“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” ~Buddy the Elf
Leave it to Buddy the Elf to hit the nail on the head. I’m not sure any Christmas season would be complete without a Christmas soundtrack to accompany it. Regardless of your taste in music genre, there’s pretty much a Christmas album out there that’s got you covered. I mean seriously, whether you love the New Kids on the Block, Snoop Dogg or Phil Spector, there’s a Christmas album for you.
Check out some of my favorites below and then sound off in the comments on your favorites or any of the great albums I missed and should be listening to!
Noel by Josh Groban: This might be, hands-down, my favorite Christmas album. I’ve even been known to listen to it when it’s not near the holidays {Christmas in July anyone?}. I listen to this album so much my kids beg me to stop. But I don’t. Because it’s awesome.
A Very She & Him Christmas by She & Him: This is my latest Christmas album obsession. It came out a few years ago and instantly became a favorite. I fell in love with Zooey Dechanel’s voice when she sang with Will Ferrell in that bathroom scene in Elf. It’s magical and so is this whole album.
Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters: I blame my mom for this one. She listened to it all the time when I was growing up and it just stuck. Now it’s a Christmas album staple around here.
White Christmas by Bing Crosby: The title track alone makes this whole album worth buying. Bing sums up what Christmas music should be. He is an old school crooner whose music will instantly put you in that festive mood.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio: I’m not sure how they do it, but this jazzy trio somehow manages to put Charlie Brown’s crew to music perfectly. Peanuts creator Charles Schulz said it best when he said, “The way they walk and bounce a little bit – he captured that in his music.”
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller: I like to play this as background music every year as I decorate our tree. It’s become somewhat of a tradition and you can’t really go wrong with Mannheim Steamroller!
Now That’s What I Call Christmas! by Various Artists: When I can’t decide what type of Christmas music I want to listen to, this is the old standby because it has them all. Lots of different songs by lots of different artists makes for the perfect Christmas playlist!
When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr: Oh sing it Harry! His voice is so smooth I could listen to it for hours and sometimes do.
Christmas by Michael Bublé: I don’t actually care about the quality of music on this album {which is awesome by the way}, but I totally suggest you go and buy the physical album and not download it. Because just that picture of him on the cover makes your entire purchase worth it. He is more than welcome to come serenade me with Christmas songs anytime he wants!
The Lost Christmas Eve by Trans-Siberian Orchestra: TSO is the essential non-traditional traditional Christmas music. I mean how many Christmas light shows have you seen to “Christmas Canon Rock” or “Wizards in Winter?” Of all of their Christmas albums, this one is my favorite. The only thing missing is their version of Oh Holy Night, which is by far my favorite TSO song.
Honorable Mention:
The Gift by Susan Boyle
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey
These Are Special Times by Celine Dion
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Rita says
Linda Eder’s Christmas CD is my all time favorite!
Charla Echlin says
Sing Along with MItch! Brings back Christmas’ of many years past!
HollyG says
Michael Allen Harrison’s Enchanted Christmas is a lovely piano collection. Michael grew up and still lives in the Portland area and is always wonderful about giving concerts to help school music programs raise funds .
Julie says
Love your choices. I’ve got the Harry Connick and Vince Guaraldi, as well. I also love the Windham Hill album, December. Plus, I’ve got this crazy 2-CD compilation that I bought about 20 years ago, traveling in London at Christmas. It’s got a great mix of old Perry Como/Dean Martin/Bing Crosby sort of classics along with more “modern” classics like Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses and Last Christmas by Wham, etc. My favity fave.
Nicole says
Got to add Peter, Paul, and Mary Holiday Concert. Love it!
Jillbert says
Love this list! I was able to request all but one from our library. Can’t wait to see which one I love best.
KimC says
Jewel
Joy: A Holiday Collection
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ll have to look that one up! Thanks!
Stephanie says
Totally second that. Jewel has one of the best ever holiday albums.
Kris says
It’s not Christmas around our house with our the Beach Boys Christmas album. I blame my Mom for that one!
Janet says
You must check out Annie Lennox’s Christmas album called A Christmas Cornucopia! It is THE BEST, I listen all year round – I have 2 copies one for my car and one for my house! I am a bit mad for Annie.
http://www.annielennox.com/projects.php
Kathy says
All time favorite: Bruce Cockburn’s Christmas album – came out in 1993. You should try it!!
Richelle says
The Gift of Christmas by Kathy Mattea is fantastic. It isn’t traditional songs, but it’s my fave. Mary Did You Know? is the popular one from that album, but the others are very good. Must dig it out. 🙂
Terry K. says
Some pretty awesome selections. I totally agree with the Josh Groban assessment, and every Christmas I once again remember how much I miss Karen Carpenter. Thanks for sharing.
Brenda T says
White Christmas – Bing Crosby – Now That’s What I Call Christmas – I would choose these simply for that Touch of Nostalgia that I experience each year about this time. Thank you once again!
Michele says
White Christmas, Bing Crosby (Reminds me of decorating the tree with my family as a child)
Jewel, A Holiday Collection (It’s on my list from Santa this year)
But my all time favorite Christmas CD is Sarah McLachlan – Wintersong http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTWA6SBupY
I listen to it all the time.
Michelle Wright says
Josh Groben Noel for me please!
Wendy says
Straight No Chaser has an excellent Christmas album.
Melissa says
Alvin and the chipmunks Christmas of course!! That’s what my 3 year old prefers in the car this season 🙂
And of course I have to hear Christmas wrapping by the waitresses at least once during the season!