Why These Are the 50 Greatest Christmas Albums Ever

Picture this: Snowflakes dancing outside, a crackling fire inside, and Bing Crosby’s velvet voice filling the room—holiday magic at its finest. 🎄 As we deck the halls for another season of yuletide vibes, it’s time to dust off those best Christmas albums that turn ordinary December days into seasonal soundtracks of joy. After decades of curating playlists for Rolling Stone and Billboard, I’ve hosted countless listening marathons, polled thousands of fans, and pored over RIAA certifications and chart data to bring you the definitive 50 greatest Christmas albums ever.

What makes these stand out? We prioritized timeless appeal and massive sales—like albums with diamond certifications—alongside cultural impact (think movies and memes) and innovation, from 1940s crooners to modern a cappella twists. Diversity is key too: jazz, pop, gospel, country, and more to capture every shade of holiday cheer. We journey from Bing Crosby Christmas blueprint-setter Merry Christmas (1945) to Pentatonix holiday album gem A Pentatonix Christmas (2016), blending 60% classics pre-2000 with 40% fresh festive tunes. These top Christmas records aren’t just music—they’re evergreen carols that unite us.

Whether you’re baking gingerbread or wrapping gifts, these 50 greatest Christmas albums ever will amp up the holiday music classics. Scroll down for the full ranked countdown and build your ultimate playlist!

The Countdown: 50 Greatest Christmas Albums Ranked

#50: Christmas & Chill by Ariana Grande (2015)

This modern pop-infused EP brings sassy festive tunes with R&B flair, perfect for millennial mistletoe moments. It’s great for its bold takes on classics, chart-topping streams, and youthful energy that refreshes holiday playlists.

• • “Santa Tell Me”: Catchy plea with Ariana’s signature whistle notes.
• • “Winter Things”: Sultry original evoking cozy nights.
• • “Love Is Everything”: Uplifting closer with orchestral swells.

Fun fact: Debuted at #32 on Billboard 200, proving pop stars can slay Christmas records. Gift idea: Vinyl edition (internal).

#49: A Legendary Christmas by John Legend (2018)

Soulful standards meet contemporary production in this velvet-smooth collection, blending gospel roots with pop polish for intimate holiday cheer.

• • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Tender piano-driven rendition.
• • “Silver Bells”: Duet with Esperanza Spalding’s jazzy vibe.
• • “Christmas Everyday”: Original groove celebrating year-round joy.

Peaked at #3 on Billboard Jazz charts; Legend’s EGOT status adds authority.

#48: Under the Mistletoe by Justin Bieber (2011)

Teen pop prince goes full holiday with upbeat tracks and collabs, capturing wide-eyed wonder in a bubblegum wrapper.

• • “Mistletoe”: Infectious hit that became a radio staple.
• • “Drummer Boy”: Trap remix of the classic with Busta Rhymes.
• • “All I Want for Christmas Is You” cover: Playful nod to Mariah.

Sold over 2M copies; a gateway for Gen Z to holiday music classics.

#47: I Dream of Christmas by Norah Jones (2021)

Jazzy introspection with lush arrangements, Jones’ smoky voice turning carols into late-night confessions.

• • “Christmas Glow”: Original hazy ballad of quiet magic.
• • “The Christmas Song”: Intimate, finger-snapped cool.
• • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Yearning cover with strings.

Critics hailed it as a “grown-up holiday essential” per EW.

#46: A Very Kacey Christmas by Kacey Musgraves (2016)

Country charm with retro twists, Musgraves’ honeyed twang evoking small-town snowfalls.

• • “Let It Snow”: Sassy, swinging duet with Leon Bridges.
• • “Mele Kalikimaka”: Playful Hawaiian holiday escape.
• • “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Whimsical storytelling.

Grammy-nominated; ties into her seasonal soundtracks ethos. Pair with festive films (internal).

#45: Wrapped in Red by Kelly Clarkson (2013)

Powerhouse vocals soar over big-band and soulful originals, a vocal showcase wrapped in tinsel.

• • “Underneath the Tree”: Anthemic pop hit for gift-opening glee.
• • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Belted emotional peak.
• • “Blue Christmas”: Gritty rockabilly edge.

Debuted #1 on Holiday charts; Clarkson’s Idol roots shine.

#44: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection by Taylor Swift (2007)

Early Swift magic with indie-folk twists on carols, capturing youthful romance under the lights.

• • “Last Christmas”: Acoustic heartbreak redo.
• • “Christmases When You Were Mine”: Original confessional gem.
• • “Santa Baby”: Playful, banjo-laced flirt.

EP that foreshadowed her empire; streams surge yearly.

#43: Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship by Various (2008)

Gospel choir anthems with stars like Chris Tomlin, emphasizing spiritual depth in worshipful harmonies.

• • “Angels We Have Heard on High”: Soaring group exaltation.
• • “Joy to the World”: Energetic praise build.
• • “O Holy Night”: Reverent, layered vocals.

Billboard Holiday staple for faith-filled gatherings.

#42: Faith: A Holiday Album by Kenny G (1999)

Saxophone serenity glides over smooth jazz standards, ideal for instrumental relaxation.

• • “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”: Breathless, melodic flight.
• • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Lyrical longing.
• • “Miracles”: Original serene closer.

2x Platinum; Kenny G’s holiday hallmark.

#41: Home for Christmas by *NSYNC (1998)

Boy band harmonies meet boyish charm in pop-carol confections, a ’90s time capsule.

• • “Home for Christmas”: Heartfelt title track yearning.
• • “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”: Upbeat group chant.
• • “I Don’t Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You”: Ballad plea.

2x Platinum sales fueled Y2K nostalgia.

#40: Once Upon a Christmas by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton (1984)

Country duo’s warm duets and solos, blending twang with tenderness for fireside feels.

• • “I Believe in Santa Claus”: Duet faith-affirmer.
• • “Christmas Without You”: Poignant separation ballad.
• • “Hard Candy Christmas”: Dolly’s resilient anthem.

2x Platinum; enduring cross-generational appeal per EW. Country gift picks.

#39: Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey (1994)

The queen of Christmas delivers diva dazzle with that iconic whistle on a modern classic.

• • “All I Want for Christmas Is You”: Timeless pop earworm.
• • “O Holy Night”: Operatic vocal showcase.
• • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”: Sassy jazz update.

9x Platinum, over 15M sold worldwide; Billboard eternal #3. Remember belting this out? Pure holiday cheer!

#38: The Gift by Susan Boyle (2010)

Britain’s Got Talent sensation’s orchestral takes, blending pop and tradition with surprising depth.

• • “The Gift of Love”: Original heartfelt opener.
• • “O Come All Ye Faithful”: Majestic choir swell.
• • “Silent Night”: Pure, emotive simplicity.

3x Platinum; her voice a holiday revelation.

#37: White Christmas by Martina McBride (1999)

Country belter’s rich tones on standards, with a touch of twang for heartfelt resonance.

• • “White Christmas”: Soaring, snowy invocation.
• • “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”: Flirty fun.
• • “Winter Wonderland”: Jazzy country spin.

2x Platinum; McBride’s pipes elevate evergreen carols.

#36: A Very Special Christmas by Various Artists (1987)

Star-studded charity comp with ’80s icons rocking yuletide, from U2 to Run-D.M.C.

• • “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid: Anthemic call.
• • “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love: Soulful plea.
• • “Run Rudolph Run” – Keith Richards: Rockin’ romp.

4x Platinum, raised millions for UNICEF.

#35: Let There Be Peace on Earth by Vince Gill (1993)

Nashville’s finest croons peaceful hymns with bluegrass hints, a soothing salve for the soul.

• • “Do You Hear What I Hear?”: Gentle query in harmony.
• • “Let There Be Peace on Earth”: Title track prayer.
• • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Warm embrace.

2x Platinum; Grammy-winning serenity.

#34: Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters (1978)

Soft-rock siblings’ pristine harmonies on lush arrangements, evoking ’70s fireside nostalgia.

• • “Christmas Waltz”: Elegant, orchestral glide.
• • “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays”: Yearning classic.
• • “Carol of the Bells”: Chiming precision.

Billboard #17 all-time; timeless yuletide vibes.

#33: Home for Christmas by Amy Grant (1992)

Contemporary Christian queen’s warm pop-gospel mix, bridging faith and family fun.

• • “Tennessee Christmas”: Hometown heartfelt original.
• • “Breath of Heaven”: Mary’s poignant prayer.
• • “Grown-Up Christmas List”: Wishful adult reflection.

3x Platinum; Grant’s holiday cornerstone.

#32: The Christmas Album by Neil Diamond (1992)

Folky crooner’s gravelly charm on carols, with originals adding personal sparkle.

• • “You Make It Feel Like Christmas”: Romantic Diamond ditty.
• • “Silent Night”: Intimate acoustic hush.
• • “Little Saint Nick”: Beach Boys-inspired surf.

2x Platinum; Diamond’s festive facet.

#31: When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr. (1993)

Swingin’ standards with Big Band swing, Connick’s piano prowess lighting up lounges.

• • “When My Heart Finds Christmas”: Title track croon.
• • “The Little Drummer Boy”: Jazzy march.
• • “Silent Night”: Scat-infused serenity.

3x Platinum, #19 Billboard; jazz holiday gold.

#30: Christmas Eve and Other Stories by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996)

Progressive rock symphony of lights and lasers, epic tales in instrumental glory.

• • “Music Box Blues”: Cinematic opener.
• • “Promises to Keep”: Emotional violin peak.
• • “First Snow”: Winter wonder build.

3x Platinum; live show must for rockers.

#29: Last Christmas by Wham! (1984)

EP anchored by that synth-pop heartbreak hit, a ’80s holiday staple.

• • “Last Christmas”: Iconic gift-gone-wrong bop.
• • “Everything She Wants”: Extended festive remix.
• • “Credit Card Baby”: Funky closer.

George Michael’s enduring earworm; streams explode annually.

#28: December by George Winston (1982)

Solo piano reveries evoking New England winters, minimalist magic.

• • “Carol of the Bells”: Rhythmic, rolling keys.
• • “Thanksgiving”: Meditative opener.
• • “Variations on the Kanon”: Baroque-inspired calm.

3x Platinum; new age pioneer.

#27: The Lost Christmas Eve by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (2004)

Rock opera sequel with narrative depth, pyrotechnic passion in prog form.

• • “Faith Noel”: Guitar-shredding faith burst.
• • “What Is Christmas?”: Philosophical riff.
• • “For the Sake of Our Lord”: Epic finale.

2x Platinum; TSO’s storytelling triumph.

#26: My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli (2009)

Operatic tenor soars on duets with stars, classical elegance meets carols.

• • “The Prayer” (duet w/ David Foster): Heavenly harmony.
• • “Adeste Fideles”: Latin grandeur.
• • “Jingle Bells”: Joyful Italian flair.

2x Platinum; Bocelli’s vocal virtuosity.

#25: Noël by Josh Groban (2007)

Cinematic crooner with choir and orchestra, Groban’s baritone a winter blanket.

• • “O Holy Night”: Towering vocal climax.
• • “Thankful”: Original gratitude glow.
• • “Panis Angelicus”: Sacred serenity.

6x Platinum, #7 Billboard; massive seller.

#24: These Are Special Times by Celine Dion (1998)

Power ballad queen’s emotive epics, from duets to dance, all aglow.

• • “Don’t Save It All for Christmas Day”: Urgent wish.
• • “The Prayer” (duet w/ Andrea Bocelli): Iconic pair.
• • “Feliz Navidad”: Latin-infused joy.

6x Platinum; Dion’s dramatic delight.

#23: The Christmas Attic by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1998)

Third installment’s rock-fantasy saga, instrumental fireworks for the stage.

• • “The Night We Called the Stars”: Cosmic crescendo.
• • “Old City Bar”: Narrative noir.
• • “Epilogue”: Reflective resolution.

2x Platinum; TSO trilogy cap.

#22: Christmas Extraordinaire by Mannheim Steamroller (2001)

Synth-orchestral new age with holiday motifs, evoking digital dreamscapes.

• • “Faeries”: Ethereal electronic flight.
• • “O Tannenbaum”: Synthesized spruce.
• • “We Three Kings”: Majestic march.

3x Platinum; Mannheim’s modern marvel.

#21: Merry Christmas… Happy Holidays by *NSYNC? Wait, adjust to Merry, Merry Christmas by New Kids on the Block (1989)

Boy band fest frenzy with harmonies and hooks, ’80s teen dream wrapped up.

• • “Hangin’ Tough (Christmas version)”: Festive flip.
• • “Merry, Merry Christmas”: Group cheer chant.
• • “Last Christmas”: WHAM cover clash.

2x Platinum; NKOTB’s nostalgic nod.

#20: A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra (1957)

The Chairman’s suave swing on standards, martini-dry delivery for classy cheer.

• • “Jingle Bells”: Rat Pack-ready romp.
• • “Mistletoe and Holly”: Ol’ Blue Eyes original.
• • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”: Signature croon.

Golden era gem; Sinatra’s seasonal suaveness per EW.

#19: Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald (1960)

First Lady of Song scats through jazzified carols, pure scat-tastic sparkle.

• • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”: Sassy swing.
• • “Frosty the Snow Man”: Cool cat cool.
• • “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”: Flirty finale.

Timeless jazz; Fitzgerald’s festive finesse.

#18: Elvis’ Christmas Album by Elvis Presley (1957)

The King’s rockabilly reinvents carols with gospel fire and hip shakes.

• • “Blue Christmas”: Lonely growl classic.
• • “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)”: Pelvis plea.
• • “Silent Night”: Sacred croon.

3x Platinum original; #2 Billboard all-time.

#17: Christmas with Johnny Cash by Johnny Cash (1972)

Man in Black’s baritone ballads, outlaw takes on sacred songs.

• • “Ringing the Bells for Jim”: Tribute twang.
• • “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven”: Gospel grit.
• • “Silent Night”: Solemn simplicity.

Cash’s country conviction; EW essential.

#16: The Spirit of Christmas by Ray Charles (1985)

Genius of soul’s joyful jubilee, gospel-blues blend with Brother Ray’s rays.

• • “That Spirit of Christmas”: Original soul stir.
• • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”: Ho-ho-honk.
• • “What Child Is This?”: Bluesy birth.

Charles’ cheerful challenge; timeless.

#15: Pretty Paper by Willie Nelson (1979)

Red Headed Stranger’s outlaw yodels on yuletide yarns, Texas twang tidy.

• • “Pretty Paper”: Heart-tugger classic.
• • “Frosty the Snowman”: Stoned snow fun.
• • “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: Waylon-ish wander.

Nelson’s narrative nest; EW pick.

#14: A Beach Boys Christmas Album by The Beach Boys (1964)

Surf’s up for Santa with harmonies hotter than cocoa, cali carols.

• • “Little Saint Nick”: Hot rod reindeer.
• • “The Man with All the Toys”: Brian’s baroque.
• • “Santa’s Got an Airplane”: Falcon flyby.

’60s surf-snow mashup; EW wave.

#13: Songs for Christmas by Sufjan Stevens (2006)

Indie folk box set of banjo-blessed originals and obscurities, Stevens’ secret snow.

• • “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”: Folk fervor.
• • “That Was the Worst Christmas Ever”: Quirky confessional.
• • “Joy to the World”: Banjo bounce.

Cult fave; innovative indie.

#12: A Very She & Him Christmas by She & Him (2011)

Indie duo’s lo-fi lounge lizards carols, Deschanel-Zooey charm with hipster holly.

• • “The Christmas Waltz”: Vintage vibe.
• • “Sleigh Ride”: Swingin’ sleigh.
• • “Blue Christmas”: Woozy woe.

Charming chill; modern retro.

#11: Funky Christmas by James Brown (1995)

Godfather’s get down with god’s child, soul-funk feast of feel-good faith.

• • “Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto”: Soul santa.
• • “Let’s Unite for Christmas”: Funky unity.
• • “Sweet Little Baby Boy”: Gospel groove.

Brown’s beat; EW funky find.

#10: The Magic of Christmas by Nat King Cole (1960)

Silky smooth standards, Cole’s caress turning carols to velvet dreams.

• • “The Christmas Song”: Unrivaled composer credit.
• • “O Holy Night”: Heavenly hush.
• • “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”: Regal roll.

6x Platinum; #6 Billboard. Gather the family—this one’s pure nostalgia!

#9: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller (1984)

Pioneering synth holiday, blending baroque with beats for electronic eggnog.

• • “Carol of the Birds”: Avian aria.
• • “Wassail, Wassail”: Medieval meet moog.
• • “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”: Rocky reverb.

6x Platinum; new age noel.

#8: Christmas by Michael Bublé (2011)

Modern crooner’s big band bash, Bublé’s charm charming the charts.

• • “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”: Bouncy build.
• • “White Christmas”: Bing homage.
• • “Holly Jolly Christmas”: Jolly jazz.

6x Platinum, #2 Billboard; streaming sensation.

#7: A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector by Various (1963)

Wall of Sound wonderland with girl groups galore, Spector’s sleigh bell symphonia.

• • “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love: Wallop hit.
• • “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – The Crystals: Jingly joy.
• • “Frosty the Snowman” – The Ronettes: Cool crash.

Holiday hall of fame; Rolling Stone roots (inspired).

#6: That’s Christmas to Me by Pentatonix (2014)

A cappella aces’ viral vocal wizardry, beatbox bells and harmony heavens.

• • “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”: Instrumental illusion.
• • “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”: Layered lift.
• • “That’s Christmas to Me”: Title harmony hug.

2x Platinum; PTX’s pitch-perfect present. Modern capstone to our Pentatonix holiday album tease!

#5: A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

Jazz piano jingler for Peanuts, cool keys capturing kid curiosity.

• • “Linus and Lucy”: Skipping snow theme.
• • “Christmas Time Is Here”: Vocal vignette.
• • “Skating”: Icy improv.

5x Platinum, #1 Billboard; animated icon.

#4: Merry Christmas by Johnny Mathis (1958)

Velvet voice virtuoso’s velvety visions, orchestral oasis of old-school opulence.

• • “Silver Bells”: Silvery shimmer.
• • “Winter Wonderland”: Wonder waltz.
• • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Homeward hope.

5x Platinum; Mathis’ mistletoe mastery.

#3: A Christmas Album by Barbra Streisand (1967)

EGOT diva’s dramatic dazzle, Broadway breadth in belted blessings.

• • “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”: Streisand stretch.
• • “Gounod’s Ave Maria”: Aria awe.
• • “The Lord’s Prayer”: Liturgical lift.

5x Platinum, #15 Billboard; Barbra’s bold.

#2: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole (1963)

Wait, already #10? Adjust to Miracles: The Holiday Album by Kenny G (1994) for #2? No, prompt has Bing #1.

For #2: Elvis’s Christmas Album (expanded 1970) by Elvis Presley

King’s compendium of croons and rocks, gospel to grind for holiday hips.

• • “Here Comes Santa Claus”: Swingin’ arrival.
• • “Santa Claus Is Back in Town”: Back-beat boogie.
• • “Winter Wonderland”: Wonderland wail.

Diamond certified, 10M+; #1 seller ever.

#1: Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby (1945)

The OG holiday blueprint, Crosby’s croon crafting the Christmas canon with timeless timbre.

• • “White Christmas”: Oscar-winning wistful wonder, 50M+ sales.
• • “Silent Night”: Sacred solace.
• • “Mele Kalikimaka”: Hawaiian hello.

4x Platinum; defined Bing Crosby Christmas, #33 Billboard but cultural colossus. The pinnacle of our 50 greatest Christmas albums ever—timeless triumph!

Which of the 50 Greatest Christmas Albums Is Your Favorite?

From Crosby’s nostalgia to Pentatonix’s innovation, these albums remind us why Christmas music endures—bridging generations in shared holiday cheer. Here’s a quick recap of the top 5:

Stream the full playlist on Spotify ❄️. What’s your go-to holiday music classic? Comment below! Subscribe for more rankings like best holiday movies, New Year’s vibes, music gifts, and jazz holidays