While it’s true that the month of December may be known for holiday Christmas decorations, thoughtful gift ideas, snowman pajamas, and Christmas cocktail recipes, none of the above matters without some holiday-themed music. Because the truth is, the holidays aren’t really the holidays without the romantic songs we’ve all come to know and love.
Whether you’re into the ’90s romantic hits like Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas” by *NSYNC, the classics by Tony Bennett and The Ronettes, or the new pop and country hits by Kacey Musgraves, John Legend, and Meghan Trainor, it’s likely you have some favorites.
But if you need help curating the perfect playlist for all your holiday festivities this month, don’t worry. Whether you are in charge of DJing your couples Secret Santa party or want something to play in the car on your way to the in-laws, we’ve got you covered. Below, enjoy the 40 best Christmas love songs that will definitely have you looking for your nearest mistletoe.
(That said, if you want a more general holiday playlist because you’re in your “I hate love” feels or healing era, you can check out this list of the 75 best Christmas songs of all time or this list of the best Christmas pop songs.)
“All I Want For Christmas Is You,” Mariah Carey
“Santa Baby,” Eartha Kitt
“Last Christmas,” Wham!
“My Only Wish (This Year),” Britney Spears
“I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas,” *NSYNC
“Please Come Home For Christmas,” Kelly Clarkson
“I Want to Come Home For Christmas,” Marvin Gaye
“Fa La La,” Justin Bieber and Boyz II Men
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” The Ronettes
“Winter Wonderland,” Tony Bennett
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Frank Sinatra
“This Gift,” 98 Degrees
“Mistletoe,” Justin Bieber
“You’re Not Alone,” Boyz II Men
“You Make It Feel Like Christmas,” Neil Diamond
“Snowflakes of Love,” Toni Braxton
“Wrapped in Red,” Kelly Clarkson
“In Love on Christmas,” *NSYNC
“Love Is Christmas,” Sara Bareilles
“Christmas Through Your Eyes,” Gloria Estefan
“I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” Dean Martin
“Merry Christmas Darling,” The Carpenters
“Christmas Eve,” Céline Dion
“Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You,” Billy Squier
“This Christmas,” Mary J. Blige
“Christmas Without You,” OneRepublic
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” Stevie Wonder
“Miss You Most (at Christmas Time),” Mariah Carey
“Baby It’s Cold Outside,” John Legend Feat. Kelly Clarkson
“Present Without a Bow,” Kacey Musgraves Feat. Leon Bridges
“Santa Tell Me,” Ariana Grande
“Naughty List,” Liam Payne Feat. Dixie
“Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas,” Dolly Parton Feat. Michael Bublé
“Holidays,” Meghan Trainor Feat. Earth, Wind & Fire
“Christmas Without You,” Ava Max
“Kissin’ in the Cold,” JP Saxe Feat. Julia Michaels
“Heaven & Earth,” Leslie Odom Jr.
“Merry Christmas Baby,” Otis Redding
“Sleigh Ride,” The Ronettes
“Mr. Christmas,” Brett Eldredge
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app:
– Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia and Taylor Andrews