From Paul McCartney to Mariah Carey, this is the best holiday music

By Parker Hall December 7, 2018

If you’re looking to snuggle up with a cup of eggnog by the fire, you need the perfect soundtrack to take you to full holiday bliss. But with so many middling covers, terrible originals, and generally corny tunes in the genre, it can be tough to find the kind of music that will really put you in the holiday spirit.

Never fear: We’ve scoured the web and our editorial staff for the best holiday music of all time. From jazz-tinged holiday classics to modern pop masterpieces — with everything in between — our holiday playlist is sure to bring about some seasonal cheer, no matter what your taste in music is.

Above, you’ll find our annually updated playlist with the best holiday music to stream in 2018. Speaking of which, if you’re a fan of great new playlists, don’t forget to subscribe to our Spotify page for the playlist of our weekly picks, as well as numerous other exciting musical compilations.

Not sure which streaming service is best for you? Check out our post about the best music streaming services, or go in-depth and learn the differences between Apple Music and Spotify to better weigh your options.

In need of some fresh gear to listen to your favorite tunes? We’ve got you covered there, too. Whether you’re in the market for the best Bluetooth speakers, an affordable and great-sounding pair of headphones, or a gorgeous high-fidelity pair of speakers for a dedicated listening room, we checked out all of the finest audio gear on the market and can give you solid recommendations no matter your listening habits.

And don’t stop with just the best holiday music. We also have lists of the best Netflix movies and best Netflix shows to stream, as well as what’s new on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO, providing you with plenty of brand-new media to binge watch, should you get the urge.

Heck, while you’re curled up by the fire and jamming out, check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide, which is sure to give you some great ideas to celebrate your family and friends this winter season.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Parker Hall is a writer and musician from Portland, OR. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin…

Music

Paul McCartney and Beck get barred from Tyga's Grammy after-party

paul mccartney

It's been a long time since Paul McCartney was turned away from a party. But that's exactly what happened this year at the Grammys after party of Tyga, the rapper.

Famed musicians Paul McCartney, Beck, and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins were all turned away at the door from the 26-year-old rapper's soirée. In a series of events caught on camera by TMZ, the trio can be seen attempting to get into a party at the Argyle in Hollywood, only to be told they were not allowed inside.

Social Media

Skype gets romantic with 10 new emojis inspired by the music of Paul McCartney

skype build 2016 mobile smartphone ios android

It goes without saying that Paul McCartney's a man of many talents, but there's one realm in which the decorated singer, songwriter, activist, and philanthropist hadn't yet dipped a toe: musical emoji creation. Today, thanks to Skype, that's changing. The Microsoft-owned messaging service revealed 10 animated emojis inspired by the indefatigable former Beatle's storied performances.

The new emojis, which Skype's dubbed "Mojis," draw inspiration from Paul McCartney's timeless classics to represent specific, romantic emotions. Each loops endlessly to distinctive, 5-second motifs that comprise sound effects and no-frills tunes arranged by McCartney himself. Not-so-conspicuously timed ahead of Valentine's Day weekend, the animations are of the forwardly intimate variety: one, "Excited Octopus," features a many-tentacled character presenting flowers, champagne, chocolate, and seductively fuzzy handcuffs to its recipient. Another, an anthropomorphic banana, slowly, teasingly strips off its peel.

Music

Checking it twice — Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney bring holiday cheer to SNL

saturday night live fewer commercials brice springsteen amy poehler tina fey snl

Bruce Springsteen brought Santa Claus and Paul McCartney to town last night on Saturday Night Live. After performances of Meet Me in the City and The Ties That Bind, The Boss and the E Street Band sang Santa Claus is Comin' to Town with McCartney as the surprise guest. Springsteen was performing on SNL to promote the 2016 The River Tour and the recently released box set The Ties That Bind: The River Collection.

Springsteen, the E Street Band, SNL’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, and McCartney finished off last night’s special with the holiday classic. The former Beatle appeared unannounced a few seconds into the rendition, sleigh bells in hand. Springsteen and McCartney then belted out the chorus before the band came in to amp up the celebration. Soon after, many more SNL members clad in Santa Claus hats joined in onstage.