With the holiday season rolling around, it’s the perfect time for people to start listening to their favorite Christmas hits. 

Here are The Classic Critic’s Top 10 Christmas songs to get into the Christmas spirit. 

10 “Let It Snow” Michael Bublé

“Let It Snow” is the first song on our list, written by the king of Christmas music, Michael Bublé. This song expresses how the harsh weather doesn’t affect oneself if they surround themselves with loved ones. It resonates with the message of Christmas, which is that loved ones are the most important. Not only does “Let It Snow” have an important message, but it also has catchy lyrics. It also helps that Bublé’s voice is very soothing. 

This song makes for perfect background music while hanging Christmas decorations.

9 “ Underneath The Tree” Kelly Clarkson

“Underneath The Tree” is the only song on this list that was written in the 2010s. Although it was written about 10 years ago, this song has made its way to the top many times during the Christmas season. The song’s main message shows gratitude for friendship during the holidays. It expresses that the only present needed “underneath the tree” is someone that you love. This song makes for a perfect Christmas ballad to express the value of a loved one.

8 “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee

The next song on this list is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This is another perfect song for hanging Christmas decorations. It was written by Brenda Lee, who was, surprisingly, only 13 years old when recording this song. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is full of energy and charisma, capturing the festive and carefree spirit of the holiday season. The song features a catchy saxophone solo that enhances its upbeat, rock feeling. This iconic song serves as a departure from the traditional Christmas carols, and it is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

7 “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” Michael Bublé

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas” is another Christmas classic written by the king of Christmas music. This song is about the general atmosphere and feelings that come as everyone gets into the Christmas spirit. It shares the blissful feelings one experiences as beautiful decorations adorn every store and ornamental trees start to pop up for the season. This song symbolizes the coming of Christmas, and it’s perfect for the holiday season.

6 “ Wonderful Christmastime” Paul McCartney 

“Wonderful Christmastime” was written by one of the members of the best rock band in the world, The Beatles. Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” is about everything being perfect and experiencing the joyous feelings of Christmas. It dives into the message that nothing else matters during the holiday season, and that we should enjoy it to the fullest. This song is definitely going to put you in the mood for Christmas activities, such as caroling, partying, and having a wonderful time with your family. 

5 “Christmas Eve / Saravejo” The Trans Siberian Orchestra

“Christmas Eve” by the Trans Siberian Orchestra is the only song on this list with no lyrics. This song uses a combination of instruments like the electric guitar, the keyboard, the drums, and different string instruments. The piece collectively creates a unique Christmas sound that takes you for a whirlwind of emotions. Its mix of intense guitar riffs and soft rhythms make for a great tension builder; although it does not have any meaningful lyrics, this piece is associated with many movies/musicals about Christmas, specifically “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.” This song appeals to a darker aspect of Christmas, but is still guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit.

4 “Last Christmas” Wham!

“Last Christmas” has reached No. 1 on Spotify in two countries and No. 2 in eight countries! It has also been covered by a multitude of different artists like Taylor Swift and Jimmy Eat World. “Last Christmas” tells the story of a failed relationship and the sadness that the holiday triggers, alluding to the fact that not everyone has a great Christmas. This song definitely isn’t the jolliest, but its popularity along with its incredible vocals and catchy lyrics make it one of the best Christmas songs ever.

3 “Jingle Bell Rock” Bobby Helms

“Jingle Bell Rock” is an adaptation of the classic Christmas song “Jingle Bells.” “Jingle Bell Rock” has a different melody and instead of being a carol, it falls under the rock n’ roll genre. The song itself has become an even bigger classic itself, and is one of the most well-known songs of the holiday season. If this song doesn’t put you in the Christmas mood, I don’t know what will because “Jingle Bell Rock” has memorable lyrics and a great upbeat sound that is very danceable. It is also almost always played in every Christmas movie!

2 “All I Want For Christmas Is You” Mariah Carey 

“All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a holiday classic, and an uptempo love song. Being No. 1 on the music charts almost every holiday season, this song has been covered by many popular artists. Mariah Carey declares that she doesn’t care about Christmas presents or Christmas lights. All she wants for Christmas is to be with the one she loves. Unlike “Last Christmas,” this song is filled with love and the happiness that comes from the ones you love. It has also been named her best Christmas song of all time. “All I Want For Christmas” will put you in the Christmas spirit, not only during the holiday season, but all year round!

1 “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” John Lennon

Finally, the No. 1 Christmas song guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit is “Happy Xmas (War is over)” by John Lennon. This song was written in an attempt to outshine “White Christmas” as a holiday classic. However, this song also serves as a protest song, since it was written during the Vietnam War. The song’s main message is wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a happy New Year without any fear of violence because everybody should be able to enjoy the holidays without fearing for their lives. “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” also features a children’s choir to spread the message that war is over and that we should be enjoying Christmas. This song will definitely put you in the holiday mood because it wishes for peace in the world and for happiness to everyone, which resonates with the true meaning of the holidays.

We hope this list of The Critic’s Top Ten Christmas Songs helps you get in the mood for Christmas cheer. Merry Christmas!