went viral, but she’s been an incredible vocalist since winning the first season of American Idol in 2002. “Underneath the Tree” was the first single from her 2013 Christmas album Wrapped in Red, and it remains a holiday staple to this day.
“Glittery” – Kacey Musgraves ft. Troye Sivan
“You light me up like starlight on a Christmas tree.”
“Glittery” is a fittingly iridescent duet between Kacey Musgraves and Troye Sivan. The song is part of her 2019 Christmas album and holiday special The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show.
“Make It To Christmas” – Alessia Cara
“Break my heart on Boxing Day, just, please, can we make it to Christmas?”
Alessia Cara is known for her moody and introspective music, but “Make It To Christmas” off her EP Holiday Stuff is a very memorable Christmas song. In the chorus, the tempo speeds up as the Canadian singer pleads to her significant other to stay with her at least until Christmas.
“Christmas Lights” – Coldplay
“Oh, Christmas lights keep shining on.”
The most subdued Christmas song on this list, Coldplay starts it off as a piano ballad before it picks up a bit. It’s the moment of calm everyone needs during the holiday season.
“My Only Wish (This Year)” – Britney Spears
“Santa, can you hear me?”
“My Only Wish (This Year)” is one of the best Christmas songs to come out of the early 2000s, and of course it’s sung by the pop princess of the time and forever legend Britney Spears.
“Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift
“Just being in your arms takes me back to that little farm.”
“Christmas Tree Farm” is inspired by Taylor Swift’s childhood home, and it was released five days after she wrote it in 2019. The music video is made up of home videos of Taylor, including one where she unwraps her first guitar!
“One More Sleep” – Leona Lewis
“Three more dreams of you and mistletoe.”
“One More Sleep” by Leona Lewis is like if “Countdown” by Beyoncé were a Christmas song — it’s very clever and cheery! And frankly, it deserves to be in the ranks with all the other iconic holiday songs.