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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

If you want to spend Christmas with a touch of style and long for a happy, romantic holiday, jazz versions of Christmas songs are just what you need.

Many artists have taken on jazz arrangements of well-known Christmas tunes, and quite a few have released them as full Christmas albums.

In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of classic jazz numbers perfect for Christmas listening—even for complete jazz beginners.

From timeless standards to hidden gems, and even artists’ original Christmas songs, enjoy a lineup that includes fresh, new tracks as well.

[2026] Jazz numbers perfect for Christmas: from standards to original songs (91–100)

White ChristmasBing Crosby

White Christmas (Official Video)

White ChristmasBing Crosby

Speaking of Bing Crosby, he is an indispensable figure when discussing 20th-century American culture—a multifaceted entertainer who excelled as both a singer and an actor.

Needless to say, Crosby was a top star in both fields, and he is also known as the “King of Christmas Songs” for popularizing and scoring hits with many holiday tunes.

Among his Christmas songs, the quintessential classic White Christmas is one of the most famous.

Remarkably, it held the number one spot on the Billboard chart for 14 consecutive weeks after its release—a truly astounding feat.

If you prefer to spend Christmas in a solemn, reverent atmosphere rather than at a lavish party, be sure to use this song as your background music to welcome a sacred moment.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Winter WonderlandBing Crosby

Winter Wonderland (Remastered 2006)

Winter WonderlandBing Crosby

The classic Christmas jazz number “Winter Wonderland.” This song has a very long history; it was composed in 1934 by composer Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernhard Smith.

It has been covered by a variety of jazz vocalists such as Tony Bennett and Darlene Love, and versions with arrangements from other genres are still being released today.

This time, I’ve chosen the version by the world-renowned jazz vocalist Bing Crosby.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Me and Charlie Brown (Piano Solo)Cyrus Chestnut

Me and Charlie Brown (Piano Solo)

Me and Charlie Brown (Piano Solo)Cyrus Chestnut

The popular animated series Peanuts, known for Snoopy, is also beloved for its music.

A Christmas album by jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, A Charlie Brown Christmas, focuses on jazz arrangements of music from Peanuts.

The first track on the album is a solo piano piece that conveys a sense of excitement, as if Christmas is just about to begin.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

“Homecoming” Jingle BellsDave Brubeck

“Homecoming” Jingle Bells

"Homecoming" Jingle BellsDave Brubeck

Jingle Bells is a Christmas song loved by little kids, but when it’s given a jazz arrangement, its vibe changes completely.

One especially recommended version is by the American jazz pianist Dave Brubeck.

His 1996 Christmas album, A Dave Brubeck Christmas, features many other stylishly arranged Christmas tunes, making it perfect as background music for the holiday season.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Frosty the SnowmanElla Fitzgerald

Frosty the Snowman

Frosty the SnowmanElla Fitzgerald

Frosty the Snowman, a classic Christmas song composed by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson, has been covered by a variety of renowned jazz vocalists, including Jimmy Durante, Nat King Cole, and Guy Lombardo.

This time, among those illustrious jazz singers, we’ve chosen the especially popular version by Ella Fitzgerald.

Be sure to check it out.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

New Articles

: Today's Jazz: Tunes for today! A selection of timeless classics and contemporary jazz

: Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.

: Instruments Used in Jazz | Featuring Some Lesser-Known Ones Too!

: [Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once

: Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces | A Selection of Classics, Old and New!

: Recommended songs for jazz dance

: Ranking of Popular Jazz Songs

: Jazz to Enjoy in Winter: Masterpieces and Legendary Performances Beyond Just Christmas Songs [2026]

: [Jazz Intro] Classic Jazz Tracks Recommended for First-Time Listeners

: [Chosen by a jazz guitarist] 10 guitarists recommended by Katsuhide Wakui

In producing this article

Editorial Policy

While referencing articles and rankings from overseas music media, selections are made drawing on expertise as a music writer well-versed in a wide range of genres. By including many original songs by the artists, we create articles that offer new discoveries for readers.

KOH-1 (music writer)

KEI (POPS writer/editor)

[Evidence]

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

Dec 24, 2025: Added/updated one review.
December 21, 2025: Added/updated 15 reviews and updated the entire article.
March 13, 2025: Added/updated one review.
November 8, 2024: Added/updated 10 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
Added/updated 1 review on 2023/11/12.
October 20, 2023: Added/updated six reviews and updated the entire article.
2022/10/13: Added and updated three reviews.
2021/11/11: Added and updated four reviews.
November 4, 2020: Added and updated four reviews.
Added/updated 15 reviews on 2020/10/30.
Added/updated 6 reviews on 2019/9/24.
Added/updated 4 reviews on 2019/9/20.
Added/updated four reviews on 2019/9/19.
Dec 7, 2017: Added/updated two reviews.
Published the article on 2015/12/22.