1990s Western Christmas songs: from blockbuster hits to hidden gems
Just seeing the way the cityscape changes every December and the sparkling decorations lining the shops somehow puts you in a buoyant mood, doesn’t it?
And what you can’t skip during this season, of course, is Christmas songs!
For those looking for Christmas music as BGM for a holiday party or for the car, this article introduces Western Christmas songs from the 1990s—a decade that produced many hit tracks.
Rather than covers of so-called standards, we’ve mainly gathered original Christmas songs, so it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to create a Christmas atmosphere that’s a little different from the usual!
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- [80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems!
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- Christmas Love Songs: Romantic Tracks to Listen to on a Holy Night
1990s Western Christmas songs: From big hits to hidden gems (21–30)
Belleau WoodGarth Brooks
Country music superstar Garth Brooks—who holds the all-time U.S.
record for album sales by a solo artist—released this song on his 1997 album Sevens.
It is inspired by the true story of the 1914 Christmas Truce during World War I.
The song portrays the miraculous moment when opposing soldiers laid down their guns and, prompted by the singing of German troops, began to sing together.
The dramatic arc—from the silence of the battlefield, to a brief harmony, and then the return to fighting—is rendered lyrically with acoustic guitar and understated arrangement.
Though it never appeared on the hit charts, its powerful message of peace has made it a special favorite among his core fans.
In a 2020 holiday special, Garth was so moved that he momentarily stumbled over the lyrics.
It’s a recommended listen for a quiet Christmas night, when you want to reflect on our shared humanity.
ChristmastimeAimee Mann with Michael Penn
This is a Christmas song co-written by Aimee Mann—who scored hits in the 1980s with ‘Til Tuesday—and her husband, singer-songwriter Michael Penn.
It was included on the 1996 compilation album Just Say Noël and later appeared on Aimee Mann’s holiday album One More Drifter in the Snow.
The song is also used over the end credits of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Hard Eight.
Its understated, unadorned sound is striking, evoking the mysterious mood of the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
Within its restrained beauty, shaded emotions are rendered with delicacy, making it a refined Christmas piece for adults.
I Only Want You for ChristmasAlan Jackson
A straightforward love message—“All I want for Christmas is you”—makes this a moving country number.
Created by Alan Jackson, a leading figure in neo-traditional country, it was released as a single in November 1991.
While weaving in classic motifs like Santa Claus and mistletoe, the song expresses a warm longing for a loved one rather than material gifts.
Traditional country sounds featuring pedal steel and fiddle are sprinkled with holiday sparkle, and Jackson’s deep vocals resonate gently.
Later included on the album Honky Tonk Christmas, it’s a long-lasting track that has re-entered the charts multiple times.
Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night with someone special.
Mary, Did You Know?Kathy Mattea
Kathy Mattea is a country singer from West Virginia.
Known for her distinctive style that incorporates elements of folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music, she has produced numerous hits since the late 1980s.
Her 1993 gospel album “Good News” marked her first Christmas release.
The piece included on this album is a hymn that poses questions to Mary, the mother of Jesus, gently asking whether she knew what miracles the child she bore would one day perform.
Its restrained arrangement and her tender vocals evoke both religious reverence and warm emotion.
The album won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album in 1994, earning her the second Grammy of her career.
Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This ChristmasEels
A cleverly twisted holiday tune from an alternative rock maverick.
Led by Mark Oliver Everett—whose father proposed the many‑worlds interpretation—Eels are known for works that explore deep loss and introspection.
This track preserves their dark edge while painting a warm Christmas tableau.
Built around acoustic guitar and piano, the arrangement sings of trees and family gatherings yet folds in Eels’ signature irony and sentimental tremor, making it far more than a simple festive anthem.
Released in December 2006, it was included on the compilation album “Useless Trinkets: B-Sides, Soundtracks, Rarities and Unreleased 1996–2006.” It also appeared in the TV drama “Roswell,” quietly spreading as a hidden gem.
Perfect for those tired of the usual Christmas songs or anyone facing the year’s end with a more complicated state of mind.