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

ChristmasThe Who

Christmas

The Who, the London rock band ranked among the 100 greatest artists in history by Rolling Stone, deliver a track whose bright, accessible, pop-leaning sound—often described as a fusion of classical and rock—contrasts with its dark lyrics.

The song was also adapted into a film featuring Elton John and Eric Clapton, making it a must-see.

Do You Hear What I Hear?Whitney Houston

Do You Hear What I Hear

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a song composed in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis—which shocked the world at the time—with the aim of calling for peace.

Since it sings about the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s perfectly suited for Christmas.

In 1987, Whitney Houston covered the song, including it on the Christmas-themed compilation album A Very Special Christmas.

Her voice, set against rich backing vocals, has an outstanding presence and pairs beautifully with the sparkling, quintessentially ’80s sound.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone who wants to spend Christmas with a pure heart.

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Hamada Takuya

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The Christmas SongAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – The Christmas Song (Audio)

Released in the early 20th century and still a Christmas staple today, “The Christmas Song” fits the bill perfectly.

It has been covered by countless artists, but among them, R&B singer Alessia Cara’s version is especially striking.

Her cover features a very simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, and its unadorned, homespun feel is its greatest charm.

It’s perfect not only for lively Christmas parties with a crowd, but also for quietly spending Christmas on your own.

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Yuuki

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Christmas Without YouAva Max

Ava Max – Christmas Without You [Official Audio]

A romantic song that says, “I want to spend Christmas with the greatest gift of all—you,” is American singer-songwriter Ava Max’s ‘Christmas Without You.’ Released in 2020 as her first Christmas song, the single reached No.

10 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart.

As she begins singing over a piano backing, the sound of bells chimes in, instantly setting a Christmas mood.

If you love Western pop, Ava Max—hailed as a new-generation pop star—has a Christmas song you simply must hear!

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Hamada Takuya

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Oh Holy NightAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Oh Holy Night

Avril Lavigne is strongly associated with punchy, punk-tinged rock numbers, but did you know she once did a gentle, piano-and-vocal Christmas song? When it comes to Christmas music, upbeat, festive tunes are great, but hymnal, beautifully resonant pieces have their own appeal too.

This is a beautiful, melodic number sung by the rock queen herself.

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Murakami Shinpei

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