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

Underneath the TreeKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree (Official Video)

A classic Christmas song whose sparkling sleigh-bell sound evokes the holiday season.

Its lively rhythm is the quintessential, catchy style! It’s a perfect pick for anyone who wants to get into the Christmas mood.

Interestingly, the song actually sings about spending Christmas alone, and the phrase “as long as I have you…” stands out in the lyrics.

It’s an encouraging breakup song, in a sense.

If you want to create that atmosphere of a Christmas spent with everyone, this might be the ideal choice!

ChristmastimeStevie Wonder

Christmastime

Here’s a moody Christmas song that seems perfect for a slow-tempo cheek-to-cheek dance.

Released by Motown Records in 1967, it’s included as one of the tracks on Stevie Wonder’s Christmas album, Someday at Christmas.

Stevie’s youthful voice and harmonica playing are wonderful, making it a song you want to pull out and listen to every time the holidays come around.

You could even call it a hidden gem.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Santa Claus Is Comin’ To TownThe Jackson 5

Jackson 5 – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (852hz)

This Jackson 5 track takes a classic Christmas number and infuses it with plenty of Motown flavor, resulting in a poppy, soulful arrangement.

Michael Jackson’s clear, boyhood vocals leave a lasting impression.

Featured on the album “Jackson 5 Christmas Album,” released in October 1970, the song became a major hit right after its release, reaching No.

53 on the Billboard 200 chart.

It’s frequently used in TV and films during the holiday season.

If you hum along to it with family and friends over the holidays, it’s sure to become a wonderful memory.

Fairytale Of New YorkThe Pogues

The Pogues – Fairytale Of New York (Official Video) [HD Upgrade]

A Christmas song by The Pogues, a British band active in the 1980s.

With roots in Europe, they expressed a fresh musicality by incorporating Nordic music and Celtic music into a punk band.

Their Christmas song also features a Celtic rhythm, evoking the Celtic atmosphere of spending Christmas in the cold Nordic climate, drinking and celebrating together.

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Murakami Shinpei

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(There’s No Place Like) Home For The HolidaysCarpenters

(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays

This is a heartwarming number that portrays the joy of spending Christmas with family and in one’s hometown.

It’s a cover included on the Carpenters’ Christmas album “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” where Karen’s delicate, warm vocals truly stand out.

Released in 1984, the album came out the year after Karen’s passing.

Within its gentle, unhurried atmosphere, Richard’s meticulous arrangements add depth.

The album also charted on Billboard’s holiday rankings.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the beauty of spending time with family and loved ones during the Christmas season.

Christmas LightsColdplay

Coldplay – Christmas Lights (Official Video)

It’s a very beautiful song that’s perfect for Christmas.

It seems like it would create an excellent mood when you listen to it alone with your lover, but it’s actually a song about a man who had a fight with his girlfriend and was unilaterally dumped.

Still, you get the feeling that the couple in the song will, after all is said and done, probably get back together.