Top 10 Christmas Songs That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard

If you grew up singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” you probably wondered why anyone would want “twelve drummers drumming” or “a partridge in a pear tree.” Destiny’s Child must’ve thought the same, so they gave us a danceable R&B banger that fills eight days with gifts that might as well be our Christmas wish list. Kelly, Beyoncé (both credited writers on the track), and Michelle waste no time listing holiday wants over a catchy beat that’s perfect for any holiday party. We’ll take those “Chloe shades” and “keys to a CLK Mercedes,” but it’s the “Quality T-I-M-E” spent bopping along to this song that really makes it feel like Christmas.

Does it get more in your face than a song that literally starts with the word “Christmas?” It’s the ultimate festive anthem for anyone who craves that big, emotional sound of the season. With its powerhouse vocals and that lush melody, this song doesn’t just play; it slaps. Love’s vocals are filled with longing and heartache, but the sheer energy she brings takes the song to another level. That driving beat and soaring background vocals make it impossible to sit still, and it’s one of those songs that demands to be sung at the top of your lungs. Fun Fact: Cher, who would later cover the song herself, recorded backing vocals for this holiday banger!

This classic brings the perfect mix of nostalgia and energy to any holiday playlist. Recorded when Brenda Lee was just 13, her mature, sassy vocals give it a playful sound that’s hard to resist. In 2023, she released a music video to accompany it, which shot her back onto the charts, making her the oldest person to top the Hot 100 first at age 78 and then again at 79. With its rockabilly beat, jazzy saxophone solo, and catchy rhythm, this tune transports you to a holiday party in the 1950s, where everyone is genuinely rockin’ around the tree. It’s upbeat and fun and makes you want to grab some tinsel and dance along!

If you’re a Chuck Berry fan, you’ll love how “Run Rudolph Run” blends his famous rock ‘n’ roll sound with the festive Christmas spirit. Right from the first chord, it hits like a musical shot of winter-spiced espresso, capturing the energy of a child on Christmas morning. The guitar riffs explode like fireworks, infusing the song with a vibrant sound that brings on all the holiday feels. The playful lyrics tell a fun story about Santa’s speedy deliveries, adding a nostalgic energy that’s just a lot of fun. Berry’s lively vocals invite you to sing along and celebrate the holiday rush. It’s a timeless classic that’s guaranteed to get everyone dancing.

From the first note, Clarkson wraps you up with her powerful vocals, and she makes it all sound so effortless! We’ve heard plenty of songs say Christmas isn’t the same without your loved ones, but Clarkson’s upbeat and confident style makes this tune feel fresh. Her dynamic vocal performance shows off her range and emotional intensity, which only amplifies the song’s festive spirit. It captures all the joy and excitement of the holiday season, inviting listeners to grab their nearest and dearest and celebrate in a big way. Hey, let’s keep that energy going with more Clarkson. Her collab with Ariana Grande is like the ultimate Christmas gift that keeps on giving!

The lyrics of this bilingual tune might be simple, but they get right to the point, making it super easy to join in—even if you’ve enjoyed a little too much mulled wine. Feliciano wrote the song while he was in LA, missing his family during the holidays. He wanted to create something everyone could sing along to, and it took him only 10 minutes to record it. You can totally picture groups of people gathering, arms around each other, bouncing to the infectious beat, and belting out the lyrics. It’s kinda wild that it took over 20 years to hit the Billboard Hot 100 and another 20-ish years to finally break into the top 10!

This song has so many covers it could fill its own list. But does any artist go anywhere near as hard with their version as the Jackson 5 do? The group adds a little Motown groove to this holiday classic, and there’s something brilliant about having a child sing lead vocals. Who better to capture the excitement of anticipating Santa’s visit and dreaming of all the amazing presents he might have left? Even as adults, it brings back that childlike wonder of Christmas. We definitely didn’t need to check our list twice to know it deserved a spot for being oh-so nice!

This song may tell us to “Step Into Christmas,” but with Elton John’s energy, we’re leaping, kicking, and twirling into the holiday season. It’s one of those irresistible bops that can get even the most reluctant dancer on the floor. The song celebrates the people who’ve been by your side all year, inviting everyone to come together for what might be the jolliest time of all. Honestly, honoring the ones who make an impact on our lives deserves this kind of energy! The world may have slept on this banger at first, but we’ve definitely redeemed ourselves, bringing it back on the charts repeatedly. It even hit triple Platinum in John’s home country.

Whenever Stevie Wonder sings, his heart and soul pour out, wrapping around everyone who listens—whether live or on a recording. Now add a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, and you’ve got a tune that lights up a crowd like the biggest Christmas display you’ve ever seen. Wonder could keep that cheer going all through the new year, brightening even the gloomiest months.They say it’s the most Wonder-ful time of the year, and this legendary song truly lives up to that. Speaking of legends (or, well, a Legend), Wonder was featured on the track when John Legend covered it on his album, fittingly titled “A Legendary Christmas”. Did we say “legend” enough times for ya?

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

“Snowman” (2017), Sia
Nothing like Sia’s Vocals to Warm You Up on a Day So Cold You Could Actually Build a Snowman

“Christmas in Hollis” (1987), Run-D.M.C.
Once in a While, We Get a Christmas Song That’s Like a Gift We Didn’t Know We Wanted.

“Christmas Tree Farm” (2019), Taylor Swift
Taylor-ed to Lead Us Swift-ly into the Festive Spirit

“Little Saint Nick” (1963), Beach Boys
For When You Want to Put a Little Rock in Your Christmas

“Santa Tell Me” (2014), Ariana Grande
This Christmas-Pop Mix Is So Catchy We Might Find Ourselves Singing Along Even in the Middle of July

How could we possibly choose anything else? Mariah Carey is the Queen of Christmas! Remember the first time you heard this song, when it starts all gentle, lulling you into thinking it’s a slow ballad—and then the tempo picks up, and suddenly it’s like a sleigh ride with no brakes? Apparently, Carey decorated her home to write it with her songwriting partner, Walter Afanasieff, and it worked! In just 15 minutes, they created a song that would define the holiday season for years. They captured the essence of the festivities, blending upbeat pop and joyful carols. And honestly, can it even feel like Christmas until you’ve tried to match pitch—or screech along—with Mariah?

Which Christmas song makes your season sparkle the most? Let us know in the comments!