A Definitive Ranking of the Most Iconic Christmas Songs
Christmas music—you either love it or hate it. Since it's still early December, we're still in the phase where it hasn't driven us totally crazy. With that said, this week is probably the last time we can think about it without wanting to pull out our hair.
We're going to seize this moment to revisit some of our all-time favorites. Below, discover our definitive ranking of iconic Christmas tracks, from modern hits, like "Santa Tell Me" and "Mistletoe," to classics, "White Christmas" and "Little Drummer Boy."
11. 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' by Arthur Warrell
Whenever we hear "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," we feel like carolers are about to haunt us. Keep this repetitive jingle far away from us. Even the lyrics are terrifying—no, we don't have any figgy pudding for you.
10. 'White Christmas' by Bing Crosby
"White Christmas" might have some of the most positive and festive lyrics of all the songs on this list, but the arrangement does not make us feel merry. The melody feels very flat, almost ghostly, and Bing Crosby's deep voice and vibrato do not help.
Also read about: 6 Festive Christmas Treats to Get Into the Holiday Spirit
9. 'Little Drummer Boy' by Katherine Kennicott Davis
It depends on who sings the song, but, for the most part, we cannot get into "Little Drummer Boy." Pentatonix has the best cover, but it's still hardly a song in our eyes. The songwriter made most of the music the "rum-pum-pum" sound of the drum, and it gets old.
8. 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' by Frank Loesser
We actually enjoy "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Does anyone else remember that video of Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt signing it? It changed lives. Sadly, we can't get past the creepy lyrics. However, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend offered a beautiful take on it, changing the lines for the better.
7. 'Santa Baby' by Eartha Kitt
"Santa Baby" is a cute song, and we like almost every version, from Eartha Kitt and Ariana Grande to Michael Bublé. It's surprising that we haven't heard it more often during the holiday season. Honestly, it only ranks so low because we never think about it.
6. 'Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree' by Brenda Lee
Like "Santa Baby," Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" wasn't one we often gravitate toward. Not because it's an irritating song—we simply prefer other ones. Since the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this year, we've heard it more, and it made us realize we do like it.
5. 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey
If you'd ask us a few years ago, we'd probably tell you "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is our favorite holiday tune. However, it has gotten grossly overplayed on our playlists and in public. Though, we'll always agree that Mariah Carey is the Christmas Queen with this catchy, modern hit.
Also read about: 7 Christmas Television Episodes to Watch This Winter
4. 'Mistletoe' by Justin Bieber
"Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber is everything a Christmas song should be. Catchy without being annoying. Upbeat without being too cheerful. And in general, it's great for easy listening. We'd even argue that "Mistletoe" is one of the best in his entire discography.
3. 'Merry Christas, Happy Holidays' by *NSYNC
Outside our music, we only hear "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" in our most frequented clothing stores. You know what that means—they have great taste because this song has the most infectious cheer. It's the only holiday track that makes us want to get up and dance.
2. 'Last Christmas' by Wham!
There's something we cannot resist about a nostalgic song, and "Last Christmas" embodies the sentimental emotion perfectly. It's yearning and bittersweet. Yet, at the same time, it makes us feel cozy and confident during the holidays. It also has some of the best renditions—Wham! did a stellar job with the original, and the versions by Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson and LE SSERAFIM's Huh Yunjin are almost as great.
1. 'Santa Tell Me' by Ariana Grande
We are shocked that a newer Christmas track ranked at the top of our list. However, we are certain that Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" will soon become one of the timeless staples like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" or "Little Drummer Boy." It's one of the only Christmas songs with an effortless, feminine charm—almost like a modern-day "Santa Baby." Plus, it's one of the only suggestive ones. Ariana released her anticipated Naughty Version on Monday (Dec. 11).
Are you surprising an astrology lover with a present this year? Read HERE for the best Christmas gifts for every Zodiac sign.