I’m not too picky when it comes to Christmas songs during the Christmas season.

Jingle Bells. Rudolph. Carol of the Bells. Old Christmas hymns. I love ’em all—or most of ’em all.

Growing up, my sisters and I belted Christmas songs from the backseat of the car from Thanksgiving to Christmas—everywhere we went. Mostly traditional ones, but really, whatever we knew the lyrics to. We had quite the list of favorites and I still miss those days!

As an adult, I’ve come across quite a few non-traditional Christmas songs to add to the list. I even made a Spotify playlist to listen to at Christmastime… aaaaand, let’s be real. Sometimes not at Christmastime.

Here are a few top favorites from my Spotify list if you’re looking to add to your own. I linked each song title to a YouTube video so you can listen and see what you think!

You’ll also notice that some songs specifically speak to the true reason for celebrating Christmas—JESUS’ birth!!—while others are just for fun. I think there’s room for both when getting in the Christmas spirit.

Relient K || I Celebrate the Day

I’ve been a Relient K fan since high school, and this song became a Christmas favorite when it was released back in 2003. Favorite line: “I celebrate the day that You were born to die, so I could one day pray for You to save my life.” Enough said.

Pentatonix || That’s Christmas to Me

If you’re not familiar with Pentatonix, they’re an a cappella group. What’s not to love about that? It’s a catchy tune that you’ll find yourself playing on repeat and randomly singing around the house.

Toby Mac & Owl City || Light of Christmas

Okay, y’all. This one’s both fun and really captures the true message of Christmas. “…What Christmas is all about” as the song says. It’s also perfect for jamming out in the car if that’s your vibe.

Kelley Jakle & Adam Mayfield || Cathedral Heart

I first heard this song on the Lifetime Christmas movie, Christmas Harmony. Instantly, I searched for it online so I could listen to it again. Y’all don’t even know how happy I was to find it on Spotify. The harmony of the two singers, Kelley and Adam, is truly beautiful and it swells in my soul. That’s the best way to put it!

Phil Wickham || This Year for Christmas

I first heard this song in 2020, which was my first Christmas with my husband John. The lyrics rang true in my heart, and still do a year later! If you have a significant other, this one’s good for that mushy love stuff.

Casting Crowns || While You Were Sleeping

Also the title of one of my favorite movies, this song feels like an 80s ballad with a powerful and convicting message. Oh, and watch While You Were Sleeping the movie, too. That’s some classic Sandra Bullock.

Graham Kendall || Merry and Bright

Full disclosure, I just heard this song for the first time while writing this blog post. Spotify recommended it based on my list. I listened. I liked! It’s a pleasant and positive tune with the potential to be called a classic, years from now.

Brandon Heath || The Night Before Christmas

Such a beautiful song! The lyrics tell the real Christmas story SO well. I have to say, I forgot just how much I love this song. I hope it speaks to your heart, too!

Bonus Songs From My Childhood

Amy Grant || Sleigh Ride

While I’m a big fan of the instrumental version of Sleigh Ride, something about Amy Grant’s spin on this classic makes me giddy for Christmas. This is one I’ve actually listened to since childhood but had to put it on the list because it’s just that good.

Amy Grant || Tennessee Christmas

Another Amy Grant song, but I couldn’t NOT share. It’s funny because I originally listened to this as a kid in Michigan. My earliest memories with this song were listening to it while helping my mom and sisters decorate our house for Christmas. I sang about a Tennessee Christmas with no idea that I’d one day live in Tennessee and experience that very thing. So surreal and even more special now!

I hope these songs bring you as much joy as they do me.

Let me know which one is your new favorite!