This list compiles 50 of the most beloved secular Christmas songs that bring joy and nostalgia to the season. Spanning genres and decades, these tunes are staples for festive playlists.
The Classics
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
Irving Berlin's timeless hit evokes nostalgia and dreams of snowy Christmases.
Winter Wonderland – Various Artists
A classic celebrating snowy walks and festive fun.
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
A 1957 rock-and-roll twist to Christmastime music.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
This lively tune is a party favourite since its 1958 release.
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
A cosy classic about enjoying winter weather indoors.
Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
The magical tale of a snowman brought to life.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – The Jackson 5
A festive warning to kids awaiting Santa's arrival.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
A tender, hopeful ballad from Meet Me in St. Louis.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Gene Autry
The song that made Rudolph a cultural icon.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
A picturesque description of Christmas decorations.
Pop and Contemporary Favourites
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
The ultimate modern Christmas anthem.
Last Christmas – Wham!
A bittersweet love song that’s a Christmas staple.
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid
A charity single with an enduring message.
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
A cheerful ode to Christmas celebrations.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
A poignant song with a message of peace.
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
A raw, emotional tale of Christmas in the city.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
A soulful, powerful holiday anthem.
Step Into Christmas – Elton John
A vibrant, upbeat holiday hit.
Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
A recent addition that has quickly become a favourite.
Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
A romantic holiday pop hit for the modern era.
Holiday Nostalgia and Humour
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – The Jackson 5
A child’s amusing perspective on Christmastime love.
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
A playful tune about extravagant Christmas wishes.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Various Artists
A classic duet filled with flirtation and charm.
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
A heartfelt ballad of Christmas heartache.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy
A humorous and quirky addition to Christmas playlists.
Dominick the Donkey – Lou Monte
A light-hearted tale of Santa’s unlikely helper.
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – Spike Jones
A whimsical song filled with childlike charm.
Snoopy’s Christmas – The Royal Guardsmen
A fictional and festive war tale featuring Snoopy.
We Need a Little Christmas – Angela Lansbury
A show tune celebrating the Christmas spirit.
Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
A rock-and-roll tribute to Santa's lead reindeer.
Modern and Alternative Christmas Hits
Cold December Night – Michael Bublé
A romantic addition to Christmas playlists.
My Only Wish (This Year) – Britney Spears
A pop anthem about Christmastime love.
Christmas Lights – Coldplay
A reflective and emotional Christmas tune.
One More Sleep – Leona Lewis
A catchy and uplifting festive pop hit.
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
A cheerful, nostalgia-filled classic.
2000 Miles – The Pretenders
A poignant and heartfelt Christmas song.
Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
A fun and quirky Christmas narrative.
Carol of the Bells – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
A dramatic, instrumental take on a Christmas classic.
The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
A smooth, warm tune synonymous with the season.
Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
A lively and festive winter favourite.
Unforgettable Festive Gems
This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
A soulful celebration of the season.
Believe – Josh Groban
An inspiring track from The Polar Express.
Silver Bells – Bing Crosby and Carol Richards
A timeless depiction of Christmas in the city.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby and David Bowie
A moving, unlikely duet blending two classics.
Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra
A jazzy take on the classic Christmas tune.
Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
A cheerful, heartwarming seasonal hit.
Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) – The Darkness
A humorous rock anthem for Christmas lovers.
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
A glam rock classic celebrating endless holiday joy.
Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen
A soulful rock ballad marking the festive season.
Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
A reflective song about the comfort of returning home for the holidays.
The Magic of Secular Holiday Music
From nostalgic crooners to modern pop hits, these songs capture the many moods of Christmastime. Whether you’re hosting a party, snuggling by the fire, or decorating the tree, these tunes are the perfect festive soundtrack. You can find many of these on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Have we missed any off? What's your favourite Christmas song? Please let us know in the comments!