[2026] Jazz numbers perfect for Christmas. From classic standards to original pieces.

This Holiday SeasonMolly Johnson

This Holiday Season

Featured on a holiday EP released in November 2020, this track is a light, swinging jazz number by Canada’s celebrated jazz singer Molly Johnson.

While its bright rhythm stands out, it also captures the multifaceted nature of Christmas, including loneliness and wistfulness.

It’s a piece that shines with the seasoned expressiveness honed over Johnson’s 40-year career—something only an artist so highly regarded in Canada’s music scene can deliver.

Warm yet gently melancholic, it’s a song that even jazz newcomers can enjoy, and it makes a great background soundtrack for time spent with family and friends.

Warm DecemberJulie London

Warm December (Remastered 1992)

Julie London, a jazz vocalist from the United States who also found success as an actress.

She began her acting career in 1944 at the age of 19, and, with show-business parents, she appeared in well-known films such as The Red House, Tap Roots, and Task Force.

One of her classic Christmas songs is Warm December.

Its luxurious slow-jazz arrangement makes it perfect as background music for a dinner.

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Ryo

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Those Soulful Jingle BellsMark Whitfield

Those Soulful Jingle Bells

“Those Soulful Jingle Bells” is a jazz arrangement of the song known worldwide as “Jingle Bells.” This cover is a version by American jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield, characterized by its performance on a guitar with a beautiful tone—often called an ‘eleaco,’ which combines qualities of an acoustic and an electric guitar.

Also, the bass features an interesting arrangement that makes effective use of rests, so be sure to listen for that as well.

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Yuuki

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The Sound of ChristmasRamsey Lewis Trio

The Sound of Christmas

If you want to enjoy jazz arrangements of Christmas songs, the recent stylish takes are certainly great, but I also recommend those that follow in the tradition of old-school bop jazz.

This track is from the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s 1961 Christmas album, “Sound of Christmas.” Amid the groovy sound, you’ll hear plenty of familiar phrases pop up.

Christmas WaltzDavid Benoit Trio

David Benoit Trio: Christmas Waltz

A beautiful vocal perfectly suited to the holy night and a lively waltz rhythm set the celebratory mood.

This track is sure to please everyone! It’s perfect as background music for a Christmas party.

Since it’s a mellow song, it also works well as BGM when you want to create a stylish atmosphere.