10 Essential Christmas Records To Get You In The Mood

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some classic Christmas records? From timeless crooners to modern-day sensations, Christmas music has a way of transporting us to a magical world of joy, love, and nostalgia. Whether you're a fan of traditional carols or prefer more contemporary sounds, we've got you covered with our list of 10 essential Christmas records to get you in the mood.

These iconic albums have been bringing cheer to families for generations, and their enduring appeal is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather 'round the tree, and let's dive into our countdown of the top 10 essential Christmas records to get you in the mood.

The Classics

Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (1942) is the best-selling Christmas album of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. This timeless classic features Crosby's smooth, velvety vocals on standards like "Silent Night," "Jingle Bells," and the title track, which has become synonymous with the holiday season.

Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" (1960)

Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" is a jazzy holiday treat that showcases the First Lady of Song's incredible vocal range and scat singing abilities. From the upbeat "Sleigh Ride" to the sultry "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?", this album is a masterclass in swinging holiday cheer.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Phil Spector's "A Christmas Gift for You" (1963) is a Wall of Sound masterpiece that features some of the biggest names of the 1960s, including The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Darlene Love. This album is a must-listen for fans of vintage rock 'n' roll and girl groups.

Elvis Presley's "Elvis' Christmas Album" (1957)

The King's first Christmas album is a genre-bending mix of rockabilly, country, and gospel that showcases Elvis's incredible vocal range and charisma. From the tender "Blue Christmas" to the rocking "Santa Claus Is Back in Town," this album is a holiday treat for fans of all ages.

Modern Classics

Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" (1994) is a modern holiday classic that features the diva's signature whistle register and catchy songwriting. From the upbeat "All I Want for Christmas Is You" to the soulful "I'll Be Home for Christmas," this album is a must-listen for fans of contemporary pop.

Michael Bublé's "Christmas" (2011)

Michael Bublé's "Christmas" is a festive and fun holiday album that showcases the crooner's smooth vocals and genre-bending style. From the swinging "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" to the heartfelt "Blue Christmas," this album is a great addition to any holiday playlist.

Crossover Delights

CeeLo Green's "CeeLo's Magic Moment" (2012) is a fun and eclectic holiday album that blends R&B, hip-hop, and classic rock. From the soulful "All I Need Is Love" to the funky "Christmas Song," this album is a great example of crossover holiday magic.

Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me" (2014)

Pentatonix's "That's Christmas to Me" is an a cappella holiday album that showcases the group's stunning vocal harmonies and innovative arrangements. From the beautiful "Hallelujah" to the upbeat "Winter Wonderland/Don't Worry Be Happy," this album is a must-listen for fans of vocal music.

Country Christmas

Dolly Parton's "Home for Christmas" (1990) is a country holiday classic that features the legendary singer-songwriter's warm vocals and storytelling ability. From the nostalgic "Hard Candy Christmas" to the heartfelt "I'll Be Home for Christmas," this album is a great addition to any country music fan's holiday playlist.

Alabama's "Christmas with Alabama" (1985)

Alabama's "Christmas with Alabama" is a country holiday album that showcases the band's signature harmonies and blue-collar storytelling. From the upbeat "Santa Claus (I Still Believe in You)" to the tender "The Little Drummer Boy," this album is a great example of country music's holiday spirit.

In conclusion, these 10 essential Christmas records offer a diverse range of styles and genres to suit every holiday mood. Whether you're a fan of classic crooners, rockin' around the Christmas tree, or modern pop sensations, there's something on this list for everyone. So why not give these albums a spin and get into the holiday spirit?