25 Christmas Albums to Add to Your Playlist

Christmas time is coming, and a big part of our celebration is the wonderful seasonal music. So, grab a cookie and a mug of eggnog and let us suggest a few musical holiday treats. 

*** A note before we start*** Everyone loves lists and ranking things, so we’ve placed these Christmas albums in a top 25 ranking. But all 25 are worthy of the No. 1 spot. Also, we picked titles that are easy to find at a local store, online or through a streaming service.

# 25 Gene Autry, “Christmastime With Gene Autry,” 1976

Tioga, Texas native Orvon Gene Autry is not only one of America’s first and most popular film and TV “Singing Cowboys,” he is also a big star in the Christmas music genre. During the 40s & 50s Autry gave Bing “Mr Christmas” Crosby a run for his money. Gene co-wrote and performed “Here Comes Santa Claus,” which has become a Christmas standard. He then charted with Robert May & Johnny Mark’s “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” The red nosed fellow hit No. 1 on the charts three years in a row and still charts to this day. Autry’s holiday stocking stuffer was released in 1976 and includes one of our favorites, the underrated, “Buon Natale.” 

# 24 Booker T & the M.G.’s, “In the Christmas Spirit,” 1966

These Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, as well as the legendary Stax studio house band, produced one of the top instrumental Christmas albums of all time. Booker T & the M.G.’s epitomized the Memphis Soul sound of the 60s, and this 12-song collection of classic holiday tunes infused with the Memphis sound is a must for anyone’s playlist. Every song is pure tinsel, with “Silver Bells” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” the stars on top of the tree.

#23 Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, “It’s a Holiday Soul Party,” 2015 

Augusta, Georgia native Sharon Lafaye Jones, dubbed by the press and her fans as the “Queen of Funk,” produced a powerhouse Christmas album in 2015. But she didn’t do it alone; the house band of Daptone records, The Dap-Kings, lent a hand. The Kings were the studio musicians on Amy Winehouse’s 2006 instant classic “Back to Back.” Jones and the Dap-Kings were Winehouse’s backing band on her first U.S. tour. This disc features 11 funky versions of classic Christmas tunes and a few soulful originals. We dare you not to dance around your Christmas tree while listening to “Funky Little Drummer Boy.”

# 22 Tony Bennett, “Snowfall,” the 1994 edition

At the suggestion of Bob Hope, Anthony Benedetta, changed his stage name to Tony Bennet. Bennett, one of the world’s living musical legends, originally released “Snowfall” in 1968. But we suggest the 1994 edition as the one to drop on your playlist. This edition contains a jazzy live cover of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” recorded on the Jon Stewart late night TV show. This 11- song album includes all the classics but with a sprinkling of that Tony Bennet flair, including the title song “Snowfall,” which will make you add another log to the fire.

#21 Chuck Leavell, “What's In The bag?” 1998

Chuck Leavell, an Alabama native and the “sixth member” of the Rolling Stones, produced and recorded a dynamite Southern boogie Christmas album titled “What’s in the bag?” Leavell, a member of the Allman Brothers Band and the Southern rock-jazz fusion band Sea Level, has created a 13-tune disc of Christmas standards, but with a Southern twang. The disc also includes a few originals like “Hey Santa.” This hip, swinging piano boogie will become a constant on your holiday playlist.

# 20 Mahalia Jackson, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” 1962

Mahalia Jackson, a Grammy recipient and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, composed a holiday themed Gospel album that crossed over into the pop charts. The New Orleans native and “Gospel Queen” released “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” to strong reviews and two weeks at the top of the 1962 pop charts. Mahalia uses the passion of her Baptist Church background and the soul of early blues singers Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith to make this 10-song collection. The highlight is her version of the title song. You can feel the spirit of the season in her voice, and although countless more have recorded the hymn, none have come close. 

#19 Vince Guaraldi Trio, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 1965    

During the 1950s and 1960s, jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi was a mainstay in the west coast recording studios, honing his craft and becoming well versed in all the popular styles of the time – jazz, pop, rock and Latin. You can hear all those influences in his 1965 soundtrack to the CBS Christmas special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Along with Fred Marshall on standup bass and Jerry Granelli on drums, this trio created an 11-song musical joy to the world that turned many youngsters onto the cool sounds of jazz music.

#18 Ana Gasteyer, “Sugar & Booze,” 2019

Film and TV star Ana Kristina Gasteyer released a delightful holiday musical treat in 2019.  Gasteyer recorded an old school, big band style album, which is just plain fun for the holiday season. “Sugar & Booze” includes a mixture of classic and original tunes that make this a must for your Christmas party playlist, and we predict the title song, co-written by Gasteyer, will become a holiday standard.  

# 17 Mannhiem Steamroller, “Christmas,” 1984  

From the moment Chip Davis’s group Mannhiem Steamrollers released the 1984 album “Christmas,” it was a smash hit. And since their debut, Davis’s group of studio musicians has been steamrolling the charts with over 20 holiday-themed albums. But we think his first is still the best. This 10-song collection was on the vanguard of updating 200+-year-old carols and hymns into upbeat, pop rockers, and the public responded.  “Christmas” charted in the top 20, including four times at the No. 1 spot, and their first holiday CD’s popularity has continued into the digital world, with over 9 million downloads. 

#16 Mariah Carey, “Merry Christmas,” 1994

Long Island, New York native Mariah Carey cowrote and performed what may be the last song to become a standard in the Christmas genre. Since its 1994 release, “All I Want for Christmas is You” has been recorded by almost every young female pop star, but Carey’s version remains the gold standard. With a Phil Spector, “wall of sound” style arrangement and Carey’s soulful voice, the single version has stayed on the charts for three decades. But this 10-song album isn’t just a one hit wonder. Mariah has a holly jolly time with some of the season’s best classics, including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and a show-stopping version of “Joy to the World.”

# 15 Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, “Once Upon a Christmas,” 1984  

“Once upon a Christmas” is a 10-song album taken from the duo’s 1984 CBS holiday special. This release has jingled Kenny and Dolly into both the pop and country music charts for three decades, including twice as country’s No. 1 songs. Their version of the John Jarvis song “The Greatest Gift of All” has become a staple on Gospel, country and pop radio stations. Also check out the nostalgia TV channels on your cable provider to catch their 1984 TV special. It’s well worth a watch.

# 14 Jimmy Buffett, “Christmas Island,” 1996 

Jimmy Buffett: you either love the Alabama-raised beach bum or you don’t. We’re on the love him side, and this Gulf of Mexico sailor has created one of the best laid back, beach style Christmas albums of all time. “Christmas Island” includes playful covers of “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Up on the Housetop” and the title song, “Christmas Island.” But the album’s best gift is his homage to his adopted state, “Merry Christmas, Alabama,” which has a surprise at the end, so keep listening! And you don’t have to be a Parrothead to add this fabulous disc to your Christmas collection. 

# 13 Nick Lowe, “Quality Street,” 2013 

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The only Brit to make this list, Nick Lowe had a monster pop hit in 1979 with “Cruel to be Kind.” During his long career, his 2013 holiday release “Quality Street” is his only gift under the Christmas tree but is one of the genre’s best. Lowe’s Christmas album creates lively covers of traditional hymns like “Rise up Shepherd” and “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.” The CD also includes a couple of originals that are worth a listen. But our favorite cut on “Quality Street” is his cover of Roger Miller’s sweet lullaby, “Old Toy Trains.”    

# 12 Mel Torme, “Christmas Song,” 1992 

Mel “the Velvet Fog” Torme was a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter who used his songwriting skills to put his stamp on the Christmas season as the co-author of the mega holiday standard, “The Christmas Song.” Torme’s tune has charted over 300 times by more than 200 artists, placing it second on the all-time seasonal list, behind “White Christmas.” But the “Christmas Song” is not the only reason to add this 16-tune CD to your playlist. Every song is solid, including a wonderfully playful holiday reworking of the old standard, “Glow Worm” and an ultra-cool jazz version of “Good King Wenceslas.” 

# 11 Alabama, “Christmas,” 1985 

Alabama, one of the pioneers of the country-rock genre, released their first holiday album “Christmas” in 1985. The Fort Payne, Alabama gang hit solid gold with this 10-song stocking stuffer. Since its release, “Christmas” has continued to register in both pop and country charts, and the band’s original holiday tune, “Christmas in Dixie” has become a country Christmas standard.     

#10 Los Lobos, “Lolego Navidad” (Christmas is Here), 2019 

For 40 years, East Los Angeles’s Los Lobos has been one of the great “Americana” bands around. And their 20th album, “Lolego Navidad,” is the group’s first seasonal output, and it was worth the wait. Los Lobos has produced an authentic 12-song album of traditional songs of the Americas and a few shining originals. Two of the CD’s best cuts are the snappy and fun version of “Donte Esta Santa Claus” and the tuneful original “Christmas & You.” Add this collection to your Christmas party playlist and you’ll have everyone saying, Feliz Navidad! 

# 9 Harry Belafonte, “To Wish You a Merry Christmas,” 1962

Harlem, New York native Harold George Belafonte Jr. is a Grammy-award-winning calypso singer who released his first holiday album in 1958. We suggest the 1962 edition because it includes the definitive version of “Mary’s Boy Child,” but that’s not the only superb song on this certified gold album worth listening to. Belafonte’s strong, compelling voice shines on “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” and “Star to the East.” This one is a must for your Christmas morning playlist. 

# 8 Stevie Wonder, ‘Someday at Christmas’ 1967

One of America’s true treasures, Steveland Morris, aka Stevie Wonder, released this instant holiday classic at the young age of 17. The 12-song album includes two originals, the optimistic, “Someday at Christmas” and the sentimental “What Christmas Means to Me.” Both songs have become holiday standards and a must for any new pop-R&B artist to cover. The album is laced throughout with the classic Motown sound, which really shines on his sweet version of the kid’s song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” and the steady upbeat of “Little Drummer Boy.” Make sure to stuff this holiday classic in your music lovers digital stocking this Christmas.

# 7 Garth Brooks, “Beyond the Season,” 1992

Over the years, Oklahoma native Troyal Garth Brooks has created several holiday musical treats for his fans. But his first Christmas CD, “Beyond the Season,” is still one of his and one of Country music’s best, charting in the top 50 for a solid decade, including three No. 1 finishes. Brooks, one of the pioneers of the resurgence of country music in the ‘90s, helped seal his stardom with this 11-song album. A perfect mix of religious and secular songs, including beautiful renditions of “Silent Night” and “Go Tell it on the Mountain” and a rockabilly-infused cover of the Buck Owens classic “Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy.” This is a must for anyone on your nice list.

 # 6 Blind Boys of Alabama, “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” 2003 

Legendary gospel group The Blind boys of Alabama started singing together in 1939 at the Talladega Institute. There is not a subpar tune on this 12-song album. With wonderful guest artists like Mavis Staples, Aaron Nevilles and Tom Waites, every song is a true Christmas gem. Even after seven decades making great music, Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys can still make magic. Their 2003 release “Go Tell It on the Mountain” just might be the best Christmas album so far this century. This is a must for your Christmas playlist, and it might just help move that special friend who is on the naughty list over to the nice side.

# 5 Bing Crosby, “Merry Christmas,” 1945 

Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby, the radio, film and TV star, as well as one of the 20th century’s top performing artists, stands alone as the King of Christmas music. Bing’s first seasonal recording, “Silent Night,” rocketed into the pop charts top ten in 1935. It stayed on the charts until his next holiday single “White Christmas” took its place in 1942. His version of the Irving Berlin holiday masterpiece has stayed on the charts for eight decades, including hitting No. 1 eight times. With the advent of digital streaming services, Bing’s version has over 25 million downloads. “Merry Christmas” has been released in all forms and too many times to count, but we prefer the 1957 edition that includes the outstanding songs “Mele Kalikimaka” featuring the Andrew Sisters and the definitive version of “Christmas in Killarney.” If this 12-song delight does not put you in the Christmas spirit, then Santa should put a lump of coal in your stocking.

# 4 The Beach Boys, “The Beach Boys Christmas Album,” 1964 

The Beach Boys, the surf band that did not surf, became one of the most successful and important American bands of the rock era. Their holiday album was an instant million seller, and includes not one but two songs that have become Christmas standards, “Little Saint Nick” and “The Man with All the Toys.” This 12-song LP was the group’s seventh album, and there isn’t a bad note on the thing. The 1964 release still charts to this day, and their digital numbers reache into Bing’s and Mariah’s world. 

# 3 Johnny Mathis, ‘Merry Christmas’ 1958 

San Francisco native James Royce Mathis, with the help of Mitch Miller, Columbia’s A&R executive and band leader, created what music critics call a timeless masterpiece. And the music fans agree! “Merry Christmas” has charted every year since its 1958 release. But even with its constant stay atop the charts, Mathis’ album has never finished in the top spot. Interestingly, during its 1958 release it shot to No. 2, but could never surpass the No. 1 album of 1958, Mitch Miller’s “Christmas Sing Along With Mitch.” With Mathis’ rich, smooth voice and the lush band production, which really shines on what we think is the definitive version of “Silver Bells,” make this 12-song album another must for your Christmas playlist.   

# 2 Elvis,  “Elvis Christmas Album,” 1958

The “King of Rock & Roll” is also one of the crown princes of the Christmas music industry. His 1958 release “Elvis Christmas Album” is one of the earliest rock and roll themed holiday LPs. The 13-song collection includes the Leiber and Stoller penned “Santa Claus is Back in Town,” which any up-and-coming rock and roller must record. But what makes this album a top pick is Presley’s (with outstanding help from the vocal group The Jordanaires) wonderful versions of classic hymns like “Precious Lord” and “Peace in the Valley for Me.” This album still charts to this day, proving that Elvis has not left the building. 

# 1 Nat King Cole, “The Christmas Song,” 1963

We finish this ranking with Montgomery’s Nathaniel Adams Cole’s 1963 release, “The Christmas Song.” During the Christmas season, if you're listening to the radio, it’s a good bet you’re hearing Elvis, Bing, Johnny or Nat King Cole. Cole’s version of Mel Torme’s classic holiday treat “The Christmas Song,” was released as a single in 1946 and is still charting 75 years later. This 14-song treasure includes all the great holiday standards, but what makes this album twinkle is Cole’s self-confident, strong voice and his sense of what a song needs to make it a cut above other recordings. Listen to the full band arrangement on “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” or his simple instrumentation and straightforward vocals on “I Saw Three Ships.” Just like the rest of this list, there isn’t a lump of coal among the tunes on this album, but what places Cole’s album over the top is his powerful renditions of the hymns “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” 

 This list was compiled by Christmas music fan and self-proclaimed expert Taylor Watson of Tuscaloosa.