The holiday season has arrived - and what better way to get in the merry mood than rocking out to some classic holiday tunes?

Music has always been a huge part of the holiday spirit. Whether going gift shopping, hosting a dinner, building a snowman, or driving to your hometown, everybody has their special holiday playlist - often a mix of classical and modern pop tunes - for the festive season. 

Popular holiday songs are mostly carried by a piano jingle with bells and chimes - fun to both sing along to and play for your friends and family.

So, get ready to sing along as your favorite holiday tunes fill the air! Whether it’s the joyous sounds of “Jingle Bells” or the sweet melodies of “Silent Night,” holiday music can evoke powerful emotions and memories.

From the old classics to the latest hits, holiday music has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a traditional hymn or a modern remix, you’ll find the perfect song to spread holiday cheer. 

It’s time to let the music bring your family and friends together this holiday season!

The Influence of Classical Holiday Music 

As soon as the Halloween season is over, classical holiday songs start playing in departmental stores and cafes - and by Thanksgiving, you've likely played a few of those tunes yourself. 

But why is there such a craze for classical holiday music, and why does it resonate with everyone enough to be played everywhere?

Well, joy and nostalgia play powerful factors here! Classical holiday music takes you down memory lane when you sing the same carol as you did in 3rd grade. It reminds you of the joy right before opening presents and meeting your friends as a kid. Since holiday music has always been unavoidable, it's nostalgic for everyone.

On top of that, many families tend to have a favorite carol or classical song they love playing during the season, often passed down from generation to generation. Even if you're away from your family, holiday music can bring you closer to them.

The orchestra-heavy classical songs and ballet performances have largely influenced most contemporary holiday music. Holiday songs are distinguishable by their piano arrangements and use of traditional handbells and chimes.

In fact, the influence of classic holiday music is unsurmounted. Take the case of "Christmas Oratorio" by Bach, which is a six-part piece following the birth of Jesus and the shepherds' visit. Christmas Concerto by Corelli follows similar themes of Christmas night.

And we all get to hear the most popular Hanukkah classic, "Ma'oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)," during the Hanukkah holiday after lighting the festival. 

Moreover, Orchestras worldwide play Handel's "Messiah" as an annual tradition. This choral work suits both modest vocals and giant choirs.

Some Classical Holiday Music Gems

A few classical songs we love to play around this season include Vivaldi's violin concerto "For the Most Holy Christmas," Peter Cornelius' 1960 solo-piano poetry "Weihnachtslieder," and Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio "Christus." 

The soulful "8 Days of Hanukkah" by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the seasonal classic "Chanukah Song" by Adam Sandler, "Oh Hanukkah" by Jack Black, "Happy Hanukkah" by Matisyahu, and "Candlelight" by The Maccabeats are other soulful classics that cater to the Hannukkah holiday. Adam Green's "Dreidels of Fire" has a lush string arrangement, too.

Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" is a magical composition of solo vocals and harp.

And, not to mention Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," an extremely popular holiday classic. Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, this fairytale classical song is a favorite of ballet theatres. It helped popularize the Nutcracker even more, influencing many children's media, like Barbie and The Nutcracker or Fantasia. 

"Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is our favorite soft piano ballet from The Nutcracker. 

Besides a few songs like The Nutcracker, most classical holiday music focused on religion - up until the 1930s. 

After the 30s, holiday music shifted focus from the religious aspect of Christmas to more secular aspects. These include themes and traditions of holidays, such as gift-giving or catching up with others or Santa Claus. Newer holiday songs follow similar lyrical content.

Every Holiday Playlist Needs These Sing-Along Classics

We get it - you probably can't wait to belt out some fine holiday pop and jazz tunes. And with our list, you won't miss out on any holiday classics.

Speaking of staple holiday songs, we can't not mention "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey. The #1 Christmas song globally and an enduring hit, this cheerful uptempo song, complete with bell chimes and synth, should get you pumped up and in the holiday spirit.

Following that is "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton, a modern classic that's relatable for many - life is always both hard and sweet.

"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is the ultimate holiday single and one of the first massively successful secular Christmas songs. The classic pop recording has resonating lyrics about longing for a Christmas of yesteryears.

"Last Christmas" by Wham! has a festive, upbeat rhythm masking the sad lyrics of unrequited love. "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee is a rockabilly holiday song with fun drum beats, bass, and guitar. 

"Where Are You Christmas" by Faith Hill, "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helm, and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland are all classics you don't want to miss.

"Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano is a simple, sweet, heartfelt Spanish holiday melody. Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home For Christmas," written for WW2 soldiers, is another heartfelt number. "Blue Christmas" by Elvis is another rock'n'roll classic.

Catchy Modern Holiday Songs for Some Extra Cheer

If you're looking to freshen up your holiday playlist with some newer, hip, more festive holiday songs while you finish decorating your house and settle in with some eggnog, we've got some great picks for you!

Top of the list for us is "Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande, one of the most popular recent holiday tracks. In a catchy R&B-inspired hook, she asks Santa not to make her fall in love with someone who won't be here next Christmas.

"Make You Mine This Season" by sister-duo Tegan and Sara is a fun indie version of your regular holiday jingle. Pentatonix also covered a capella version of "Hallelujah!", making it a slow playlist-end track. 

"You Make It Feel Like Christmas" by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton is another fresh pick - not many people know this song, but it's certainly worth the listen.

Country meets Christmas in "Little Drummer Boy" by Carrie Underwood. We also have the funky, upbeat "Candy Cane Lane" by Sia. Michael Buble is a staple for Christmas playlists, and his cover of "Have a Merry Little Christmas" is a fan-favorite. Need to start a holiday party? Destiny's Child has "8 Days of Christmas”.

Finally, we have "Christmas Tree Farm" by Taylor Swift, a song recollecting her memories growing up there, a perfect dose of nostalgia.

Fan-Favorite Christmas Carols

Whether you're with your kids, friends, or extended family, nothing is better for bonding than singing a jolly old Christmas carol. Almost all carols can be played on a simple piano or acoustic guitar.

Some of our favorites include "Jingle Bells," "Deck The Halls," "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," "12 Days of Christmas," "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "I Saw Three Ships," and "Silent Night."

Learn Music With SMC

Want to learn to play classical or pop music? Stage Music Center has you covered. We offer music lessons for people of all ages in Winchester and Acton, MA! 

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn music from our talented, award-winning instructors. 

Unlock your music potential - Schedule your music lesson now! Or contact us for more information. 

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