As the year winds down and the first hints of winter approach, music lovers everywhere begin searching for the perfect soundtrack to usher in the holiday season. Whether you’re decorating your home, baking seasonal treats, or simply looking to embrace that warm, festive feeling, the right songs can transform any ordinary moment into something magical. This curated collection of 20 tracks blends timeless classics with fresh releases, offering something special for everyone who wants to start celebrating a little early. From upbeat pop anthems to soulful ballads, these selections capture the joy, nostalgia, and anticipation that make the holiday season truly unforgettable.
The beauty of early holiday music lies in its ability to extend the season’s magic beyond the traditional timeframe. These songs help bridge the gap between autumn and winter, creating a soundtrack that feels both familiar and exciting. Each track on this list has been carefully chosen for its ability to evoke that special feeling of warmth and celebration that defines the holidays.
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s iconic anthem has become synonymous with the start of the holiday season since its release in 1994. The song’s infectious melody, combined with Carey’s powerhouse vocals, creates an irresistible energy that instantly puts listeners in a festive mood. Its timeless production and universal message about love during the holidays have made it a chart-topping favorite that returns to radio stations and streaming playlists every year without fail.
Last Christmas – Wham!
This 1984 classic from Wham! remains one of the most recognizable holiday tracks across generations. George Michael’s smooth vocals tell a bittersweet story of holiday heartbreak wrapped in an upbeat, synth-driven arrangement. The song’s perfect balance of melancholy and joy makes it ideal for those contemplative moments during the early holiday season when nostalgia runs high.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé’s velvety interpretation of this 1951 standard brings a sophisticated warmth to any early holiday playlist. His jazz-influenced arrangement and charismatic delivery capture the visual transformation that occurs as communities prepare for the festivities. The song’s detailed lyrics about decorations, shoppers, and seasonal changes make it perfect for those first days when holiday spirit begins to fill the air.
Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson’s 2013 original composition has quickly become a modern holiday classic with its upbeat tempo and genuine emotion. The song showcases Clarkson’s vocal range while delivering a message about finding love and happiness during the season. Its production combines contemporary pop sensibilities with traditional holiday instrumentation, making it accessible to listeners of all ages and musical preferences.
Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber’s 2011 contribution to the holiday music canon brings a youthful, romantic energy to early season celebrations. The song’s R&B-influenced production and catchy hooks created an instant connection with younger audiences while remaining accessible to all demographics. Bieber’s smooth delivery and the track’s optimistic lyrics about holiday romance make it perfect for setting a cheerful, anticipatory mood.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s 1958 recording remains one of the most energetic and beloved holiday tracks in music history. The song’s rockabilly influence and Lee’s spirited vocal performance create an irresistible urge to dance and celebrate. Its timeless production and lyrics about holiday parties make it an essential addition to any collection of songs designed to kickstart festive celebrations.
Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s 2014 release brought a contemporary edge to holiday music with its questioning lyrics and modern production. The song’s exploration of romantic uncertainty during the holidays resonates with listeners navigating relationships during the season. Grande’s impressive vocal runs and the track’s polished pop production have made it a staple on holiday playlists alongside more traditional offerings.
Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
The Ronettes’ Phil Spector-produced version of this winter classic delivers maximum joy through its Wall of Sound production. The song’s galloping rhythm and celebratory horns perfectly capture the excitement of early winter activities. While not explicitly about Christmas, its winter imagery and infectious energy make it perfect for building early holiday anticipation.
Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
Burl Ives’ warm, folksy rendition of this 1964 classic embodies the communal spirit of the holiday season. The song’s simple message about greeting friends and enjoying seasonal treats creates an atmosphere of neighborly warmth. Its association with classic holiday television specials adds an extra layer of nostalgia that enhances its emotional impact.
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Bobby Helms’ 1957 recording combines rock and roll energy with traditional holiday themes in a way that remains fresh decades later. The song’s danceable beat and playful lyrics about “jingle bell time” create an atmosphere of carefree celebration. Its enduring popularity demonstrates the timeless appeal of merging contemporary musical styles with seasonal traditions.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Andy Williams’ 1963 recording captures the comprehensive joy of the entire holiday season with elegant orchestration and warm vocals. The song’s lyrics enumerate the various activities and feelings that make the season special, from parties to caroling. Williams’ sophisticated delivery and the lush arrangement make it perfect for creating an atmosphere of refined celebration.
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Dean Martin’s smooth crooner style brings a romantic warmth to this winter weather classic. The song’s lyrics about staying cozy indoors while snow falls outside create an intimate atmosphere perfect for early season evenings. Martin’s relaxed delivery and the jazz-influenced arrangement make it sophisticated enough for adult gatherings while remaining accessible to all listeners.
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
José Feliciano’s 1970 bilingual classic brings cultural diversity and simple joy to holiday music collections. The song’s straightforward message of wishing happiness combines Spanish and English in a way that celebrates inclusivity. Its upbeat acoustic guitar-driven arrangement and singalong chorus make it perfect for gatherings where music brings people together regardless of background.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Darlene Love’s powerful 1963 performance, produced by Phil Spector, delivers raw emotion wrapped in a wall of sound. The song’s theme of longing for a loved one during the holidays adds depth to traditional celebrations. Love’s gospel-influenced vocal delivery and the track’s dramatic production create an emotional intensity that elevates it beyond typical holiday fare.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1971 recording brings a message of peace and reflection to the holiday season. The song’s gentle melody and children’s choir create a tender atmosphere while addressing deeper themes. Its combination of personal sentiment and universal hope makes it perfect for those seeking holiday music with substance and meaning.
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney’s synthesizer-driven 1979 creation brings a quirky, memorable melody to holiday playlists. The song’s simple lyrics and repetitive structure create an earworm quality that lodges in listeners’ minds. McCartney’s experimental production choices and cheerful delivery make it a distinctive addition that stands apart from more traditional arrangements.
Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s timeless interpretation of this 1934 standard captures the visual beauty of winter landscapes. The song’s imagery of snowmen, blue birds, and roaring fires creates a picturesque scene that enhances early season mood-setting. Crosby’s smooth baritone and the traditional big band arrangement provide a classic sound that never goes out of style.
Snowman – Sia
Sia’s 2017 release from her holiday album brings emotional depth and modern production to seasonal music. The song uses the metaphor of a melting snowman to explore themes of fragile love and the passage of time. Sia’s distinctive vocals and the track’s contemporary arrangement make it appeal to listeners seeking fresh perspectives on holiday themes.
Glittery – Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves’ recent contribution to holiday music brings a country-pop sensibility with sparkling production and sincere sentiment. The song captures the magic of the season through vivid imagery and Musgraves’ warm vocal delivery. Its modern production values combined with traditional themes make it perfect for listeners who appreciate both contemporary and classic sounds when exploring quality audio through proper headphones.
‘Tis the Damn Season – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s 2020 release offers a more mature, introspective take on holiday homecomings and past relationships. The song’s storytelling prowess and folk-influenced production create an intimate atmosphere that resonates with adult listeners. Swift’s detailed lyrics about returning home for the holidays and rekindling old connections add complexity to typical seasonal narratives, making it essential listening on quality earbuds during quiet contemplative moments.
Creating Your Perfect Early Holiday Playlist
Building the ideal early holiday playlist requires balancing energy levels, emotional tones, and musical styles to match different activities and moods. Consider starting with upbeat tracks like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” to energize morning routines or holiday preparation activities. Transition to mid-tempo classics like “Let It Snow” and “Winter Wonderland” for afternoon relaxation and create a more contemplative evening atmosphere with deeper cuts like “‘Tis the Damn Season” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
The key to maintaining early holiday spirit throughout the extended season is variety and intentionality in your musical choices. Don’t hesitate to mix decades, genres, and moods to create a dynamic listening experience that never feels stale. Include both familiar favorites that trigger nostalgic memories and newer releases that bring fresh perspectives to traditional themes.
The Evolution of Holiday Music
Holiday music continues to evolve as contemporary artists bring new perspectives and production techniques to seasonal themes. Recent years have seen increased diversity in holiday releases, with artists from various genres contributing their unique voices to the canon. This evolution ensures that holiday music remains relevant and engaging for new generations while respecting the traditions that make these songs meaningful.
The streaming era has also changed how people discover and consume holiday music, with algorithmic playlists introducing listeners to both classics and new releases. This democratization of holiday music discovery means that lesser-known gems can find audiences alongside established favorites. Artists now understand that contributing a quality holiday song can become part of their lasting legacy and provide annual streaming revenue.
Making the Most of Early Holiday Music
Starting your holiday celebration early with the right music can extend the joy and anticipation that makes this season special. Use these songs as a soundtrack for decorating activities, baking sessions, or simply relaxing at home with loved ones. The emotional connection we form with holiday music often becomes intertwined with our personal memories and traditions, creating a powerful nostalgic response that deepens over time.
Consider creating different playlists for various activities and moods throughout the early holiday season. A high-energy playlist might be perfect for decorating and hosting gatherings, while a more subdued collection could accompany quiet evenings or reflective moments. The versatility of holiday music means there’s always an appropriate soundtrack for whatever activities or emotions the season brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to start playing holiday music?
The ideal time to start playing holiday music is entirely personal and depends on individual preferences and cultural traditions. Many people begin listening after Thanksgiving in the United States, while others start as early as November 1st or even late October. Research suggests that listening to holiday music can boost mood and create positive associations, so starting when it feels right for you is the best approach regardless of what others think.
What makes a song qualify as early holiday music versus traditional Christmas music?
Early holiday music typically includes songs that capture the anticipation and preparation aspects of the season rather than focusing exclusively on specific religious or cultural celebrations. These tracks often emphasize winter themes, general festivity, and the emotional buildup to major holidays without requiring listeners to be in the thick of celebrations. The distinction is more about timing and mood than strict categorical definitions, as many songs work beautifully throughout the entire extended season.
How do I create a balanced holiday playlist that doesn’t get repetitive?
Creating a balanced holiday playlist requires mixing tempos, eras, artists, and emotional tones throughout the sequence. Aim for a ratio that includes classic standards, modern interpretations, original contemporary compositions, and perhaps some instrumental pieces. Vary the energy levels so listeners experience natural peaks and valleys rather than monotonous consistency, and don’t be afraid to include lesser-known tracks alongside the most famous recordings to maintain freshness.
Are new holiday songs as good as classic recordings?
New holiday songs bring contemporary production values, modern perspectives, and fresh voices that can equal or even surpass classic recordings in quality and emotional impact. While classics benefit from nostalgia and cultural familiarity, newer releases often demonstrate superior audio quality and production techniques. The best approach is appreciating both categories for their unique strengths rather than viewing them as competing, as each serves different purposes in creating a complete holiday music experience.
Why do certain holiday songs become more popular than others?
Holiday song popularity depends on multiple factors including memorable melodies, relatable lyrics, artist star power, initial promotion, and cultural timing. Songs that successfully balance universal themes with specific seasonal imagery tend to achieve lasting appeal. Additionally, songs that receive prominent placement in films, television specials, or retail environments gain repeated exposure that cements them in cultural consciousness, while radio play and streaming playlist inclusion in subsequent years maintains and builds their popularity.