Top 10 Christmas Love Songs

An often covered but never bettered classic, “Santa Baby” has been a Christmas staple since the early ‘50s. Lyrically, it sees a narrator flirtatiously list the extravagant gifts that she’d like. Sports cars, sail boats, and jewellery; she’s audacious enough to want it all. Eartha Kitt’s incomparable voice is a gift in itself, and it’s exquisitely wrapped within one of the season’s most recognisable, toe-tappable refrains. It’s a song worth hurrying down any chimney for!

Christmas love songs are often laced with at least a little melancholy, but few play with our emotions as perfectly as this one. “Christmas Lights” is built around a love that’s been lost, for whatever reason. But, the titular lights lend at least a little comfort to even the most downcast. The verses are there to think over, but the chorus is crying out to be sung. The song breaks hearts, but also builds hope – and it’s accompanied by an incredible video too!

Often cited as one of the most underrated Christmas tunes, The Darkness rock ‘n’ roll their way through festivities unlike any other band could. Lead singer Justin Hawkins takes center stage for the song and video, as “Don’t Let the Bells End” reunites him with his lover, and pays homage to the Christmassy glam-rockers of years gone by. There’s all the usual Christmasmotifs here for kids, and some thinly-veiled, X-rated X-Mas wordplay for adults. Regardless of anybody’s age though, surely no-one can hit these high notes?!

Released as the major single off of their “Christmas Interpretations” album, with “Let It Snow” Boyz II Men brought extra soul to the season of good will. “Who Would Have Thought” was good too, but if you want R&B while decorating your tree, there’s really no better soundtrack than “Let It Snow”. And if you need to let a loved one know exactly how loved they are, then it’ll do exactly that. Think candles, mistletoe, mulled wine and an open fire; it makes for the cosiest of Christmas nights in.

Recorded in 1957 for “Elvis’ Christmas Album”, “Blue Christmas” was released as a single in 1964. In the country music genre especially, it’s considered one of the greatest seasonal songs ever penned. And, as a tale of unrequited yuletide love, it’s one of the most somber of today’s selection. Another with a warming quality though, Presley’s trademark tone seems almost custom-built for Christmas. Over 50 years since its first release, “Blue Christmas” still brings out the best side of Christmas sorrow.

Described by some as an ‘anti-Christmas’ effort, “Fairytale of New York” doesn’t deck itself in boughs of holly, or even slightly care for Santa. A drunken tale of lost dreams, it doesn’t really conform to anything expected from a holiday hit. And yet, it’s an absolute classic. The beautifully brutal back-and-forth between Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl is a reminder of what real relationships can be like. It’s not falsely idyllic, it’s frankly realistic, and that’s why this song sticks with us.

Another duet, this song has been relentlessly covered since it was originally written by Frank Loesser in 1944. We’ve selected Dean Martin’s ’59 version, featuring a female chorus, but there are plenty of popular renditions, including Sammy Davis Jr. with Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Jordan, and Tom Jones with Cerys Matthews. Originally designed as an ‘end of the party’ tune, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” brings a big band grandness to any Christmas gathering. Just don’t try to leave anywhere until it’s over!

A desperately downbeat record, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” very nearly didn’t make it into production at all. Written from the perspective of a soldier fighting in World War II, and released amidst the War in ’43, some deemed it too gloomy for the men stationed overseas, and for their families at home. But Bing Crosby went ahead and recorded anyway, at one time releasing it in conjunction with the more uplifting “White Christmas”. Nowadays, it’s a firm favorite, and nostalgia at its finest.

An instant classic that’s shipped over 14 million copies worldwide, there are only 12 singles in the history of pop music that have sold more than this Mariah Carey number. As soon as we hear those opening notes, or see those kaleidoscopic Santas, we know that for the next four minutes things are gonna get real festive! Carey simply couldn’t be any more loved up, and we simply can’t think of a more upbeat Christmas anthem. From sleigh bells to Santa suits, all we want for Christmas is this!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Merry Christmas Darling” (1970)
The Carpenters

“Merry Christmas Baby” (2005)
Faith Evans

“2000 Miles” (1983)
Pretenders

“Snowflakes of Love” (2001)
Toni Braxton

“Please Come Home for Christmas” (1978)
Eagles

In terms of Christmas-come-love songs, no record treads the balance better than “Last Christmas”. Set across consecutive festive periods, it’s the story of how far love can change in the intervening year. In the famous ski-resort video, Wham’s George Michael is a man with conflicting emotions, and his ‘deep in thought’ close-ups are now considered iconic Christmas imagery. This Christmas, and every Christmas, it’s guaranteed that “Last Christmas” gets played over and over. ‘Merry Christmas, and Thank You’ from all at WatchMojo!

Do you agree with our list? Which Christmas love song is your favourite? For more romantic top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.