The best Christmas songs to sing: tradition and great classics

Christmas songs are part of the sonic DNA of the holidays: some begin as simple folk ballads or religious songs and end up becoming global soundtracks that return every December. In recent years, streaming has transformed the circulation of Christmas carols, reviving classics and elevating songs released decades ago to modern phenomena. In this in-depth study, we analyze their origins, listening data, and practical tips for choosing the best songs to sing, whether at home, in a choir, or at karaoke.

The classics that never go out of fashion: origins and emblematic numbers

Some Christmas carols have centuries-long histories and extraordinary sales/listening numbers that explain their global reach. "White Christmas" (lyrics by Irving Berlin, made famous by Bing Crosby) is cited as the best-selling single of all time, with estimates reaching around 50 million copies sold and continued royalties even decades after its first performance.

At the same time, newer songs can achieve evergreen status thanks to playlists and streaming: Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become a modern pop culture phenomenon, repeatedly topping the charts and setting records for tenure and re-entry into the Billboard Hot 100. This demonstrates how streaming and seasonal programming can transform a song into a contemporary classic.

Finally, there is no shortage of European examples that have consolidated over time: Tu scendi dalle stelle, composed by Saint Alfonso Maria de' Liguori in the 18th century, is the most famous Italian pastoral and remains central to our country's Christmas traditions.

Christmas carols you should know: a list organized for different contexts.

Here is a wider selection, with historical or usage notes (ideal for creating playlists or singing lineups).

For traditional/religious repertoire

• You come down from the stars — Italian pastoral song (18th century), suitable for masses, choirs and intimate moments.
• Adeste Fideles / O Come, All Ye Faithful — chorus, more formal but participatory.
• Silent Night (Stille Nacht) — ideal for intimate moments and adaptable to various arrangements.

Evergreen international standards

• White Christmas — a fireplace and crooning classic; its historicity makes it familiar to multiple generations.
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Let It Snow! — melodies that also work well acoustically.

Modern pop and party/karaoke hits

• All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey) — energetic, immediate, perfect for getting the audience singing along; thanks to streaming, it's become a contemporary must-have.
• Last Christmas (Wham!) — melancholic in its lyrics but pop in its arrangement, it has frequently reappeared in the charts in recent years.

Songs with a large presence in streaming

• Streaming charts consistently show the same hits at the top of holiday playlists: Mariah Carey, Wham!, José Feliciano (Feliz Navidad), and Andy Williams (It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year) are among the most streamed. This data helps select songs that audiences instantly recognize.

Practical tip: Alternate between religious or slow Christmas carols and more upbeat pop songs — this will keep your setlist fresh and engaging.

Practical and technical advice for performing or organizing a singing evening

If you want to turn Christmas carols into a truly successful shared moment, consider these aspects:

• Balanced setlist: start with easy, well-known songs (they help “light up” the audience), add two or three upbeat pieces to liven things up, and close with a great classic that everyone will recognize (e.g., All I Want for Christmas Is You or White Christmas).
• Adjust key and arrangement: If the group has low or high voices, transpose the songs by one or two semitones. For family choirs, simplify the harmony parts and leave the choruses to everyone.
• Support: Use instrumental backing tracks or printed sheet music for those who don't know the lyrics; a karaoke-style projector with lyrics is a great way to engage the more timid.
• Length: For a 60-minute evening, plan 10–12 songs (including introductions and a few introductory remarks). For shorter events (30 minutes), focus on 5–7 well-known pieces.
• Voice and warm-up: dedicate 5–10 minutes to some collective vocal exercises (breathing, simple vocalizations) to help those who are not experienced.
• Copyright and public performance: If the event is public (inn, venue, or demonstration), check local copyright regulations and whether you need to notify SIAE or equivalent agencies of the performance.