Staying home for the holidays can make the season a little more convenient, saving celebrants from having to contend with the millions of individuals who take to the roads, railways and friendly skies each December. But staying home comes with its fair share of obligations, especially for individuals who are planning holiday get-togethers with family and friends.
Mood and merrymaking go hand in hand come the holiday season, and music can be used to establish a celebratory vibe this time of year. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply aspiring to create a festive atmosphere throughout the month of December, the following songs can help set the right tone this year.
• “Sleigh Ride,” by Ella Fitzgerald
• “The Christmas Song,” by Gregory Porter
• “Jingle Bell Rock,” by Bobby Helms
• “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!,” by Frank Sinatra
• “Jingle Bells,” by Kimberley Locke
• “Silver Bells,” by Tony Bennett, featuring Count Basie and His Big Band
• “Here Comes Santa Claus,” by Elvis Presley
• “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” by Diana Krall
• “White Christmas,” by Bing Crosby
• “Winter Wonderland,” by Louie Armstrong
• “The First Noel,” by the cast of “Glee”
• “Happy Holiday,” by Peggy Lee
• “O Tannenbaum,” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio
• “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus,” by the Brian Setzer Orchestra
• “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” by Mariah Carey
• “Santa Baby,” by Eartha Kitt
• “Mele Kalikimaka,” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
• “Blue Christmas,” by Elvis Presley
• “Frosty the Snowman,” by Gene Autry
• “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” by Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band
• “Deck the Halls,” by Nat King Cole
• “Fairytale of New York,” by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl
• “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” by Burl Ives
• “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” by Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell
• “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” by The Ray Coniff Singers
These are just some of the songs that can make up a merry and festive holiday season playlist.
