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

RiverJoni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell – River (Official Music Video)

Known as one of Joni Mitchell’s signature works, this is a number steeped in poignant melancholy.

Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, it offers an introspective portrayal of heartbreak and loneliness.

With its gentle piano melody that resonates deeply, the piece appears on her 1971 masterpiece album “Blue.” Covered by countless artists, it has become beloved as a modern Christmas standard.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to hear when you’re healing from a broken heart or spending a quiet winter night.

Why not surrender yourself to Mitchell’s delicate emotional expression and sing it softly?

Feliz NavidadJosé Feliciano

José Feliciano – Feliz Navidad (Official Audio)

It’s a classic Christmas song created by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter José Feliciano.

Its simple lyrics, skillfully weaving Spanish and English, have warmed hearts across borders.

Released in November 1970, the song is said to have been born from Feliciano’s sense of nostalgia.

Its lively Latin rhythm and guitar tones convey the joy of Christmas.

It’s a perfect track to listen to on special days spent with family and friends.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, you’ll surely find yourself humming along.

Joy To The WorldJump5

Jump5 ~Joy To The World~

A song by the American dance group Jump5, who went on hiatus in 2007.

This familiar Christmas classic in Japan, known as “Morobito Kozorite” (“Joy to the World”), has been reborn as an energizing, upbeat track through a modern, pop arrangement.

It’s a perfect number for a lively, everyone-get-loud kind of Christmas.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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