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Cheyenne Johnson

Pop Songs for the Holiday Season



A Christmas ornament hanging from a tree.

Photo credits: iStock


'Tis the season for Christmas music to get you pumped for the holiday season. While some might dread the constant loop of festive tracks no one can escape this time of year, there are so many amazing tunes to get wrapped up in, even if you're a total Scrooge. To help you feel the much-needed holiday cheer, here are our picks for some of the best Pop Songs for the Holiday Season.


1. Mariah Carey - "All I Want for Christmas Is You"


Cliché as it might be, there's no denying that Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a festive classic. Some might dread her defrosting every holiday season, but the track is simply irresistible when getting into the Christmas spirit. Between the unforgettable melodies and Carey's powerhouse vocals, it's hard not to get swept up in the tune's vibrant soundscape.





2. Sia - "Snowman"


Released in 2017, Sia's "Snowman" has become a modern holiday classic. The track comes from the artist's eighth studio album, Everyday Is Christmas, featuring a soundscape reminiscent of a '60s inspired midtempo ballad. While the song received positive critical reception upon its release, "Snowman" experienced a surge in popularity in 2020, going viral on TikTok.





3. Wham! - "Last Christmas"


A throwback to an '80s favorite, "Last Christmas" by Wham! is another holiday hit that never fails to make an appearance during the Christmas season. The track was released in December 1984 by the iconic English pop duo, charting in the UK. It's a fun mix of synth-pop and holiday celebration, giving a timeless nostalgia to any Christmas activity.





4. Ed Sheeran and Elton John - "Merry Christmas"


An iconic collaboration, Ed Sheeran and Elton John's "Merry Christmas" is a holiday song for the ages. The track was released in 2021, appearing on the Christmas edition of John's collaborative album, The Lockdown Sessions. Naturally, "Merry Christmas" debuted at number one on December 10, 2021, unseating Adele's "Easy on Me" after she held the position for seven consecutive weeks. Sheeran and John's Christmas creation is simply irresistible, featuring a charming holiday soundscape of spirited sleigh bells, festive chimes, and the duo's magical vocal chemistry.





5. *NSYNC - "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"


One for the boy band fans, *NSYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" is the perfect track for anyone craving some '90s nostalgia this holiday season. The track has everything you know and love from the era of boy bands, featuring the group's trademark harmonies, unforgettable melodies, and upbeat instrumentals. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" was released in 1998 as the only single from the group's second studio album, Home for Christmas, and was featured on Disney's I'll Be Home For Christmas.





6. Kelly Clarkson - "Underneath the Tree"


Coming from her sixth studio album and first Christmas album, Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree" is one of the best Christmas pop songs, being named in 2021 as ASCAP's most popular Christmas song released in the 21st century. The track was released in 2013, earning Clarkson a spot on several global charts. "Underneath the Tree" is a charming addition to any Christmas playlist, featuring festive sleigh bells and bell chimes to spark that holiday cheer.





7. Ariana Grande - "Santa Tell Me"


Released in 2014, Ariana Grande's "Santa Tell Me" has been dubbed a modern Christmas standard, bringing an addictive mix of pop and R&B to the holiday season. Though the track turned 10 this year, it's still one of the most popular songs streamed during the holidays, having earned over $6.8 million in royalties as of 2023. It features everything we love about an Ariana Grande song, showcasing the artist's powerhouse vocals and captivating melodies.





8. Cher - "DJ Play a Christmas Song"


The lead single from her 2023 Christmas album, Cher's "DJ Play a Christmas Song" brings an infectious dance-pop twist to the holiday. The track has an upbeat, vibrant soundscape, featuring Cher's deep, powerful vocals, dazzling synths, and unforgettable melodies. Rightfully so, "DJ Play a Christmas Song" earned Cher her first Billboard Hot 100 in 21 years, peaking at number 90. If you've ever craved a song similar to "Believe" but make it Christmas, then "DJ Play a Christmas Song" is a must-listen this holiday season.






What are your favorite holiday songs? Did you hear any new favorites in this list? Let us know on our socials!


Written By Cheyenne Johnson



*copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.


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