Because it’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, we’ve compiled a playlist of new Christmas tunes (and a few favorites from the last couple of years), to get your holiday season off the right start. Sure, a sizable chunk of Christmas music borders on insufferable, but these songs really do help make the season bright. Give it a listen or—if you must—bookmark it and come back to it after Thanksgiving. Either way, fa la la la la la …
Jon McLaughlin – “Away in a Manger”
Album: The Christmas EP (2014)
The Civil Wars – “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
Album: Holidays Rule (2012)
For King & Country – “Little Drummer Boy”
Album: Into the Silent Night – EP (2013)
Young Oceans – “Come to Us O Lord”
Album: Advent (2013)
Over the Rhine – “Another Christmas”
Album: Blood Oranges in the Snow (2014)
Dustin Kensrue – “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Album: The Good Night Is Still Everywhere (2014 Reissue)
Rebecca Roubin – “Silent Night”
Album: Christmas Lights (2014)
Peter Furler (feat. David Ian) – “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
Album: Peter Furler Christmas (2014)
She & Him – “Silver Bells”
Album: A Very She & Him Christmas (2011)
Sufjan Stevens – “Joy to the World”
Album: Songs for Christmas (2006)
Mindy Smith – “It Really Is (a Wonderful Life)”
Album: My Holiday (2007)
Cat Power – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Album – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Single (2013)
Weezer – “O Come All Ye Faithful”
Album: Christmas with Weezer (2008)
Kari Jobe – “O Holy Night”
Album: Where I Find You, the Christmas Edition (2012)
The Shins – “Wonderful Christmastime”
Album: Holidays Rule (2012)
John Legend and Mariah Carey – “When Christmas Comes”
Album: When Christmas Comes (2011)
Charles Bradley – “Mary’s Baby”
Album: Every Day Is Christmas (When I’m Lovin’ You) (2010)
