The holidays bring music that becomes part of family traditions, soundtrack to gatherings, and annual streaming rituals. While many Christmas songs started as carols or standards, certain artist renditions and artist-led holiday songs have become the definitive versions people return to year after year. Here are ten of the best Christmas songs — presented as the famous artist versions or popular recordings that made them timeless.
1. “Sleigh Ride” — The Ronettes
The Ronettes’ Phil Spector–produced version of “Sleigh Ride” remains one of the most iconic Christmas pop songs. Its energetic arrangement and signature 1960s girl-group style make it a seasonal favourite
2. “Silent Night” — Elvis Presley (from Elvis’ Christmas Album)
Though a centuries-old carol, Elvis Presley’s hushed, reverent renditions from his 1957 holiday album brought the carol to mass-market pop audiences and remain a frequently played classic. (source)
3. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” — Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s energetic 1958 performance turned this song into a party staple — the rock-and-roll swing of her delivery keeps it on festive playlists and radio rotations every year. (source)
4. “Last Christmas” — Wham!
George Michael’s bittersweet 1984 pop ballad blends heartbreak with holiday melody and has become a perennial seasonal favorite covered by many artists while remaining closely associated with Wham!’s original recording. (source)
5. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” — Mariah Carey
Since its 1994 release, Mariah Carey’s modern pop classic has become synonymous with contemporary Christmas playlists, returning to charts and streaming peaks each December and cementing its place as a modern holiday anthem. (source)
6. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” — Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s powerful rendition (featured on The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack) is one of the standout modern performances of this evocative carol, showcasing her vocal range and bringing the song to a wider pop audience. (source)
7. “White Christmas” — Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s 1942 recording of “White Christmas” is the definitive version of Irving Berlin’s classic and remains one of the best-selling singles ever. Crosby’s warm baritone and the song’s yearning nostalgia established it as a seasonal standard.
8. “Feliz Navidad” — José Feliciano
José Feliciano’s bilingual 1970 hit delivers simple, infectious cheer — its cross-cultural appeal and singalong chorus have made it one of the most universally recognized holiday songs. (source)
9. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” — Frank Sinatra
Though not originally a Christmas song, Frank Sinatra’s cozy, romantic version helped cement this winter standard on holiday rotations — evoking fireside warmth and seasonal romance.
10. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” — Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s velvety 1946 classic is one of the most beloved Christmas recordings in history. His warm, masterful vocals helped define the modern holiday music sound
BONUS:
Jackson 5 – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
What makes an artist rendition “the” version of a Christmas song is often less about chronology and more about cultural impact: a distinctive vocal performance, a definitive arrangement, or a wide reach through radio and film placements. These ten recordings combine emotional resonance, broad influence, and repeated seasonal rediscovery — which is why they return to playlists and family speakers every year.