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

This ChristmasDonny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway – This Christmas (Official Audio)

Among Christmas songs by R&B artists, this might be one of the most well-known.

When the song was released in 1970, Donny Hathaway had just debuted and wasn’t very famous yet.

About twenty years later, after the song was included on a compilation album, its appeal gradually spread, and it began to be covered more frequently.

It’s an upbeat, wonderful track.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Santa BabyEartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby (Official Audio)

Up until the 1960s, jazz was the go-to genre for Christmas.

“Santa Baby” was especially popular in the United States.

Released in 1953, the song’s lyrics—often perceived as very sensual—sparked mixed reactions, yet it became a major hit in America.

It drew renewed attention in the 1980s when Madonna covered it, and it remains a beloved Christmas staple today.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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Sleigh RideElla Fitzgerald

Sleigh Ride

I think everyone has heard it before.

It’s a relatively up-tempo, classic, standard jazz number arranged from a timeless Christmas song.

It has a mood loved by all ages, from children to adults, and it’s still heard in many places today.

Highly recommended as BGM, it will surely make your Christmas party a delightful time.

Let it snowFrank Sinatra

Rod Stewart – Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Live)

It’s a jazz Christmas song sung by Frank Sinatra.

With a delightful horn section and a fun choral ensemble, it’s an irresistibly cheerful number.

Many of you might remember it being used effectively in the movie Die Hard.

New AxeJack Johnson

Jack Johnson – “New Axe”

Jack Johnson is an artist from Oahu, Hawaii.

He’s active not only as a musician but also as a surfer, film director, entrepreneur, and producer.

His songs, built around acoustic guitar, have a soothing feel.

His Christmas song “New Axe” is a heartwarming and moving piece that depicts a man—apparently a lumberjack—happily spending Christmas with his family.

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Ryo

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Man With The BagJessie J

Man With The Bag

This is an incredibly fun and lively Christmas song sung by singer-songwriter Jessie J.

A big band really suits Christmas, after all.

With its jazzy arrangement, it’s a track where not only Jessie’s vocals but also the instrumental performances and solos are highlights.

When it comes to Western Christmas music, songs like this hit the mark and are a total joy!

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Murakami Shinpei

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It Was A…(Masked Christmas)Jimmy Fallon ft. Ariana Grande & Megan Thee Stallion

Jimmy Fallon – It Was A… (Masked Christmas) ft. Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion

Jimmy Fallon, who is active in multiple fields as an actor and singer, created “It Was A…(Masked Christmas)” in collaboration with Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion.

This song centers on Christmas in the era after the pandemic, singing about what has changed.

You’ll likely find it relatable, too.

It’s also nice that, with that in mind, it encourages us to enjoy Christmas.

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yamamoto

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