5 Worst and 5 Best Christmas Songs for Your Holiday Playlist
Holiday music brings out strong opinions every December. Some songs instantly set the tone and remind us why this season feels special.
Others never quite land, whether that’s because they rely on gimmicks, feel overly theatrical, or simply wear out their welcome.
Here’s a quick list of five Christmas songs many of us skip, followed by five that continue to warm our hearts, year after year. Let’s see if you agree.
5 Worst Christmas Songs
These tracks appear frequently in polls and criticism for the same reasons. They feel chaotic, dated, or out of step with the warmth people want from Christmas music.
A few were fun for a moment, but time has not been kind to them.
“Dominick the Donkey”
Lou Monte’s novelty track aims for playful charm, but the exaggerated vocals and repetitive sound effects are hard to take seriously. It often lands on skip lists because it feels more chaotic than festive.
“Funky, Funky Xmas”
New Kids on the Block recorded this during their late 80s peak, but the half-rapped delivery and clunky electronic beat make it tough to revisit. It tries for holiday fun, but lands closer to accidental parody.
“Santa Baby”
The Pussycat Dolls released a glossy remake of the classic, but the performance lacks the light, winking tone that made earlier versions work. The style feels heavy and overdone, instead of playful and cheery.
“Cherry Cherry Christmas”
Neil Diamond blended references to his own catalog into this holiday track, which gives it a promotional feel rather than a seasonal one. The song never quite finds a natural groove and ends up sounding more like a concept than a Christmas moment.
“Don't Shoot Me Santa”
The Killers leaned into satire here, creating a dark holiday narrative that many listeners found jarring. The storyline and tone clash with traditional December playlists, and it’s often skipped because it feels out of place on a holiday playlist.
5 Best Christmas Songs
Now for a few tracks that keep returning every season because they have sincerity, warmth, and melodies that hold up in any setting. They capture the spirit of the season without feeling forced, and people rarely tire of them.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Mariah Carey’s modern classic remains a December staple. For some, it signals the start of the season. The upbeat arrangement and joyful vocals make it one of the best Christmas songs in recent history.
“The Christmas Song”
Nat King Cole’s elegant recording defines the quieter side of the holidays. Its smooth delivery and gentle instrumentation make it an easy favorite for anyone building a winter playlist.
“I'll Be Home for Christmas”
Bing Crosby’s sentimental performance taps into themes of longing and connection. The message still lands today, and keeps the song at the top of most Christmas song rankings.
“Last Christmas”
Wham created a pop classic that blends nostalgia with a catchy melody. The bittersweet tone feels honest and makes us miss George Michael a little bit more each year.
“Christmas Baby Please Come Home”
Darlene Love’s powerful vocals bring emotion and urgency into a holiday standard. It remains one of the best recordings of Christmas music and adds a welcome energy to any mix.
Keeping It Merry and Bright
Holiday music is personal, which is part of what makes the season fun. Some songs carry decades of memories and instantly warm up a room, while others never fully found their place.
Whether you prefer timeless classics, bittersweet pop, or quiet vocals by the fire, the best lists reflect a mix of joy, nostalgia, and a little bit of personality.
As you build your own playlist this season, keep what makes you feel grounded in the season and skip whatever takes you out of it. The most important thing is that your heart remains merry and bright.
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