1. “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” Bing Crosby & David Bowie
In one of the most unexpected and iconic holiday duets of all time, Bing Crosby and David Bowie came together in 1977 to perform “Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy” for Crosby’s final Christmas special. On paper, the pairing seemed impossible—Crosby, the classic crooner, and Bowie, the avant-garde rock star. But what emerged was a strangely moving harmony of old and new, tradition and reinvention. Bowie’s gentle counter-melody, written just days before the taping, layered a message of hope over Crosby’s familiar carol. The result is hauntingly beautiful and deeply nostalgic, capturing the fragile peace of the season in a way that still resonates today.
2. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s 1994 blockbuster “All I Want for Christmas Is You” from the album “Merry Christmas”, has become the definitive modern Christmas anthem since its release. Its upbeat tempo, joyful vocals, and catchy melody evoke the excitement and warmth of the holiday season. It consistently tops holiday charts every December, streaming playlists, radio rotations, and in-store playlists worldwide. Its popularity has only grown over the years, becoming common on holiday playlists and in stores worldwide. It is impossible not to feel wrapped in the magic of Christmas whenever it plays, no matter the calendar date.
3. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is perhaps the most iconic Christmas song ever recorded, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and yearning for the perfect holiday scene. Written by Irving Berlin and introduced in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, Bing Crosby’s 1942 recording went on to become the best-selling single of all time. The song’s lyrics, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know,” taps into universal memories of holiday traditions, family gatherings, and the comforting glow of twinkling lights on a cold winter’s night. It’s a timeless classic that has comforted generations, making it a musical symbol of Christmas longing and the magic of the season.
4. “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
“Monster Mash”, 1962 novelty hit, is the ultimate Halloween party starter, instantly signaling that spooky season is here. Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s playful and catchy novelty song tells the story of monsters gathering for a dance, complete with eerie sound effects and a fun, theatrical delivery. The song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in October 1962, just before Halloween, From the moment the iconic “oooh oooh” chorus kicks in, listeners are transported to a Halloween bash full of ghouls, ghosts, and dancing skeletons. It’s a song that’s as much about fun as it is about fright, making it a perennial favorite for kids and adults alike. Even decades later, every October, radio stations play it on repeat, and kids grin as they hear “he did the mash, he did the monster mash.”
5. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” from the album Thriller of 1982 isn’t just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that perfectly captures the eerie excitement of Halloween. With its iconic Vincent Price rap, creepy sound effects, and a beat that feels like a midnight dance in a haunted mansion, “Thriller” creates a vivid spooky atmosphere. The music video, The 14-minute short film: showcasing zombies dancing in a foggy cemetery, revolutionized music videos and cemented the song’s association with Halloween lore worldwide. It’s a song that combines pop, horror, and dance, making it a timeless anthem for the season.
6. “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes
The Ronettes’ version of “Sleigh Ride” (1963) is a joyous burst of holiday cheer, packed with the famous “wall of sound”, a production that Phil Spector perfected. The song’s upbeat tempo, ringing sleigh bells, and exuberant vocals create an irresistible feeling of winter fun and celebration. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to bundle up and race through snowy fields or glide across ice with friends and family. Its energetic and bright sound makes it a favorite for holiday playlists, instantly lifting spirits and evoking images of laughter, snowflakes, and twinkling lights.
7. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee’s 1958 hit “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was a top 10 classic that brings retro holiday cheer to life with its lively beat and playful lyrics. The song’s rockabilly style and Lee’s youthful energy make it feel like a festive party where everyone is invited to dance and celebrate. It’s a tune that perfectly blends nostalgia with fun, reminding listeners of holiday gatherings filled with music, dancing, and good company. It also encourages everyone to let loose and enjoy the festive spirit, making it a timeless anthem of holiday joy.
8. “Auld Lang Syne” by Guy Lombardo
“Auld Lang Syne,” especially Guy Lombardo’s classic rendition, is the quintessential song for bidding farewell to the old year. The lyrics originate from Robert Burns’s 1788 Scots poem, set to a traditional folk melody. Lombardo and His Royal Canadians helped establish the song as the centerpiece of New Year’s Eve ceremonies in America. They broadcast it live at midnight from the Roosevelt Hotel starting in 1929 and continued annually through radio and TV until 1976. The tradition became so ingrained that Variety noted a public uneasiness without Lombardo’s rendition, calling him “Mr. New Year’s Eve”. The power of “Auld Lang Syne” lies in its universal message of remembrance and renewal, “Should old acquaintances be forgotten and never brought to mind?” When it plays, you can almost feel the collective heartbeat of millions marking an end and a fresh start.
9. “This Is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
No song conjures the spirit of spooky season faster than this eerie, theatrical anthem from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Danny Elfman’s composition opens with a chorus of creepy characters proudly introducing their fright-filled town, instantly immersing listeners in a world of ghouls, goblins, and grinning jack-o’-lanterns. With its catchy melody, quirky lyrics, and haunting energy, “This Is Halloween” has become a modern classic—played at costume parties, on doorsteps, and anywhere October vibes are welcome. The second it begins, you’re surrounded by cobwebs, candy, and the delicious chill of Halloween night.e season.
10. “Carol of the Bells” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
A thunderous fusion of classical and rock, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s version of “Carol of the Bells” transforms a traditional Ukrainian melody into a cinematic explosion of holiday power. From the very first electric note, it conjures images of snow swirling in moonlight, epic light shows, and dramatic Christmas countdowns. Unlike softer seasonal fare, this song commands attention—it’s Christmas turned up to eleven. Whether blasting in a winter concert or echoing through your headphones in midsummer, it grabs your senses and drops you into the middle of a bold, electrified holiday spectacle.
11. “Last Christmas” by Wham!
Few holiday songs capture both the magic and melancholy of Christmas quite like Wham!’s 1984 synth-pop hit. With its shimmering production, George Michael’s heartfelt vocals, and the unforgettable line “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart,” this track evokes snowy heartbreak, romantic hope, and the bittersweet glow of holiday lights. Its music video—complete with ski lodges, cozy sweaters, and longing glances—feels like a time capsule of ‘80s holiday nostalgia. Whether you’re wrapping presents or nursing a broken heart in July, the opening notes transport you to a frosted December moment filled with memory and feeling.
12. “Christmas Time Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas
Few songs capture the quiet, bittersweet beauty of the holidays like “Christmas Time Is Here.” Written by Vince Guaraldi for the 1965 TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas, this gentle jazz piece plays as the Peanuts gang skate under a grey winter sky. Its delicate piano melody and soft children’s choir evoke a mood of reflection, wonder, and a touch of melancholy—perfectly matching Charlie Brown’s search for meaning amid the season’s commercialism. Even decades later, it only takes a few bars to feel like you’re back in that animated world, watching snow fall in slow motion.
13. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
“The Christmas Song,” written in 1945 and recorded by Nat King Cole in 1946, this song, often called “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, is a cornerstone of holiday music. Its smooth vocals and gentle melody evoke images of crackling fireplaces, roasted chestnuts, and softly falling snow. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of classic Christmas scenes filled with warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. Though first recorded over 70 years ago, its emotional resonance hasn’t dimmed. It’s a musical embodiment of Christmas’s emotional core of family, togetherness, and peace. Whenever it plays, it’s easy to imagine sitting by the fire with loved ones, feeling the quiet joy that defines the season.
This story 13 Songs That Magically Transport You to a Holiday was first published on Daily FETCH
