It’s the holiday season, and Christmas music is everywhere. I enjoy Mariah Carey and Wham! just as much as anyone else, but let’s be real—there’s only so much replaying of the same classic songs one can take. So, here are 10 fresh picks to spice up your holiday playlist.
<Tom Waits – Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis>
There’s a long tradition of melancholic Christmas tunes, from Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” to The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York.” But nothing quite brings down the vibe like “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis.” The twist at the end might make everyone rethink their gifts and put them back under the tree because they feel too down to unwrap anything.
<Lindstrøm – Little Drummer Boy>
I adore the classic Bing Crosby and David Bowie duet, but I’ve heard it a million times. Lindstrøm takes the relentless marching drum beat and turns it into a hypnotic slow burn, building to an almost spacey disco explosion. There are different versions of this track, ranging from under five minutes to a full 20-minute edit included above (which would be great for your playlist). However, I’m partial to the full 42-minute version.
<Axel Boman – Holiday Extreme>
As a mellow counterpart to the previous track, "Holiday Extreme" features soothing synths and sleigh bells. If you’re aiming for a tranquil, zen-like experience this holiday season, this song is perfect to add to your queue.
<Fucked Up – David Christmas>
There aren’t enough hard-hitting holiday songs, if you ask me. The David in “David Christmas” is actually a character from Fucked Up’s rock opera, David Comes to Life. This track has sleigh bells, references to the Grinch, and the first Noel. It’s one of those rare Christmas songs that might just inspire a circle pit around the tree.
<They Might Be Giants – Santa’s Beard>
There’s a surprisingly high number of Christmas songs centered around infidelity. Consider Clarence Carter’s “Back Door Santa” and, from a child’s perspective, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” But They Might Be Giants’ “Santa’s Beard” puts a unique spin on it, combining their signature wit with a story about a woman flaunting her affair while her partner is dressed as Santa.
I have to say it—American holiday lore is pretty dull. Other cultures have Krampus from Germany and central Europe, Mari Lwyd from Wales, and Iceland’s Jólakötturinn, the Yule Cat. This giant feline prowls the countryside, looking to devour those who don’t receive new clothes for Christmas—a way to encourage hard work and readiness. In 1988, Iceland’s own Björk recorded a song about this creature, featuring festive lines like:
<His hair sharp as needles
His back was high and bulgy
And the claws on his hairy paw
Were not a pretty sight>
<Low – Just Like Christmas>
The slowcore pioneers Low released a Christmas album in 1999 called Christmas. “Just Like Christmas” is probably the most accessible track, moving at a quicker pace than much of their work while still showcasing the band’s delicate melodies and the late Mimi Parker’s intimate vocals, gradually fading to a cacophony of drums.
<Magnetic Fields – Everything is One Big Christmas Tree>
This delightful tune is all about encouraging someone to relax and enjoy life a bit more. It playfully tells you to stop mumbling and cheer up, to put down the book and pick up a beer. The line casually referring to Santa Claus as “Sandy” is just icing on the cake.
<Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects>
A modern addition to the Christmas soul genre, this track can easily hold its ground against classics like James Brown’s “Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto.” “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects” is packed with irresistible grooves, fantastic strings, and one of the best horn sections around. The song emphasizes that the magic of Christmas comes from hardworking parents, not some guy in a red suit.
<100 gecs – sympathy 4 the grinch>
We’ve all faced disappointing holidays where we didn’t get what we wanted. 100 gecs dive into the fantasy of taking revenge on Santa and claiming what you desire with this fun hyperpop punk anthem. It’s an absolute joy with its chant-along “la-la-la” chorus, though maybe save it for when the kids aren’t around.
