Top 10 Christmas Songs of 2016

There's no denying that certain songs become ubiquitous every time December rolls around. Whether it's the child-friendly message of 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' or Mariah Carey's soulful 'All I Want For Christmas', music is a mainstay this time of year. Which tunes will carry us through the 2016 Christmas season? I'm so glad you asked! While there's no replacement for the classics, I reckon it's perfectly acceptable to sample some newer artists.

Below are ten personal favorites — some are older vintage, but still hip and hearty enough to keep us company over Christmas 2016. So, as you don your well-worn sweaters and kiss under the mistletoe, let these melodies warm your heart.

1. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

What would a Christmas song list be without this modern classic? Lauded as one of the few contemporary additions to the holiday canon, this one stands the test of time. It’s all the things I want in a holiday jingle – romantic, festive and sparkling.

2. “Hallelujah” by Pentatonix

Santa brought an early present this year with this haunting rendition of Leonard Cohen’s original release from 1984. The a cappella group brings goose bumps with the way their voices fuse together.

3. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee

Punctuated by a sax solo and playful guitar, Brenda Lee’s voice betrays her age in this Christmas classic. Contrary to her mature voice, singer Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”.

4. “Christmas Island” by Train 

As an alternative sound to the traditional Christmas song, “Christmas Island” fuses jazzy music with a catchy tune. Expect to have it committed to memory in no time at all.

5. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams

Here’s a beautiful reflection of all those traditions we love so much –sledding, singing carols, hosting parties and roasting marshmallows. Though other artists have played with covering this classic, nothing compares to the original Andy Williams.

6. “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano

As one of the most downloaded and aired Christmas songs in the United States, this tune from 1970 receives airtime throughout the world every time the holiday season rolls around.

7. “Christmas Eve” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

As an instrumental song, this one carries a heavy emotional impact. Be prepared to get carried away in the intensity.

8. “Joy to the World” by the Blind Boys of Alabama with Aaron Neville

The well-known Southern gospel quartet delivers a harmonized version of a traditional song. Their voices overlap, creating a thread that irresistible – provided it’s not overplayed.

9. “What Child is This?” by Peter Hollens

In a unique twist, Peter Hollens layered his own voice over and over, crafting a harmonized song that sounds like a choir sings it. His vocals are strong and resonate well in a song that dates back centuries.

10. “Away in the Manger” by Sarah McLachlan

Reinvented as a country waltz, this Christmas staple showcases McLachlan’s amazing vocal clarity with harmonies by Emmylou Harris. If not for the familiarity of the original lyrics, it would be near-impossible to recognize this as the tune that’s carried generations of people through the holidays.