10 Essential Christmas Songs Of The 1960s

Christmas music is a timeless tradition that evokes feelings of joy, nostalgia, and festivity. The 1960s, in particular, was a decade that produced some of the most iconic and enduring Christmas songs of all time. From crooners to rock 'n' rollers, the 1960s saw a wide range of artists contributing to the holiday music canon. In this article, we'll delve into the top 10 essential Christmas songs of the 1960s that continue to be loved and cherished by audiences around the world.

The 1960s was a decade of great social change, cultural upheaval, and musical innovation. The Christmas music scene was no exception, with artists experimenting with new sounds, styles, and themes. From the folk-rock of Simon & Garfunkel to the soulful crooning of Nat King Cole, the 1960s Christmas music scene was a vibrant and eclectic one.

1. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)

The soundtrack to the beloved animated special "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is a holiday classic that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Vince Guaraldi's jazzy piano score, combined with the Peanuts gang's endearing story, has made this album a staple of holiday cheer.

Why it's essential:

• Timeless jazz score that evokes the spirit of the season
• Introduced the world to the Peanuts gang, creating a beloved holiday tradition
• Features the iconic song "Linus and Lucy," which has become synonymous with Christmas

2. "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney (1969)

Paul McCartney's synth-heavy Christmas single was a departure from his Beatles days, but its catchy melody and festive lyrics have made it a holiday favorite.

Why it's essential:

• One of the first Christmas songs to heavily feature synthesizers
• Features McCartney's signature melodic sensibilities
• Has become a staple of holiday playlists around the world

3. "Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys (1964)

The Beach Boys' Christmas single is a fun, upbeat track that showcases the band's signature harmonies and catchy melody.

Why it's essential:

• Features the Beach Boys' signature vocal harmonies
• A fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of the season
• A departure from the band's usual surf rock sound

4. "Run, Run, Rudolph" by Chuck Berry (1964)

Chuck Berry's Christmas single is a fun, rock 'n' roll take on the holiday season, featuring Berry's signature guitar riffs and showmanship.

Why it's essential:

• Features Berry's signature guitar riffs and showmanship
• A fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of the season
• A departure from Berry's usual rock 'n' roll sound

5. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" by Nat King Cole (1961)

Nat King Cole's smooth, velvety voice is the perfect accompaniment to this holiday classic, which has become synonymous with the season.

Why it's essential:

• Features Cole's signature smooth, velvety voice
• A timeless holiday classic that evokes the spirit of the season
• Has been covered by countless artists, but Cole's version remains the most iconic

6. "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey (1962)

This fun, upbeat track features a young Gayla Peevey's powerful vocals and a catchy melody that has become a holiday favorite.

Why it's essential:

• Features Peevey's powerful vocals and a catchy melody
• A fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of the season
• Has become a staple of holiday playlists around the world

7. "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie (1967)

This duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie is a poignant and powerful take on the holiday season, featuring a timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Why it's essential:

• Features a timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics
• A poignant and powerful take on the holiday season
• A unique duet between two musical legends

8. "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams (1963)

Andy Williams' smooth, velvety voice is the perfect accompaniment to this holiday classic, which has become synonymous with the season.

Why it's essential:

• Features Williams' signature smooth, velvety voice
• A timeless holiday classic that evokes the spirit of the season
• Has been covered by countless artists, but Williams' version remains the most iconic

9. "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" by Elvis Presley (1963)

Elvis Presley's fun, upbeat take on the holiday season is a departure from his usual rock 'n' roll sound, featuring a catchy melody and Presley's signature showmanship.

Why it's essential:

• Features Presley's signature showmanship and a catchy melody
• A fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of the season
• A departure from Presley's usual rock 'n' roll sound

10. "The Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie (1967)

This duet between Bing Crosby and David Bowie is a poignant and powerful take on the holiday season, featuring a timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Why it's essential:

• Features a timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics
• A poignant and powerful take on the holiday season
• A unique duet between two musical legends

These 10 essential Christmas songs of the 1960s continue to be loved and cherished by audiences around the world. From the smooth, velvety voices of Nat King Cole and Andy Williams to the fun, upbeat tracks of Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys, these songs have become an integral part of the holiday music canon. So, whether you're a fan of rock 'n' roll, jazz, or folk, there's something on this list for everyone to enjoy.

We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite Christmas song of the 1960s? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below.