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

ZimaAl Di Meola

Zima

Al Di Meola, a guitarist who represents the jazz fusion world, first rose to prominence when he joined Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, and he has continued to captivate fans worldwide with his distinctive style that blends Latin, flamenco, and world music.

His 1999 album Winter Nights is a rare work themed around winter.

The opening original track bears a title that means “winter” in a Slavic language.

The delicate touch of acoustic guitar intertwines with the clear timbre of the Ukrainian folk instrument bandura, quietly unfolding a winter landscape of cold night air and pale light.

With flamboyant technique held in check, the piece draws you in through space and resonance, offering a sophisticated atmosphere distinct from lively Christmas songs.

It’s a track I highly recommend for those who want to spend a calm, intimate moment.

I’ll Be Home for ChristmasBing Crosby

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Let me introduce a Christmas standard born in 1943, in the midst of World War II.

Sung by Bing Crosby, this song poignantly expresses a longing for home and resonated deeply with soldiers and their families at the time.

The music was composed by Walter Kent, with lyrics by Kim Gannon, and the single released on the Decca label reached No.

3 on the Billboard chart.

In the years that followed, it reappeared on the charts each Christmas season, quickly establishing itself as a seasonal classic.

With the warm arrangement by John Scott Trotter’s orchestra and Crosby’s conversational, comforting vocals blending together, it gently envelops the listener.

Try playing it on a quiet evening spent with family or someone special.

The Ivy VariationsFourplay

The Ivy Variations

Fourplay is a supergroup with an overwhelming presence in the world of smooth jazz.

Formed in 1990 around Bob James, this accomplished quartet saw their debut album hold the No.

1 spot on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart for 33 weeks.

Among their works is an original instrumental track included on their Christmas album Snowbound, released in October 1999—a perfect piece for a winter’s night.

Composed by Bob James, it weaves together the gentle, fireside warmth of the keyboards with Larry Carlton’s lustrous guitar tone, all within a compact runtime of about three and a half minutes.

The addition of a horn section lends a festive sparkle, like light reflecting off snow.

Recommended as background music for Christmas dinner or for those seeking a quiet winter moment.

Hang Your LightsJamie Cullum

Jamie Cullum – Hang Your Lights

Jamie Cullum is one of the UK’s leading jazz singers and an accomplished pianist.

His 2003 album Twentysomething set the record for the fastest-selling jazz album in UK history and has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide.

While rooted in jazz, his appeal lies in a crossover sound that incorporates a wide range of genres, including rock, hip-hop, and funk.

This track is an original Christmas song inspired by the big band sounds of artists like Ray Charles and Louis Prima, and it appears on his album The Pianoman at Christmas, released in November 2020.

With festive arrangements featuring brass and female backing vocals, it’s a perfect song for adding a stylish touch to your Christmas season.

WishesKenny G

Wishes

From a holiday release by Kenny G, the saxophonist who epitomizes smooth jazz, we present an original Christmas number.

Released in October 2002, the album “Wishes: A Holiday Album” is Kenny G’s third Christmas project.

While most of the tracks are covers of traditional Christmas songs, this piece shines with a special brilliance as the album’s only original composition.

Co-written with Walter Afanasieff, it uses the lustrous tone of the soprano saxophone to evoke winter’s stillness and the uplifting feeling of holding a wish close to your heart.

With orchestral arrangements added, the piece also takes on a cinematic breadth.

Favoring the beauty of melody over flashy technique, the sound gently complements peaceful moments with family and loved ones.