The Best Folk Rock Christmas Music to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

It’s that time of year again! Here are some of the best folk rock Christmas songs to get you in the holiday spirit.

The Decemberists – “The Hazards of Love 1”

From the band’s 2009 album, “The Hazards of Love”, “The Hazards of Love 1” is a nine-minute-long epic that tells the tragic story of two star-crossed lovers. The song is narrated by an old woman who recounts the tale of Margaret and William, two young lovers who are torn apart by circumstance and eventually meet their doom. While the song is technically a traditional folk song, the Decemberists’ arrangement and production give it a distinctly rock feel. If you’re looking for something a little different to get you in the holiday mood, this is definitely worth a listen.

Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”

From the start, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical Christmas song. The opening line, “Among the tall trees/ Boughs heavy with snow/ We raninging our hands/ We were building a home,” sounds more like aclassic winter scene than anything else. But as the song progresses, it becomes more and more clear that this is a love song masquerading as a Christmas tune. The chorus of “And if I had a home that I could go/ I would hold you there in my arms/ I don’t know why I ever go/ I don’t know why I go” is both beautiful and heartbreaking, making this one of the best Christmas songs around.

Iron & Wine – “Call It Dreaming”

This song is from the album “Our Endless Numbered Days”
Our Endless Numbered Days is the second studio album by American indie folk band Iron & Wine, released on March 23, 2004 by Sub Pop. The album was produced by Brian Deck.

“Call It Dreaming” is a song by American indie folk band Iron & Wine. It was released as a single from their second studio album, Our Endless Numbered Days.

The Head and the Heart – “All We Ever Knew”

From their 2016 album Signs of Light, this modern folk rock tune is all about nostalgia and longing for a time gone by. The Head and the Heart have a knack for writing songs that feel like they could have been written 50 years ago, and “All We Ever Knew” is no exception. The wistful acoustic guitars, gentle piano, and subtle strings come together to create a track that is equal parts joyful and melancholy – perfect for when you’re feeling both Christmas cheer and a little bit homesick.

Lucius – “Go Home”

Lucius makes one of the best modern holiday songs with “Go Home.” The synth-pop band took a traditional carol and gave it a glossy, ’80s update. It’s insanely catchy, and will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.

The Paper Kites – “Bloom”

“Bloom” is a track off of The Paper Kite’s first full-length album, States. The lyrics are written from the perspective of someone observing a relationship from the outside, and feeling unable to fully understand it. “Bloom” is a gorgeous track, with delicate acoustic guitar and cello providing the perfect backdrop for Sam Bentley’s voice. This is a song that will stay with you long after the holiday season is over.

Of Monsters and Men – “Dirty Paws”

Formed in 2010, Of Monsters and Men is an Icelandic indie folk pop-rock band that rose to fame with the release of their debut album, My Head Is an Animal, in 2011. The band consists of six members: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (lead vocals, guitar), Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson (vocals, guitar), Brynjar Leifsson (guitar), Arnar Rögnvaldsson (bass guitar), and Albert Baldursson (drums).

“Dirty Paws” is a song off of Of Monsters and Men’s debut album, My Head Is an Animal. The song was released as a single in 2012. “Dirty Paws” is a mid-tempo folk rock song with a Christmas theme. The song features lead vocals by Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, with backing vocals by Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson and Brynjar Leifsson. “Dirty Paws” was written by Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson.

The Head and the Heart – “Lost in My Mind”

The Head and the Heart’s “Lost in My Mind” is the perfect folk rock Christmas song to get you in the holiday spirit. The track, which is from the band’s 2011 self-titled debut album, has a feeling of nostalgia and loss that is perfect for this time of year. The song is about a relationship that ended, but it still has an uplifting message about moving on and finding new love.

The Lumineers – “Stubborn Love”

“Stubborn Love” by The Lumineers is the perfect holiday song for those of us who have trouble letting go of past loves. The song starts out slow and Sad but quickly turns into an uptempo anthem about never giving up on love. This is a great Christmas song for anyone who needs a little reminder that love never really dies.

The Paper Kites – “Feeling This Way”

This song has a light, airy feeling that is perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit. The lyrics talk about all of the things that make the holidays special, from spending time with family to decorating the tree. The Paper Kites are an Australian folk rock band, and this song is from their 2016 album twelvefour.