Story by Kelsey Griffith // Staff Writer
It’s the time of year for Christmas trees, icicle lights and gift giving. Although caroling is not as popular as it once was, the holiday songs have not been forgotten. This playlist of unforgettable Christmas classics will make even scrooges sing along.
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Jordan (1949) This winter duet is a perfect balance between playful and romantic. The lyrics set the scene of snowy night with a couple inside a cozy home.
- “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt (1953) This flirty song is from a lady to her lover, “Santa,” asking for yachts and convertibles for Christmas.
- “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley (1957) The King sang this song the only way it should be sung – from a broken heart. It’s slow and sad, and reminisces about his past love that left him lonely.
- “All I Want for Christmas is You” – Mariah Carey (1994) Carey co-wrote and co-produced this sweet song. With heavy backup vocals, this upbeat pop hit describes the joy of having love, not gifts, during the holidays.
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee (1958) Perfect for Christmas parties, this fun song celebrates Christmas the “new, old-fashioned way.”
- “Run, Rudolph, Run” – Chuck Berry (1958) Flawlessly used in Home Alone during the airport running scene, this classic rock-and-roll song makes Rudolph a star.
- “Feliz Navidad” – Jose Feliciano (1970) “Feliz Navidad” is a happy song that beautifully blends Latin and American music and language. Half the lyrics are in Spanish, the other half is English.
- “The Chanukah Song” – Adam Sandler (1994) First performed on Saturday Night Live, this hilarious song celebrates Hanukkah while cracking jokes about Jewish Americans.
- “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms (1957) “What a bright time, it’s the right time to rock the night away,” sings Helms as sleigh bells jingle to put you in the Christmas spirit.
- “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole Trio (1946) “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is the opening lyric to this tune that brings a fireplace of comfort to your ears.
- “Let it Snow” – Dean Martin (1959) This smooth song is a popular one to sing to a lover when the snowflakes are falling.
- “Winter Wonderland” – The Andrews Sisters (1946) These three harmonizing sisters from the boogie-woogie era bring “walking in a winter wonderland” to life.
- “Happy Holidays” – Bing Crosby (1942) “Happy Holidays” is a warm song that wishes happiness for Christmas and every holiday forward.
- “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Thurl Ravenscroft (1966) You know this one from the Christmas classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Ravenscroft’s bass voice is so recognizable, it will take you back to the film.
- “Silent Night (Acapella)” – Boyz II Men (1993) Boyz II Men sing this song a capella and sound like a full choir. They bring heart and soul to the song originally composed in 1818.
