When it comes to our Christmas Playlist, all I can say is thank goodness for Spotify. Once upon a time I used to play the same albums over and over again on CD, and they would inevitably all get worn out.
Nowadays, we can add to the playlist until our hearts are content. By adding whole albums to a playlist and then editing it down as you listen, you can get rid of the duds. This way you end up with a Christmas playlist which caters perfectly for every festive whim, but might also discover some new ones too!
Here are my top 20 tracks recommended for every Christmas playlist. It was initially supposed to be a top ten, but I simply couldn’t restrain myself!
An all time favourite in our household.
Simply magical, John Williams is a genius.
For the token cheesy number. This one is perfect for singing along.
The song below is Sleigh Ride, but I honestly couldn’t choose my favourite. The whole album is amazing and I thoroughly recommend it if you are a big band fan!
Possibly one of the most beautiful tracks I have been lucky enough to stumble across. John Rutter easily joins John Williams on the list of Christmas music magicians.
6. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Cosy, warm, and quintessentially Christmas.
Although not strictly festive being Pie Jesu, this is simply one of the most beautiful choral arrangements. The girls really do sound like angels.
This one has to be included every year simply to remind us of the Christmas when my son (who was about 4/5 at the time) decided to entertain us at Christmas lunch with a spontaneous performance.
Another staple album on our family playlist – a great version of Rudolph that will get kids singing (and grown ups too!)
All Time Favourites
10. Run Run Rudolph – Chuck Berry – Home Alone Soundtrack
Another one which is also found on the Home Alone soundtrack!
11. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve – John Wilson Orchestra & Seth MacFarlane
My favourite cover of this song by far is the original Mel Torme recording, but this video from YouTube is one sung by Seth MacFarlane and the John Wilson orchestra and it’s also very good!
Another Elf favourite.
Completely classic, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Bing.
14. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland – Meet Me In St Louis Soundtrack
Gets those festive feelings stirring every time without fail!
Again, the whole album is so good, the piano music is also available and is great to add to the repertoire.
The John Williams arrangement of this glorious carol.
Steve Tyrell’s Christmas album is perfect for a jazzy take on Christmas classics, perfect – and very cool – background music for a Christmas party…
…so good that it would be impossible to simply choose one favourite.
20. Wrap Yourself In a Christmas Package – Randy Greer and the Ignasi Terraza Trio – Putumayo Presents: A Jazz and Blues Christmas
Another album where it was almost impossible to pick a favourite.. although I did manage, definitely recommend taking a look at the whole album..
So I know it says 20, but couldn’t leave this one off. Incredible jazz trio arrangements of your favourite Christmas songs, the perfect background music with amazing piano arrangements.
Thanks Sara, all those music from good old days, sometimes we just forget to enjoy them living in today’s hustle and bustle. Love all that soothing and slow ones, reminding me to watch home alone and elf again.
Wow, that’s a lot of Christmasey music. Commenting for BritMums.
haha it certainly is! Don’t know how others could have possibly restrained themselves to 5!!