[2026] Christmas songs in Western music: from new hits to hall-of-fame classics

Christmas In HollisRun-D.M.C.

RUN DMC – Christmas In Hollis (Official HD Video)

RUN-DMC, said to have influenced many rappers and changed the course of hip-hop.

Their Christmas song was used in Die Hard, so even those who’ve never listened to hip-hop might have heard it.

Winter WonderlandRadiohead

Radiohead – Winter Wonderland

Among the many covers out there, isn’t this one particularly striking? The melancholic timbre of Thom Yorke’s vocals creates a good kind of mismatch with the mood of the original.

The dubby backing track is also worth noting.

As you listen, you can’t help but wonder—how did it end up like this? It’s a song that only he could make.

Christmas Time is Here AgainThe Beatles

The Beatles – Christmas Time Is Here Again (Complete Version)

It’s a Christmas song by the world’s most famous band, the Beatles.

I own all of their original albums, but I had never heard it.

When I looked into it, I found out it was a fan-club-only track that was never released on an album—a legendary, elusive masterpiece.

Last ChristmasThe xx

The xx – ‘Last Christmas’ in the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge

A cover of Wham!’s classic “Last Christmas” by the popular British band The xx.

Unlike the original, its dark and melancholic melody makes it feel as if it were their own song—an outstanding cover.

Wonderful ChristmastimeTuxedo

Tuxedo – Wonderful Christmastime

A new-disco duo known for their signature tuxedo look.

There’s no music video for this track, but you can fully feel the vibe from the sound alone! It’s a cover of a Paul McCartney song, and its simple message—let’s enjoy Christmas, let’s get hyped!—really shines.

This is what you might call true rock ’n’ roll.

Won’t Be Home For Christmasblink-182

Blink-182 – Won’t Be Home For Christmas

You might think it’s a song to welcome a fun Christmas with a catchy melody, but it’s actually about a man who messes up on Christmas Eve and ends up spending Christmas in jail.

While putting on a brave face, he’s secretly screaming inside for someone to post his bail—a track known for its highly story-driven lyrics.

Everyone, make sure you don’t end up like the guy in this song.

Rockin’ Around The Christmas TreeBrenda Lee

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Official Music Video)

Known as an essential classic of the Christmas season, this work is an ambitious piece sung by American artist Brenda Lee at the age of 13.

It vividly portrays lively holiday scenes around the Christmas tree, set to a brisk, rockabilly-style sound, and possesses a timeless appeal that transcends generations.

Released by Decca Records in November 1958, it gained renewed attention when it was featured in the 1990 film Home Alone.

In December 2023, 65 years after its release, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.

Achieving this at age 78 set the record for the oldest artist ever to top the chart.

It’s a perfect song to elevate the Christmas mood, bringing warmth to family gatherings and party scenes alike.