It’s that time of the year again, when christmas songs once again fills homes, shops and radio playlists around the world. Yet for a genre built on tradition, originality is surprisingly rare. The vast majority of Christmas songs are remakes or covers of familiar classics, recycled year after year in the name of memories.
Streaming data reveals the issue. By 2023, there were already more than 3,700 covers of Silent Night available. While timeless carols remain central to the season, a smaller group of truly original Christmas songs has managed to endure. These are tracks that were not covers when they first appeared and have since become seasonal staples in their own right.
Here is a countdown of ten original Christmas songs that continue to shape how the holidays sound.
1. This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
Released in 1970, This Christmas has grown into one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time. Anchored by Donny Hathaway’s warm vocals and infectious rhythm, the song captures the joy and anticipation of the season without leaning on tradition or religious imagery. Its upbeat energy and sing-along appeal have helped it cross generations, making it a staple at holiday gatherings worldwide.
2. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Few songs evoke the spirit of Christmas quite like The Christmas Song. With its smooth orchestration and iconic opening line about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Nat King Cole delivered a timeless piece that continues to define the season. The song’s universal themes of warmth, tradition and togetherness have cemented its status as a holiday classic.
3. The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
This unique collaboration evokes both tradition and originality. While The Little Drummer Boy predates the recording, the newly written Peace on Earth segment elevated the song into something entirely fresh. The contrast between Crosby’s classic croon and Bowie’s modern delivery created a powerful message of hope, unity and goodwill that still resonates today.
4. Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
Simple, joyful and instantly recognisable, Feliz Navidad brought bilingual holiday cheer to the global stage. Its repetitive chorus and infectious rhythm made it accessible across cultures, turning it into one of the most-played Christmas songs worldwide. Decades later, its message of goodwill remains unchanged.
5. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Originally written for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, White Christmas remains one of the best-selling songs in music history. Crosby’s smooth delivery and the song’s nostalgic imagery helped define the romantic ideal of the holiday season. Its enduring popularity proves the power of simplicity and emotional connection.
6. Christmas All Over Again – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Released in the early 1990s, this rock-driven holiday anthem offered a refreshing alternative to traditional Christmas music. Its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics about family gatherings and seasonal chaos struck a chord with listeners looking for something less conventional yet unmistakably festive.
7. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Both a Christmas song and a protest anthem, Happy Xmas (War Is Over) blends seasonal reflection with a broader message of peace. Its haunting melody and socially conscious lyrics set it apart, making it one of the most thought-provoking holiday recordings ever released.
8. The Christmas Wish – John Denver & The Muppets
This gentle duet delivers a heartfelt message about kindness, generosity and reflection. While often overlooked in mainstream holiday rotations, the song has developed a devoted following for its emotional sincerity and timeless message.
9. Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby
Inspired by the Hawaiian way of saying “Merry Christmas,” Mele Kalikimaka brought tropical warmth to a season usually associated with snow. Its laid-back charm and catchy melody helped expand the global sound of Christmas music.
10. Linus and Luci – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Though instrumental and originally written for A Charlie Brown Christmas, Linus and Luci has become inseparable from the holiday season. Its jazzy rhythm and playful melody instantly evoke childhood memories, proving that Christmas music doesn’t always need lyrics to capture the magic of the season.