With the holiday season quickly approaching (aside from Hanukkah which has already come and gone) it’s that time of year when all we hear on the radio or in malls is holiday music. Whether you love it or hate it, holiday music is a huge part of pop culture. With thousands of versions of different holiday songs, it’s inevitable that everyone has different favorites. Although Christmas music takes center stage when it comes to holiday tracks, we can’t forget about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as well!
With that being said here are some of our favorite holiday tracks (available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more).
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1. Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra (A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra)
It’s not the holidays without some Frank Sinatra. Although there are many versions of this song, this version is a classic. Sinatra’s A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra is filled with timeless Christmas songs such as “Silent Night”, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, and more. So bring out your hot cocoa, decorate your Christmas tree, and get into the jolly spirit with some Frank Sinatra Christmas music.
2. Let It Snow – She & Him (Christmas Party)
Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward make up the alternative/indie duo called She & Him. Best known for their Christmas albums and coffee shop sound, this version of “Let It Snow” will surely make you feel like you’re cozy in a winter wonderland. Although it will sadly not be snowing in LA, there’s nothing wrong with pretending. Drink some eggnog and make sure to add She & Him to your holiday playlist.
3. “7” The Kwanzaa Song- Kwanzaa Gospel Chorus
Kwanzaa, which was created by Dr. Maluna Karenga in 1966 after the Watts Riots in Los Angeles, was established as a way to bring together African American culture and celebrate African harvest festival traditions. While Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated in many different ways, it is custom to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa in a candle-lighting ceremony on each night of Kwanzaa. This joyful tune is a beautiful commemoration of what Kwanzaa represents so make sure to give it a listen.
4. Candlelight – The Maccabeats (Hanukkah Anthology)
If you’ve never heard of this group, the Maccabeats are an iconic Jewish A Capella group that perform a mix of Jewish, American, and Israeli songs. Formed in 2007 at Yeshiva University, the group has gained much popularity and are known for their songs “Latke Recipe”, “Oh Hanukkah”, and more. If you haven’t yet, check out their YouTube channel and watch their hilarious and ‘feel good’ music videos to get you into the Hanukkah spirit (even if it is a little late).
5. Santa Baby (feat. Jane XØ)- Kaskade (Kaskade Christmas)
In 2017, American DJ Kaskade released his EDM Christmas album, taking traditional Christmas songs and making them his own. While a bit different from the holiday classics we’re used to, Kaskade’s Christmas album is a great way to mix up the holiday music that you have been hearing since Thanksgiving ended.
6. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley (Elvis’ Christmas Album)
Not to be confused with “White Christmas”, “Blue Christmas” is one of Elvis’ most popular Christmas tunes and the entire album is a Christmas necessity. “Blue Christmas” has been covered by artists such as Celine Dion, The Beach Boys, Ringo Starr, Sheryl Crow, Smash Mouth, Bette Midler, Harry Connick Jr., and more. Turn on your fireplace (or download a fireplace app on your phone if you don’t have one) and get lost in Elvis’ Christmas Album.
7. The Chanukah Song- Adam Sandler
Originally performed by actor and comedian Adam Sandler on Saturday Night Live, The Chanukah Song is commonly known amongst the Jews. Sandler’s main intention for creating this song was to highlight the fact that there are so few Hanukkah songs in a world filled with Christmas songs. Recently, the American pop-rock band, Haim, created their own version of Sandler’s Chanukah Song including references to 2021 pop culture; mentioning pop culture icons such as Maya Rudolph, Timothee Chalamet, Doja Cat, Eugene and Dan Levy, and more. Check out their version below.
8. Carol of the Bells – Trap City, Goblins from Mars (Christmas Trap)
Similarly to Kaskade, Trap City also has an EDM Christmas album. If you’re tired of hearing the same holiday songs played over and over again, get your red and green strobe lights ready and cue up some Christmas trap music this holiday season.
9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Jackson 5 (Ultimate Christmas Collection)
Jackson 5 is always a fan favorite and this version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” is no different. Although Bruce Springsteen also has a famous version of this song, along with many others, this version is sure to get you up and dancing! Grab a loved one and dance to some Jackson 5.
10. Freedom – Jon Batiste (WE ARE)
While this is not traditionally a Kwanzaa song, Jon Batiste’s FREEDOM embodies many of the principles that Kwanzaa represents. Batiste incorporates the themes of Black power and freedom and this song is an ode to Black culture in general. Batiste has recently been nominated for 10 Grammys, making him the artist with the most nominations for 2022. If you haven’t listened to Jon Batiste yet, this is your sign to do so.
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