10 Jazzy Christmas Songs 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 jazzy Christmas tunes? Jazz music has a way of elevating the holiday season, with its soulful melodies, catchy rhythms, and warm, fuzzy feelings. In this article, we'll count down the top 10 jazzy Christmas songs to get you in the mood for a swinging holiday season.

These songs are sure to become the soundtrack to your holiday gatherings, parties, and cozy nights by the fireplace. From classic crooners to modern jazz virtuosos, we've got the perfect mix of jazzy Christmas tunes to put you in the holiday spirit.

1. "Winter Wonderland" by Dean Martin

Dean Martin's smooth, velvety voice is the perfect accompaniment to the winter season. His rendition of "Winter Wonderland" is a timeless classic, with its lush orchestral arrangement and Martin's signature laid-back style.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Martin's interpretation is a masterclass in subtlety, with a nuanced delivery that's both playful and sophisticated.
• The song's wintery lyrics and melodies evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, perfect for the holiday season.

2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald's voice is like butter – smooth, rich, and utterly irresistible. Her version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a jazzy Christmas staple, with its effortless scat singing and joyful energy.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Fitzgerald's virtuosic vocals are a marvel to behold, with her signature scat singing adding a playful touch to the song.
• The song's gentle, lilting melody is perfectly suited to Fitzgerald's expressive voice, making it a holiday classic.

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

Nat King Cole's warm, baritone voice is the epitome of holiday cheer. His rendition of "The Christmas Song" is a timeless classic, with its soothing melody and Cole's reassuring vocals.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Cole's voice is the perfect accompaniment to a crackling fire and a cup of hot cocoa, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.
• The song's nostalgic lyrics and gentle melody make it a holiday staple, perfect for gatherings and family traditions.

4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett's rich, expressive voice is a holiday gift in itself. His version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a jazzy Christmas masterpiece, with its soaring vocals and Bennett's signature phrasing.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Bennett's voice is a marvel of interpretive skill, conveying the song's emotions with precision and nuance.
• The song's wistful lyrics and melancholic melody make it a holiday classic, perfect for those who can't be with loved ones during the holidays.

5. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" by Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong's gravelly voice is the perfect accompaniment to the holiday season. His version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" is a jazzy Christmas classic, with its playful energy and Armstrong's signature growl.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Armstrong's vocals are a masterclass in expressive phrasing, conveying the song's sense of excitement and anticipation.
• The song's catchy melody and rhythmic energy make it a holiday staple, perfect for kids and adults alike.

6. "The Little Drummer Boy" by Diana Krall

Diana Krall's smooth, sultry voice is the perfect accompaniment to the holiday season. Her version of "The Little Drummer Boy" is a jazzy Christmas masterpiece, with its soaring vocals and Krall's signature subtlety.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Krall's voice is a marvel of interpretive skill, conveying the song's emotions with precision and nuance.
• The song's gentle melody and Krall's expressive vocals make it a holiday classic, perfect for quiet moments of contemplation.

7. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" by Dean Martin

Dean Martin's smooth, velvety voice is the perfect accompaniment to a snowy winter's night. His version of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is a jazzy Christmas classic, with its catchy melody and Martin's signature laid-back style.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Martin's interpretation is a masterclass in subtlety, with a nuanced delivery that's both playful and sophisticated.
• The song's wintery lyrics and melodies evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, perfect for the holiday season.

8. "Sleigh Ride" by The Ronettes

The Ronettes' version of "Sleigh Ride" is a jazzy Christmas classic, with its catchy melody and the group's signature harmonies.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• The Ronettes' vocals are a marvel of energetic enthusiasm, conveying the song's sense of excitement and joy.
• The song's catchy melody and driving rhythm make it a holiday staple, perfect for parties and gatherings.

9. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday's expressive voice is the perfect accompaniment to a cold winter's night. Her version of "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" is a jazzy Christmas masterpiece, with its soaring vocals and Holiday's signature emotional depth.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Holiday's voice is a marvel of interpretive skill, conveying the song's emotions with precision and nuance.
• The song's gentle melody and Holiday's expressive vocals make it a holiday classic, perfect for quiet moments of contemplation.

10. "Merry Christmas Baby" by Lou Rawls

Lou Rawls' smooth, soulful voice is the perfect accompaniment to the holiday season. His version of "Merry Christmas Baby" is a jazzy Christmas classic, with its catchy melody and Rawls' signature warmth.

Why it's a jazzy Christmas classic:

• Rawls' interpretation is a masterclass in subtlety, with a nuanced delivery that's both playful and sophisticated.
• The song's wintery lyrics and melodies evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, perfect for the holiday season.

These jazzy Christmas songs are sure to get you in the mood for a swinging holiday season. Whether you're looking for classic crooners or modern jazz virtuosos, we've got the perfect mix of tunes to put you in the holiday spirit. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, gather 'round the fireplace, and let these jazzy Christmas classics transport you to a winter wonderland of joy and cheer.