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

LudacrismasLudacris

Ludacris – Ludacrismas

It’s a hip-hop Christmas song, the kind you don’t hear very often among Christmas tracks.

The only Christmassy element might be the jingle bells ringing in the background.

Still, as a song, it’s a very cool hip-hop Christmas track.

Little Drummer BoyPentatonix

[Official Video] Little Drummer Boy – Pentatonix

The composition is by Katherine Kennicott Davis and was released in 1941.

Many musicians have covered it, and in Japan, the 1955 version by the Trapp Family Singers is well known.

Pentatonix is a vocal percussion and chorus group, and in addition to this song, they have also covered “Carol of the Bells” and “Deck the Halls.”

Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasSam Smith

Sam Smith – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Official Music Video)

It was featured in the film “Meet Me in St.

Louis” and is hugely popular as a classic Christmas song.

Sam Smith, the London-born singer-songwriter who has captured the world’s attention, covered it in 2014.

The vocals are simply outstanding, making it a song you’ll want to listen to not only at Christmas.

Let It SnowBoyz II Men

Let It Snow

This is a Christmas song by Boyz II Men, a vocal group that has captivated many listeners with their beautiful chorus work.

When it comes to Christmas songs, choral harmonies are a defining image, which perfectly matches Boyz II Men’s strengths.

The chorus, where they deliver the snow-themed title “Let It Snow” with gorgeous harmonies, is truly breathtaking in its beauty.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Let It SnowBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men- Let It Snow

If you want to set a sweet Christmas mood with Western music for you and your partner, “Let It Snow” is a great pick.

This track is by the chorus group Boyz II Men, who produced numerous major hits from the 1980s through the 1990s.

It features an exquisitely sweet melody, and the lyrics are equally sugary, depicting a passionate time spent with a lover.

Another highlight is the top-tier vocals from featured artist Brian McKnight and lead vocalist Wanya Morris.

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Ryo

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Run Rudolph RunChuck Berry

Chuck Berry – Run Rudolph Run (Official Video)

This song delightfully portrays the joy of Christmas and a hurried Santa Claus.

It fuses rock ’n’ roll with the spirit of the holidays to give listeners an energetic feel.

Released as a single by Chess Records in 1958, it re-entered the charts in 2019 and climbed to No.

10 in 2021, its highest position in 62 years.

The lyrics humorously depict a boy who wants a rock ’n’ roll electric guitar for Christmas and Santa rushing to deliver it.

Widely loved as a Christmas classic that vividly conveys Chuck Berry’s musical influence, it’s a perfect pick to lift your spirits during the holiday season.

Christmas ValentineIngrid Michaelson & Jason Mraz

Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz – “Christmas Valentine” (Official Music Video)

Ingrid Michaelson is a singer-songwriter who’s also active as an actress.

She’s known for her languid songs featuring ukulele and guitar.

Her collaboration with popular acoustic artist Jason Mraz is the track Christmas Valentine.

With its classic sound, it’s a work I can recommend to fans of jazz from the ’60s and ’70s.

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Ryo

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