Holiday music playlist includes songs featuring Wawa, reimagined seasonal classics, and additional unique tracks.
As the festive season approaches, the iconic song “Christmas Time Is Here,” composed by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the beloved 1965 classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” evokes waves of nostalgia. This year marks the reissue of the original soundtrack, making it a fitting highlight in the curated playlist of holiday music for 2025. This playlist features 30 selections designed to inspire holiday cheer, including newly recorded tracks and updated songs from artists such as Chuck Berry and Roberta Flack.
This extensive compilation showcases a diverse array of contributions from artists like Herb Alpert, Old Crow Medicine Show, Mickey Guyton, and Brad Paisley, presenting fresh holiday albums alongside classic revivals. Regional talents, including Philadelphia-based artists Soraia, Bret Tobias Set, and Lizzy McAlpine, are also represented, alongside mainstream names like Luke Bryan, Cher, and Gwen Stefani.
Among the noteworthy tracks is Lainey Wilson’s collaboration with the late Bing Crosby on “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” This innovative pairing merges contemporary country with a pop culture icon through clever digital technology. Chuck Berry’s festive offering “Run Rudolph Run” resurfaces from the reissued “The Chess Records Christmas Album,” which also shines a light on other legendary artists like Sonny Boy Williamson II.
St. Vincent brings a soulful interpretation of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” showcasing her talents on the soundtrack of the Christmas comedy “Oh. What. Fun.” which features an assortment of artists. Another highlight includes Old Crow Medicine Show’s original song “Bethlehem, PA,” which narrates a heartfelt tale set against a seasonal backdrop filled with local references.
Unconventional holiday songs also emerge in this playlist. Kyle Mooney’s cheeky “Winter Wonderland” duet with Ella Langley celebrates the classic through a contemporary lens, while Melissa Carper’s whimsical “Dumpster Diving on Christmas Eve” offers an uplifting narrative about persevering through tough times. Innovative arrangements, such as Jake Shimabukuro’s instrumental take on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” contribute to the season’s diverse musical landscape.
Eric Benet’s soulful number “I Really Don’t Want Much For Christmas” emphasizes family values over materialism, while The Dollyrots’ punk rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” challenges traditional interpretations of seasonal music.
Retail and streaming services are brimming with holiday offerings this winter, from Alpert’s trumpet-led “Sleigh Ride” to Cher’s energetic “Christmas Is Here,” showcasing the enduring and evolving nature of Christmas music in today’s cultural milieu. Collectively, these tracks build a vibrant soundscape that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Ultimately, this carefully curated playlist not only celebrates well-loved classics but also introduces listeners to emerging artists and innovative interpretations, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas resonates in various musical forms.
For more information regarding the latest holiday music, consult your favorite streaming platforms and music publications as the season unfolds.
