33 Awesome Christmas Songs You Probably Haven’t Heard

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We are deep into December, and holly jolly Christmas songs are blaring everywhere you go. From coffee shops and malls, to restaurants and elevators, it seems like the whole world is conspiring to get you into the holiday mood.

At the start of the season, hearing Mariah Carey belt out the lyrics to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” can be fun. Listening to “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole is sweetly nostalgic. Even the oldies, “Jingle Bells,” and “Jingle Bell Rock” have their appeal.

But once you’ve heard the same songs for the 100th time, it’s enough to turn even the most devout fan of Christmas music into a bit of a grinch. Make your holidays this year much better than last Christmas with a new Spotify playlist that’s better than any present you could put underneath the tree.

Before “Let It Snow” by Michael Bublé makes you want to forget about a white Christmas and hurl your candy cane latte at the nearest speaker instead, we’re going to give you some alternatives for your holiday playlist.

Some of them are completely original songs from little-known artists’ Christmas albums, while others are surprising arrangements of old favorites with a twist that makes them feel fresh again.

And while you may not have heard these songs on the radio or even at all, we think they could be the new Christmas classics up there with well-known tunes like “Silent Night.” So, let’s jump in and have a listen! We’ve found a little something for everyone.

1. “Christmas Morning” by House of Heroes

Down deep, many of us long for the sense of magic that Christmas brings. This nostalgic song evokes that special feeling we all had when we were kids and still believed anything was possible.

2. “Fruitcake” by The Superions

“Fruitcake” by The Superions is a song about the most dreaded Christmas gift of all — fruitcake! With a catchy beat paired with lines like, “If your family don’t want it, give it to a neighbor,” this tune is way more fun than the holiday dessert! Plus, the video is totally weird and hilarious. There’s no reason not to put it on your Christmas hit list!

3. “Just Another Christmas Song” by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

The holiday season can always use a little more soul. This festive tune takes the most classic Christmas songs of all time and combines them into something fresh and funky. It’s so smooth and catchy you’ll want to hit replay over and over again.

4. “What a Glorious Night” by Sidewalk Prophets

This song begins with Linus’ famous “A Charlie Brown Christmas” scripture reading that fades in as ethereal music plays in the background. Just when you start overflowing with nostalgia, the calming tune takes a turn and transforms into one of the catchiest feel-good songs you’ve ever heard about the birth of Jesus. This is a song that’s sure to make you smile.

5. “Mr. Heat Miser” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

While we’re on the subject of classic and animated specials, this number from Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a remake of a Rankin-Bass 1971 Christmas special called “The Year Without a Santa Claus.” A lot cooler than the original, the two villains from the Christmas special are Mr. Heat and Cold Miser, and they go head-to-head in this entertaining duet.

6. “Child of Love” by Sara Groves

Songs like “Mr. Heat Miser” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy can be entertaining. But then again, sometimes you just want to hear something beautiful. This sweet ballad from Sara Groves tells the story of Christmas with a stirring melody while refraining from being corny. You may never hear it on the radio, but this one is a classic that should be played by every station.

Related: The Christmas-Ween Song Book

7. “First Noel” by TobyMac

Most of you have probably heard the classic version of “The First Noel,” which is one of the most well-known Christmas carols out there. But you might not have listened to TobyMac and Owl City’s rendition of “The First Noel.” This delightful spin on one of the best Christmas songs will make you want to sway your bod to the beat while you celebrate the birth of the King of Israel.

8. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Sixpence None the Richer

To all you 90’s kids out there, this remake of a classic from Sixpence None the Richer is nostalgic, sweet and oh-so-easy on the ears.

9. “Universal Child” by Annie Lennox

You don’t have to be an 80’s kid to appreciate the hypnotic voice of Annie Lennox. This 2010 Christmas song will touch your heart and uplift you whether you were a fan of the Eurythmics or not.

10. “Nutmeg” by John Legend and Stephen Colbert

In the mood for some R&B and a few laughs? This hit from John Legend was originally featured in Stephen Colbert’s 2008 Christmas special. Filled with over-the-top sexual innuendos in the form of a spice, this one will have you grooving and chuckling all at once.

11. “The Christmas Song” by The Raveonettes

This song is where indie rock meets old-school nostalgia, which is a combination that’s undeniably cool.

12. “Dónde Está Santa Claus?” by Augie Rios

Looking for something like “Feliz Navidad” to add to your hit list? This 1958 ditty about a kid waiting to see St. Nick is just plain cute.

13. “Little Drummer Boy” by El Vez

It may be Christmas time, but you can still rock. What better way to do that than by listening to “Little Drummer Boy” by El Vez, otherwise known as the Mexican Elvis?!

14. “Come On! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!” by Sufjan Stevens

This song is one that will just make you instantly happy and add a little joy to the world. While it’s easy to get carried away by the catchy tune, make sure you listen to the lyrics. Chestnuts like “Jesus and Mary, what a great day!” will make it worth your while.

15. “Glow” by World of Color

What would Christmas be without a soaring choral number? This angelic holiday song fits the bill perfectly.

16. “Christmas Tonight” by Dave Barnes featuring Hillary Scott

Imagine a modern-day jazzy duet of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and you’ve got this adorable, breezy hit in which a couple contemplates skipping a holiday party to sit in front of the fire. It’s cute, romantic and void of what some people consider to be the vaguely creepy overtones of the old classic.

17. “Santa Stay a Little Longer” by Shemekia Copeland

Santa Claus is coming to town early this Christmas season with this bop. Have you listened to Santa Baby one too many times? Replace it with this jazzy, flirty tune in which a woman tries to convince Santa to forget about his sleigh ride with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and stay a little longer. At the top of her Christmas list? St. Nick himself!

18. “It Snowed” by Meaghan Smith

As long as we’re in a laidback and retro mood, we might as well continue the vibe with this adorable song from Meaghan Smith. Just imagine the first snowfall of the new year, and the whole world feels like a happier place. Wheeeee!

19. “Wake Up, Wake Up” by Matt Wertz

Who wants to sleep in on Christmas when there’s so much magic waiting under the Christmas tree? This jazzy, poppy number from Matt Wertz evokes the feeling of Christmas morning oh so perfectly.

20. “Drivin’ Round Town” by Gabe Dixon

This gem from Gabe Dixon is reminiscent of crooner Lyle Lovett’s vocal stylings. Think jazzy, southern cowboy with a whole lot of talent. It’s a must-listen!

21. “I Got Your Christmas Right Here” by Aloe Blacc

Need a little funk with your Christmas? If so, you’ll love jammin’ out to this catchy number from Aloe Blass. It’s one of those songs that you can listen to over and over and over again without getting bored.

22. “Merry Xmas Says Your Text Message” by Dragonette

To anyone who’s ever broken up with someone over the holidays, this sassy song will make you feel less alone. What better gift to yourself than a song that screams, “Screw you!” to your ex?

23. “Love in Snow” by Steve Everett

This sweet little tune talks about how easy it is to fall in love in the snow. But whether you want to let it snow or not, you’ll definitely adore this song, especially when Steve Everett sings, “Everything just feels right under tinsel and tree lights.” So true! You can even reenact the scene of mommy kissing Santa Claus by hanging up some mistletoe and slow dancing to this carol of the bells.

24. “Just Like Snow” by Kris Allen

While we’re on the subject of easy, breezy songs about the magic of snow, here’s another one to put on your list. It’s impossible not to like it. Well, unless you’re the Grinch.

25. “It’s Been a Year” by Stephen Day

So many things change from one Christmas to the next. But then again, some things don’t. At least you’ll always have your loved ones. Let Stephen Day be the one to remind you of what’s truly special.

26. “Glow” by Brett Elredge

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when you start listening to country singer Brett Elredge take a shot at festive music with this Christmas tune. The mashup is simply wonderful. Michael Bublé has nothing on you, Brett!

27. “Light of Christmas” by TobyMac featuring Owl City

If you’re paying attention, you may have noticed this is the second song by TobyMac on our list. And it’s for good reason! You just can’t get enough of this guy when he’s in a Christmas mood. In the words of Andy Williams, you could say it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

28. “Fa La La” by Justin Beiber

Okay, this might be cheating but if you’re a Justin Bieber fan, you may have already heard this holiday jam. But if there’s such a thing as a guilty Christmas song pleasure, this is it, minus the guilt. Indulge this holiday season by adding The Biebs to your festive playlist! This song is up there with the likes of Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande.

29. “Everybody Knows the Claus” by Hanson

Here’s a Christmas jam from the 90’s teeny-bopper band, Hanson. To all of the girls who loved this band in their teen years, this one’s for you!

30. “I Want to Come Home for Christmas” by Marvin Gaye

This melancholy tune from Marvin Gaye is like an R&B alternative to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby. You could even say Marvin Gaye gives Bing Crosby a serious run for his money with his Christmas music. Plus, we had to throw something kind of sad in the mix, right?

31. “Little Drummer Boy” by Low

“Little Drummer Boy” has always been a favorite, and if it’s one of your favorites as well, you’ll enjoy this ethereal approach by the band, Low. It’s music to chill to when you’re contemplating which lights to hang up or rockin’ around the Christmas tree as you hang up ornaments.

32. “Betelehemu” by Babatunde Olatunji

Christmas isn’t just about the love you have for your family. It’s about caring for everyone, near and far. This beautiful choral number by composer Babatunde Olatunji features drums and strikes the chord perfectly. Even if you don’t understand the lyrics since they are not in English, you’ll still catch onto the feeling of a winter wonderland.

33. “Sunny Christmas” by Renee and Jeremy

This upbeat tune from not-very-well-known songwriting team Renee and Jeremy is a Christmas must. It’s just a simple, happy tune that will pick you up even if the stress from the many days of Christmas hits.

Music All the Way

Our holiday playlist has now come to an end. Hopefully, you’ve found some new tunes to freshen up your own collection. That way, you can remember the importance of staying in the festive spirit when holiday stressors arise. Just put in your earbuds and breathe a sigh of relief!

We hope you have a wonderful Christmastime. In the words of Frank Sinatra, have yourself a merry little Christmas, everyone!

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33 Awesome Christmas Songs You Probably Haven’t Heard: