Pop Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Here are some Pop Christmas Songs to get you in the Holiday Spirit!

Last Christmas – Wham!

The 1984 classic from George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s English pop duo Wham! is an up-tempo, synth-driven track that has become a holiday staple. The song’s memorable, jangly melody and Michael’s playful lyrics about a failed relationship make it the perfect listen for anyone who is feeling a little bit lonely during the holidays.

Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a song written in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in reaction to television reports of the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. It was first recorded in a day on 25 November 1984 by Band Aid, an ad hoc group consisting of British and Irish musicians, and then released on 29 November 1984 as a non-album single.

The original version of the song, featuring only the performers from the UK, was produced by Midge Ure. Since its original release, the song has been covered many times with proceeds going to various charities. The most successful cover version was released in 1989 and featured additional vocals from American artists including Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, among others.

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is one of the most popular pop Christmas songs of all time. Released in 1994, the song became an instant holiday classic and has been played every year since. The song is about a woman who is in love with a man who she thinks is out of her reach. She sings about all the things she would give him if he would just be with her. The song is catchy and upbeat, making it perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Fairytale of New York – The Pogues

released in 1987, is an Irish folk-punk ballad written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan and sung as a duet by MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl. The song is an account of an alcoholic’s Christmas memory of his relationship with his former lover.MacGowan’s original idea for the song was partly inspired by James Joyce’s short story “The Dead”, from Dubliners (1914).

The single was a huge success, reaching No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five weeks, beaten to the Christmas No. 1 spot in 1987 by Raze’s “Break 4 Love”. In Ireland, it peaked at No. 3 on the Irish Singles Chart and has been voted Ireland’s all-time favourite Christmas song in various TV and radio polls. In December 2004, it was voted Britain’s favourite Christmas song of all time.[1] In 2006 and 2007 respectively, NME named “Fairytale of New York” as the greatest Christmas song ever written[2][3][4] and the best pop song of the past 25 years.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen

This 1984 holiday hit from Bruce Springsteen is a fun, upbeat way to get you and your loved ones in the Christmas spirit! The music video features Springsteen and the E Street Band performing in front of a live audience, with Santa Claus himself making a special appearance. So crank up the volume and get ready to celebrate!

Step Into Christmas – Elton John

Step Into Christmas is a holiday song written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, and released in 1973. It was released as a single on 29 November 1973 in the United Kingdom and on 24 December 1973 in the United States through MCA Records. The song peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea

“Driving Home for Christmas” is a song written and composed by English singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in 1988 as a single. The song was his first (and last) number one single in the UK.

The song has become something of a Christmas standard since its release and has been covered by many artists including Kylie Minogue, Beverley Knight, Michael Ball, Robbie Williams, Rachel Stevens, Il Divo and Jon Bon Jovi.

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard

Released in December 1973, “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” is a Christmas song performed by the British glam rock band Wizzard. Written by keyboardist Roy Wood, the song peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and has become one of the best-selling singles of all time in the UK. In 2001, it was voted the best Christmas song of all time in a poll conducted by ITV.

Merry Xmas Everybody – Slade

“Merry Xmas Everybody” is a song by the British rock band Slade, released as a non-album single in 1973. It was written by lead vocalist and guitarist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, and produced by Chas Chandler. “Merry Xmas Everybody” has become one of the UK’s best-selling singles of all time, shifting million copies since its release. In December 2018, the Official Charts Company announced that the song had sold 1.16 million copies in the UK

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” is a song written by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, produced by Phil Spector, and released in 1971 as a single by John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir. The song’s lyrics are set to the traditional English ballad “Skewball”, which contains the lyric “Happy Christmas to you”.