My Favorite Christmas Songs

Those who know me, know of my love for all things Christmas. This includes Christmas music which I start listening to October 1 since my collection is massive and takes time to get through. Plus, it helps me prepare my heart for the season.

Over the years, I’ve amassed a mental list of favorite Christmas songs.  And since I tend to focus on the sacred side of the holiday, you won’t find a lot of popular secular songs or artists on my list. But you may find certain trends in my song choices, such as my affinity for orchestral arrangements as well as for the nostalgic sounds of the classic crooners.

In sharing my list, I hope you find some new favorites yourself, and maybe share some of your own.

THE CAROLS

Song: O Holy Night
Artist: Point of Grace
Album: A Christmas Story

This is such a gorgeous song and I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a bad version. However, I really love this one.

Song: Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas
Artist: Barlow Girl
Album: Home for Christmas

Song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Instrumental)
Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Peace on Earth

This is another beautiful song, but one which I rarely hear a version of that I like. All that changed when I discovered this one featuring the violin. It really wrenches the emotion out of the song.

Song: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Artist: MercyMe
Album: The Christmas Sessions

My dad always claimed this was his favorite Christmas carol, but the title always had me a bit perplexed. Until I read in a book, that the title is from Old English and can be translated, God make you mighty men.

Song: Noel (He Is Born)
Artist: Tommee Profitt featuring Stanaj
Album: The Birth of a King

Depending on the performer, The First Noel is hit or miss with me. I discovered this version last year and have listened to it obsessively.

Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
Artist: Josh Groban
Album: Noel

This carol was my first favorite Christmas song and Josh Groban does a beautiful version. Of course, the rest of his holiday album is also worth listening to.

Song: Joy to the World
Artist: Lincoln Brewster
Album: A Christmas Collection

If ever a song sounded like joy, this is it.

Song: Hark the Herald Angels
Artist: Amy Grant
Album: A Christmas Album

This was the very first Christmas album I ever heard and was the soundtrack of my childhood holidays. I guess it’s carved into my memories because you will see other selections from it on this list.

Song: I Saw Three Ships/Joy to the World (Instrumental)
Artist: Michael W Smith
Album: Christmastime

I’ve always liked the English carol I Saw Three Ships, though it’s not one that is often covered. But this version is light and happy and makes me smile.

Song: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Artist: Caedmon’s Call
Album: Wow Christmas 2002

Song: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Artist: Casting Crowns
Album: Peace on Earth

Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote this during the middle of the Civil War and the lyrics are pretty powerful even today. This version reimagines the music in a way that I think makes the song even more moving.

Song: A Mighty Fortress/Angels We Have Heard On High
Artist: Amy Grant
Album: The Christmas Album

I warned you that this album would show up again, didn’t I? I love a well done medley like this.

Song: What Child is This?
Artist: MercyMe

Lyrics for this were added to the original music of Greensleeves and is another song which you rarely hear a bad version of. I have several that I love and this is at the top of my list.

TRADITIONAL

Song: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Artist: Jordan Smith
Album: Tis the Season

I never liked this song until I heard Jordan Smith perform it live. On the strength of that song alone I purchased his whole album and recommend it, if you like a more straightforward, pure music sound.

Song: Auld Lang Syne
Artist: Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin (Live)

This duet is great, but the live version is even better for these two musical giants joking around at the end.

Song: The Little Drummer Boy
Artist: Lincoln Brewster featuring KJ52
Album: Joy to the World
Ooh, this was a tough choice for me as I really like King and Country’s version of this song, but I still have to go with Lincoln Brewster. The jaunty sound and the rap bridge really make it unique.

Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?
Artist: Bobby Vinton
Album: Kissin Christmas

Song: White Christmas
Artist: Bing Crosby
Album: White Christmas

Simply iconic

Song: The Christmas Song
Artist: Nat King Cole

ORIGINALs

Song: Hallelujah (Light Has Come)
Artist: BarlowGirl
Album: Home for Christmas

When I first discovered this song, I was so moved by the lyrics and the idea of light breaking the darkness that it quickly made my favorites list.

Song: Emmanuel/Little Town/Christmas Hymn
Artist: Amy Grant
Album: A Christmas Album

In my opinion, Emmanuel is one of the best original Christmas songs out there and combined with the other two songs in this medley will always remain at the top of my list,

Song: Breath of Heaven
Artist: Amy Grant
Album: Home for Christmas

Song: Christmas Kiss
Artist: Erin O’Donnell
Album: Christmas Time Is Here

Just a fun, creative song that tells a cute story.

Song: Sing Noel, Sing Hallelujah
Artist: Michael W Smith
Album: The Ultimate Christmas Collection

I consider Michael W Smith the king of original Christmas music, as he writes and composes beautiful and also worshipful songs. I could have listed half his collection, but this is one that really stands out to me.

Song: Light of the World
Artist: We the Kingdom

Song: Christmas in Killarney
Artist: Bing Crosby
Album: White Christmas

I’d never heard of this song before I discovered Bing Crosby and haven’t heard it sung by any one else. I’m not Irish, but it’s impossible to resist the charm of this jovial tune.

Song: Mary Did You Know?
Artist: Tommee Profitt featuring Jordan Smith
Album: The Birth of a King