The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with some iconic Christmas songs by talented female artists? From classic crooners to modern pop stars, these ladies have been spreading holiday cheer through their music for decades. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most beloved Christmas songs by female artists that are sure to get you merry and bright.
Classic Christmas Crooners
Female vocalists have been a staple of Christmas music for generations. One of the most iconic holiday albums of all time is Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas" (1960). This jazzy collection of Christmas classics features Ella's smooth vocals on tracks like "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland". Another legendary artist, Billie Holiday, brings her unique, soulful voice to "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" (1949), a Christmas song that has become a standard of the season.
Other classic Christmas crooners by female artists include:
- "Merry Christmas, Baby" by Eartha Kitt (1953)
- "Christmas in the Sand" by Darlene Love (1963)
- "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt (1953)
Modern Pop Stars Spread Holiday Cheer
Fast forward to the present day, and female pop stars are still killing the Christmas music game. One of the most iconic modern Christmas albums is Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" (1994), which features the hit single "All I Want for Christmas Is You". This upbeat, catchy tune has become a modern classic and a staple of holiday playlists everywhere.
Other modern Christmas pop stars include:
- "Last Christmas" by Wham! (feat. George Michael and backup vocals by Shirlie Holliman) (1984)
- "Mistletoe" by Colbie Caillat (2007)
- "Santa Tell Me" by Ariana Grande (2015)
Country Queens Get Festive
Country music has its own unique take on the holiday season, and female country artists have made significant contributions to the genre. Dolly Parton's "Hard Candy Christmas" (1982) is a fun, upbeat track that's perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit. Another country queen, Carrie Underwood, brings her powerful vocals to "O Holy Night" (2008), a beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
Other country female artists with great Christmas songs include:
- "Christmas in Dixie" by Alabama (feat. vocals by Karen Fairchild) (1982)
- "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" by Martina McBride (1998)
- "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Kacey Musgraves (2013)
Indie and Alternative Female Artists Get Creative
Indie and alternative female artists have been putting their own unique spin on Christmas music in recent years. One of the most notable examples is Regina Spektor's "December" (2006), a quirky, offbeat track that's perfect for fans of indie folk music. Another great example is Florence + The Machine's "Winter Wonderland" (2012), a hauntingly beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas song.
Other indie and alternative female artists with great Christmas songs include:
- "Christmas Lights" by Phoebe Bridgers (2018)
- "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by The Pretenders (feat. vocals by Chrissie Hynde) (1983)
- "Just Like Christmas" by Low (feat. vocals by Mimi Parker) (1999)
Female Artists of the 90s and 00s Bring the Holiday Cheer
The 1990s and 2000s were a great time for female artists in the music industry, and many of them released Christmas albums or singles that still hold up today. One of the most iconic Christmas albums of the 90s is Celine Dion's "These Are Special Times" (1998), which features the hit single "O Holy Night". Another great example is Shania Twain's "Merry Christmas to All" (1998), a fun, upbeat track that's perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit.
Other female artists of the 90s and 00s with great Christmas songs include:
- "Someday at Christmas" by En Vogue (1997)
- "Grown-Up Christmas List" by Amy Grant (1990)
- "Christmas Without You" by Kenny G (feat. vocals by Toni Braxton) (1994)
Conclusion: Get Merry with These Female Artists
As you can see, there are countless talented female artists who have made significant contributions to the world of Christmas music. Whether you're a fan of classic crooners, modern pop stars, country queens, or indie and alternative artists, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get merry, and celebrate the holiday season with these iconic Christmas songs by female artists.
Now it's your turn! Share your favorite Christmas songs by female artists in the comments below. Do you have a favorite holiday album or single that gets you in the mood for the season? Let us know!
What's the most popular Christmas song by a female artist?
+According to various sources, including Billboard and the Guinness Book of World Records, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is the best-selling Christmas song by a female artist of all time.
Which female artist has released the most Christmas albums?
+Amy Grant has released several Christmas albums throughout her career, including "A Christmas Album" (1983), "A Christmas to Remember" (1999), and "Somewhere Down the Road" (2010).
What's the best way to get into the holiday spirit?
+Listening to Christmas music, decorating your home, baking holiday treats, and spending time with loved ones are all great ways to get into the holiday spirit!