Christmas is well and truly on the horizon. For many, it’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year. From eating endless amounts of snacks and party food to being able to open a large selection of presents, it’s always memorable. The occasion can be enjoyed with friends and family too, making it even better for some people. Music certainly helps the atmosphere also. In fact, playlists are vitally important. 

Despite many peoples’ love of the festive period, it can be tough to get in the Christmas spirit. Music is a sure-fire way of getting your friends and family in the mood for a feast of festivities. Of course, it isn’t the only option. Some people enjoy taking in a classic Christmas movie like Elf or tucking into a selection of Christmas-themed slot games, while others might decorate the house or put up their tree. Music compliments all of the aforementioned Christmas-themed activities rather beautifully, though. The pop genre has certainly gifted the world with a selection of perennial bangers over the years, too. Below is a look at some of them. 

‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ by Brenda Lee

Despite being Jewish and not celebrating Christmas, songwriter Johnny Marks wanted to treat the rest of us to some of his Christmas-themed musical creations. The man behind the likes of ‘Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘I Heard The Bells of Christmas Day’ is also the brains behind this classic number which featured a 13-year-old Brenda Lee. Johnny Marks has certainly made his mark on a number of festive playlists! 

‘Last Christmas’ by Wham!

A ballad about a doomed romance, ‘Last Christmas’ is regularly played all over the world during Christmas. Despite its rather depressing content about a failed love story, George Michael’s voice will always be associated with this superb festive hit. The sleigh bells and synths top it off, too. 

‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’  by Mariah Carey

Certainly one of the biggest Christmas tracks ever written, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ is one of Mariah Carey’s biggest ever releases and reached Number One in a number of countries around the globe, actually beating the aforementioned ‘Last Christmas’ in the UK. Such is the success of the track, Mariah Carey has even been hailed as the Queen of Christmas due to its massive appeal. Put it this way: if you’re making a Christmas playlist, it simply has to feature a bit of Mariah.

‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ by Band Aid

A track which was created due to the famine in Ethiopia, with Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s clear aim to raise funds for the suffering people there, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ is an iconic festive product which featured the likes of Phil Collins, Sting, and Bono. Given its star-studded line-up, the track was always expected to do well, and it did exactly that, still registering big numbers to this day. 

‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ by the Jackson 5

We have been inundated with various versions of this track since its initial release, but the original is still and always will be the best. Featuring the hugely talented Jackson 5, it was a particular favourite with the younger generation.  

‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ by the Jackson 5

We have been inundated with various versions of this track since its initial release, but the original is still and always will be the best. Featuring the hugely talented Jackson 5, it was a particular favourite with the younger generation.  

‘Driving Home for Christmas’ by Chris Rea

Featured in many television advertisements in particular over the years, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ by Chris Rea even managed to crack the charts of Norway when it was released. A fairly cheesy track that featured the husky voice of Chris Rea, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ is yet another piece of Christmas music which we all hear year after year.