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

Ding Dong Merrily On HighKing’s College Cambridge

Ding! Dong! Merrily on High 🎶 King’s College Choir Cambridge (Christmas 2010) #ChristmasMusic

If you want to soak up the Christmas spirit, Western Christmas songs are truly wonderful.

This piece is a classic masterpiece with roots in a 16th-century French dance tune, exuding a classical atmosphere.

The performance by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge is notable for its beautiful harmonies and was included on the 1969 album “Carols from King’s.” Its lyrics, combining English and Latin, are striking, expressing praise and joy to God through the voices of angels and the sound of bells.

It’s a number you’ll want to hear during the Christmas season and is often performed at the Christmas Eve “Nine Lessons and Carols” service.

This work is recommended for those who want to savor the Christmas mood and for fans of traditional music.

Christmas In New YorkLea Michele

Lea Michele – Christmas in New York (Official Video)

Composed by Billy Hutt in 1979, “Christmas In New York” became known as a Christmas song after it was released in 1982 by entertainer John Wesley Shipp.

This time, I chose a cover by multitalented Lea Michele, who is known for her role as Rachel Berry in the TV drama Glee.

Since it’s sung by her, the arrangement has a strong musical-theater flavor, so be sure to check it out!

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Ryo

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Ave MariaLuciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti – Ave Maria (Schubert)

In Japan, Christmas is a major event that people usually spend with a partner or friends.

Of course, that aspect is significant overseas as well, but it’s also treated as a holy day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you’d like to celebrate Jesus’s birth at Christmas, I recommend this version of Ave Maria.

There are many versions of Ave Maria, but this one feels the warmest.

Luciano Pavarotti’s sunlike voice is one of its great charms, too.

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Every Year, Every ChristmasLuther Vandross

Luther Vandross – Every Year, Every Christmas

An emotional Christmas ballad that sings of aching feelings.

The protagonist’s lonely longing as they wait for their beloved—and the hope they still can’t let go of—are beautifully conveyed through Luther Vandross’s soulful vocals.

Included on the October 1995 album “This Is Christmas,” the song blends R&B elements with a strikingly moody atmosphere.

Co-written with Richard Marx, it was named a popular holiday song in ASCAP’s 2010 report.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or wants to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.

Oh Santa! ft. Ariana Grande, Jennifer HudsonMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Oh Santa! (Official Music Video) ft. Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson

A lavishly extravagant Christmas song that brings together diva Mariah Carey—also known as the Queen of Christmas—Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson.

Not only do we get Mariah’s ultra-high whistle tones across her seven-octave range, but the powerhouse vocals of the two talented singers who admire her are absolutely stunning as well.

It’s an upbeat track packed with festive party vibes, and the music video—where you can feel each artist’s unique power and the joyful atmosphere—is a must-see!

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hiyori

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White ChristmasMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – White Christmas [Official Animated Video]

White Christmas is a classic Christmas song that has been beloved for many years, from the 1940s to the present day.

Because it’s been used in so many forms of media, most people in Japan have likely heard it at least once.

Among the many versions, I particularly recommend Michael Bublé’s rendition.

While it retains a vintage melodic feel, the production quality is high, giving it a unique and captivating atmosphere.

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Ryo

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Christmas CallingNorah Jones

Norah Jones – Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones, whose one-of-a-kind airy voice has captivated the world.

“Christmas Calling” was included on the first Christmas album she has released in her nearly 20-year career.

The song carries the message: if we can’t spend Christmas with the ones we love, let’s at least talk on the phone.

Starting in 2020, the world entered the COVID-19 pandemic, which took away the joy of attending events and gathering with loved ones.

The loneliness Norah felt during that time is reflected in the song.

Yet it doesn’t end in sadness—in true Norah fashion, it conveys a hopeful sentiment: “Let’s call each other instead and share the feeling of being together, if only in spirit.”

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Yoimachi Jēn

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