The Best Instrumental Christmas Music to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Get into the holiday spirit with the best instrumental Christmas music. From traditional Christmas carols to modern holiday classics, these songs will get you feeling festive.
Christmas Music for Relaxation
“Silent Night” – Aire Sol
“Silent Night” is a popular Christmas carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr in the small town of Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at St Nicholas’ Church in Oberndorf, and has become one of the most popular Christmas carols in the world. It was declared an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011.
The original lyrics of the carol are in German, and are as follows:
“Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!”
“Silent night, holy night!
All is asleep; only the intimate holy pair.
Cute boy with curly hair, sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!”
“Away in a Manger” – C.W. Gluck
One of the most popular Christmas carols of all time, “Away in a Manger” was originally composed by C.W. Gluck in the late 18th century. The song has been recorded by countless artists over the years, including Mahalia Jackson, Nat King Cole, and LeAnn Rimes.
“O Holy Night” – Mariah Carey
One of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, “O Holy Night” was written in 1847 by French composer Adolphe Adam. Mariah Carey’s rendition of the song is from her album Merry Christmas, and was released as a single in 1994. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Carey’s sixth single to do so.
Christmas Music for Fun
One of the best things about the holidays is the music. There are so many great Christmas songs that get you in the holiday spirit. But what about instrumental Christmas music? Instrumental Christmas music can be just as festive and fun as the traditional Christmas songs. It can also be a great way to get in the holiday spirit if you’re not a fan of traditional holiday music.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
One of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was originally released by American singer Mariah Carey in 1994. The song is included on her fourth studio album, Merry Christmas, and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song’s popularity has led to it being included on numerous Christmas compilation albums.
“Last Christmas” – Wham!
“Last Christmas” is a song by English pop duo Wham!, released on Epic Records in 1984, on a double A-side with “Everything She Wants”. It was written and produced by George Michael, and has been covered by many artists since its original release. The song reached No. 1 in Denmark, Slovenia, and Sweden and peaked at No. 2 in the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and at No. 3 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart
The music video for “Last Christmas” was directed by Andy Morahan and filmed in manor houses around Surrey, England in late 1983. It features models at various social events including a hunting party where George Michael makes a pass at one of the female guests; during filming of this scene there was an accident which resulted in Caroline Mullen’s hair being set on fire when a spark from a log caught her wig alight. Although some radio stations ban it due to its commercialism or because it is a re-recording of an existing song rather than an original Christmas composition, “Last Christmas” continues to be popular and is regularly played during the festive season.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Bruce Springsteen
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is a song written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie and first recorded by Eddie Dunstedter in 1934. Over the years, the song has been recorded by many different artists, but it is perhaps best known for the version recorded by Bruce Springsteen in 1975.
The song tells the story of Santa Claus making his annual journey to deliver presents to all the good girls and boys. The first verse talks about how Santa makes his list of who is naughty and who is nice, and the second verse talks about how he loads up his sleigh with presents. The chorus is a call to all the children to be good, because Santa is coming to town.
Although it is a Christmas song, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” can be enjoyed all year round. It is a fun, upbeat song that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Christmas Music for Reflection
There are few things that can put you in the holiday spirit quite like Christmas music. The best Christmas music is the kind that can transport you to another place and time. It can make you feel the joy of the season, even if you’re far from home. It can remind you of loved ones who are no longer with us. It can be a source of comfort and peace.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – David Nevue
David Nevue is a contemporary composer and solo pianist in the new age style. He is best known for his “Whisperings: Solo Piano Radio” internet radio station, which he founded in 2002.
This particular piece, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, is a beautiful and reflective piano arrangement of the traditional Advent hymn. It has a feeling of anticipation and hope, perfect for this season of waiting for the coming of Christ.
“What Child Is This?” – David Nevue
David Nevue is a world-renowned pianist and composer who has released over 20 albums of beautiful solo piano music. His music is perfect for Christmas, as it is both reflective and uplifting. “What Child Is This?” is a particularly lovely track, with Nevue’s trademark ethereal sound creating a peaceful, magical atmosphere. If you’re looking for some beautiful instrumental Christmas music to help you get into the holiday spirit, look no further than David Nevue!
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – David Nevue
One of the most popular Christmas carols of all time, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was originally written in 1739 by Englishman Charles Wesley. The music was composed by German musician Felix Mendelssohn in 1855, and the two pieces were combined in 1856. The first known public performance of the Mendelssohn/Wesley version was by the Penzance Choral Society in England on Christmas Eve of that same year.
The song has been recorded by many artists over the years, but this version by American pianist David Nevue is one of the most stunning and beautiful renditions we’ve ever heard. It’s the perfect choice for a moment of reflection during this holiday season.
