Not only is the holiday season the perfect time for decorating and gift-giving (and wearing ugly sweaters), it’s also the BEST time of year for music. After all, what’s a festive party — or a holiday pop-up shop — without seasonally appropriate tunes?!
While I could make an endless playlist of holiday music for you to enjoy all the way through December, I decided to be a little more selective and curated a top 20 list — broken down by fresh songs and classic standbys — that will kill it at your sure-to-be unforgettable office holiday party. Happy holidays!
NEW TUNES
- Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Last Christmas”: Yeah, this song is a classic, but this Top 40 take on it by the Canadian pop singer is guaranteed to turn any drab party on its head.
- Pentatonix’s “Hallelujah”: Everyone at your party will be shouting hallelujah after listening to the a cappella group’s version of the song originally sung by Leonard Cohen.
- Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree”: The only thing better than a pile of presents underneath the Christmas tree is this joyful holiday party-ready anthem.
- Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me”: Looking for a worthy alternative to Mariah’s classic? This one’s it.
- Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe”: Even if you don’t want to be caught under the mistletoe for a kiss, this song will still get you into the holiday spirit with a purpose.
- Brett Eldredge’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside (ft. Meghan Trainor)”: Whether you like this song in its various covers or not, you can’t deny how fun this country-pop duet is once it comes on at your party.
- Coldplay’s “Christmas Lights”: Christmas feels wouldn’t be complete without a song from the British rock band.
- Sam Smith’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Turn this one on at the end of the night during last call, when people are starting to head out. It’s sure to send a few people into a stream of tears. And sometimes you just need to let it out.
- Leona Lewis’ “One More Sleep”: For when you just can’t wait for Christmas morning and want to celebrate that excitement days and weeks in advance, this is the jolly jam for you.
- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga’s “Winter Wonderland”: Whether you’re actually enduring a snowy winter or not, one play of this jazzy tune will get everyone in the festive mood.
OLD CLASSICS
- *NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”: Crank this one up and sing your ‘90s boy band loving heart out while rocking the tackiest ugly Christmas sweater you could find at the thrift store.
- Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”: Let’s be real: All anyone wants for Christmas is to listen to this song on repeat, right? And watch Elf on an endless loop too, of course.
- Christina Aguilera’s “Christmas Time”: Blast this from the speakers at your holiday party to find out which one of your friends has a diva living inside of them ready to hit high note after high note. There’s always one at every party ;)
- Britney Spears’ “My Only Wish (This Year)”: Press play on this bubblegum pop song to (finally) get your partygoers to the makeshift dance floor.
- Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”: You can’t do the holidays without Bublé. And that’s a fact.
- Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas”: Grab your Kelly and Michelle — we know, you’re the Beyoncé — and serenade everyone at your festive fête with this R&B holiday jam.
- John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”: For a slower moment during your party, make sure to add this sentimental song to your lineup.
- The Waitress’ “Christmas Wrapping”: You probably forgot about this song, but once the chorus comes on, everyone will be on their feet, bopping their heads to this ‘80s classic. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
- Brad Paisley’s “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy”: Yes, he does. Never forget it with this playful song that is sure to turn a few heads at your party.
- Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock”: If you’re gonna add this one to your playlist, you better bring the Mean Girls Plastics dance to life at your party or it’s not worth it.
Which holiday songs are at the top of your party playlist? Share your faves with me on Twitter at @brit!