The Best Indie Folk Christmas Music

It’s that time of year again! Here’s a list of the best indie folk Christmas music to get you into the holiday spirit.

She & Him- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”

From the movie Elf, this classic Christmas tune gets a jazzy indie-folk twist from She & Him. The perfect song for a cold winter’s night, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

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

The Head and the Heart’s “All We Ever Knew” is the perfect indie folk Christmas song. The lyrics are about desire and hope, two feelings that are essential to the holiday season. The song is beautiful, heartwarming, and will get you in the Christmas spirit in no time.

The Paper Kites- “Bloom”

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band from Melbourne. The band formed in 2010 and consists of Sam Bentley, Christina Lacy, David Powys, Sam Knight, and Harry Day. Their debut album States was released in 2012, followed by a second album twelvefour in 2015.

“Bloom” is a song by The Paper Kites. It was released as a single in 2011 and peaked at number 37 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The song appears on their debut album States.

Of Monsters and Men- “Little Talks”

Of Monsters and Men is an indie folk band which formed in Iceland in 2010. The members are lead vocalist and guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, guitarist Ragnar þórhallsson, bassist Kristján Páll Bjarnason, drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, and keyboardist and vocalist Stefán Kolbeinson. The band rose to prominence in 2011 with their debut album My Head Is an Animal, which topped the charts in several countries including the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The album included the hit single “Little Talks”, which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.

Jose Gonzalez- “Heartbeats”

Jose Gonzalez’s “Heartbeats” is a beautiful and haunting song that is perfect for any Christmas playlist. The lyrics aresimple, but effective, and the music is both ethereal and down to earth. This is a perfect song for anyone who wants to enjoy the more indie side of Christmas music.

The Staves- “Frost”

The Stave’s “Frost” is a beautifully written, wintery composition that captures the hushed, reflective feeling of a cold night. The songstress’ voice is delicate and emotive, with an ethereal quality that makes it sound almost like a traditional folk song. “Frost” is the perfect Christmas song for when you want to curl up by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate and reflect on the beauty of the season.

The Civil Wars- “From This Valley”

“From This Valley” is a song by American duo The Civil Wars, released on October 22, 2013 as the lead single from their second and final studio album, The Civil Wars (2013). The song was written by Joy Williams and John Paul White, and produced by Charlie Peacock.

“From This Valley” is a folk song with elements of country and gospel. The lyrics are about leaving a small town to seek one’s fortune, and the singer’s nostalgia for the simplicity of life in the valley.

The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its lyrics and Williams’ vocal performance. It peaked at number 37 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. An accompanying music video for the song was directed by Alexa Hubley and premiered on CMT on October 23, 2013.

The Lumineers- “Ho Hey”

The Lumineers “Ho Hey” has a light-hearted feel to it while maintaining a certain rustic charm. The acoustic guitars and simple percussion give the song a warm, homey feeling that is perfect for the holidays. The lyrics are also highly relatable, making it a perfect song for anyone who is missing someone special during the holidays.

Fleet Foxes- “White Winter Hymnal”

Released in 2008, on their debut album Fleet Foxes, “White Winter Hymnal” is an indie folk classic. The song is led by acoustic guitar and features multi-part harmonies throughout. The lyrics paint a picture of a winter scene, with references to “mice in the thatch” and ” burying the church key.” This is a perfect song for a winter’s night by the fire.

Ben Howard- “Keep Your Head Up”

“Keep Your Head Up” is the perfect song for when you’re feeling down during the holiday season. The lyrics are incredibly uplifting, and the folky acoustic guitar will help you forget all your troubles. Ben Howard’s unique voice is guaranteed to give you chills, and this song is sure to put a smile on your face.