1. “Preparing for Christmas Day”, Paul Simon (2011)
As the title suggests, this Paul Simon song is the obvious place to start the party. The unique Christmas song from his 2011 album “So Beautiful or So What” mixes hard-hitting political themes with a folksy melody.
2. “A Great Big Sled,” The Killers and Toni Halliday (2006)
Shortly after the Killers burst into the mainstream conversation with their now-classic album “Hot Fuss,” the Las Vegas band teamed up with Curve singer Toni Halliday to deliver the perfect rock song about Christmas nostalgia. “I want to roll around like a child in the snow,” sings Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.
3. “Christmas Caller,” Beach Bunny (2021)
If the movies “Love Actually” and “The Holiday” have taught us anything, it’s that desire is a central part of the Christmas season. All Lili Trifilio, the lead singer of the Chicago alternative rock band, wants for Christmas is for a past flame to call her name.
4. “Lights On,” Tyler, the Creator feat. Ryan Beatty and Santigold (2018)
Tyler, the Creator cooked up some tunes for the 2018 animated iteration of “The Grinch,” and apparently had holiday cheer in spades. Genre-hopping artist teams up with Santigold and Ryan Beatty for this catchy song about coming home for Christmas.
5. “Santa Stole My Lady,” Fitz and the Tantrums (2010)
Santa is a crafty gentleman in this song from the neo-soul-turned-pop group, best known for songs like “Out of My League” and “HandClap.” “Santa Stole My Lady” is like the inverse of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa,” told from the father’s point of view.
6. “Vegetarian Christmas”, FEET (2019)
This alternative rock band’s Christmas song about trading Christmas ham for sprouts, gravy and alternative meats is as quirky as it is festive. Maybe Grandma will come on board with a tofurkey for Christmas dinner this year.
7. “December Returns June 2,” Alicia Keys (2022)
Keys’ voice is always top-notch, and this song from her holiday album “Santa Baby” is no exception. Much like the Christmas classic “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” Keys relishes the warm comfort of a relationship with her silky R&B.
8. “Lonely Christmas,” Now, Now (2019)
Save this song as “you miss your ex-mom.” The Minnesota indie rock duo’s synth-laden holiday single draws inspiration from the ambient pop sound of their critically acclaimed 2018 album, “Saved.”
9. “Wrap Me,” Jhené Aiko (2012)
Longtime fans of seven-time Grammy nominee Jhené Aiko first heard “Wrap Me Up” in 2012, when the R&B singer shared it on her Soundcloud as a duet with James Fauntleroy. She has since re-released it solo, but the results are no less enchanting with Aiko taking center stage.
10. “It’s Not Christmas,” Alexander 23 and Laufey (2022)
Laufey, a Berklee graduate, and Alexander 23 — singer and producer of acts such as Olivia Rodrigo and Reneé Rapp — make a sparse, heartbreaking holiday duo. “Please turn off Mariah, I’m not in the mood,” laments Alexander 23. We’ve all been there.
11. “Always in the Season,” Pomplamoose (2010)
Pomplamoose has an extensive repertoire of Christmas songs and covers, including their albums “Winter Wishes” and “Christmas in Space”. A clever mix of pop and jazz influences, however, distinguishes “Always in the Season” from the others.
12. “White Winter Anthem,” Fleet Foxes (2008)
Folk, tinkling melodies come together on this track from Fleet Foxes’ debut album – which isn’t a holiday record, although you wouldn’t know it from the sound of “White Winter Hymnal.”
13. “This Christmas I’m Coming Home,” Leon Bridges and Norah Jones (2025)
Not to be confused with Bridges’ 2015 song “Coming Home,” he and Jones trade verses and harmonize in this moving ballad, arriving in November. It’s a perfect duo to start and end the evening with.
14. “We are the lucky ones”, the Marías (2020)
This nostalgic song about the end of the year arrives wrapped in the angelic voice of María Zardoya, the lead singer of the Marías. It’s dreamy tracks like “We’re the Lucky Ones” that earned the Los Angeles group a Best New Artist nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
15. “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call,” Bleachers (2024)
The usual bounce of Bleachers, courtesy of Grammy-winning singer and producer Jack Antonoff, is absent from this standalone single. Antonoff’s offering is a slight detour from holiday cheer, instead detailing an unhappy relationship at Christmas.
Isabella Bernstein can be contacted at isabella.bernstein@globe.com.
