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

Carol of the BellsLibera

Libera – Carol of the Bells (2011)

Composed in 1914 by Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian priest, based on the Ukrainian folk song “Shchedryk.” The lyrics were added in 1936 by Ukrainian composer Peter J.

Wilhousky, whose poem remains under copyright.

It is also well known for being used in the Christmas movie “Home Alone.”

The Christmas SongMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye *☆* The Christmas Song

One major artist who unfortunately remains little-known in Japan is Marvin Gaye.

I believe he deserves to be as popular as Stevie Wonder, but something seems to be missing and he hasn’t been able to gain widespread popularity here.

I hope many people will become fans after listening to this soulful Christmas song.

Santa Claus Is Coming To TownMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town [Official HD]

This song is incredibly famous as a Christmas classic.

This version has a more jazzy arrangement, and its smooth, mellow texture is wonderful.

I think it’s often used as background music as well.

It was released in 2017.

HumbugOwl City

Owl City – Humbug [Official Audio]

It’s a song from the solo project by American musician Adam Young.

Many of his tracks are synth-based and centered on electropop, and this one can be considered among them.

Its calm yet cheerful atmosphere makes it perfect for Christmas.

Rockin’ Around The Christmas TreePentatonix

Pentatonix – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Yule Log)

This is a track included on the 2018 Christmas album “Christmas Is Here!” by the American five-member a cappella group Pentatonix.

While they have traditionally focused on music created solely with the human voice, their more recent songs also make extensive use of programmed sounds and other production elements.