20 Unconventional Christmas Songs To Refresh Your Playlist

Christmas music is a staple of the holiday season, but let's face it - hearing the same old songs on repeat can get a bit stale. You know the ones: "Jingle Bell Rock", "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Frosty the Snowman"... they're classics, but they've been done to death. If you're looking to refresh your Christmas playlist and explore some new tunes, you're in luck! Here are 20 unconventional Christmas songs that will add some much-needed variety to your holiday mix.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

From punk rock to folk, these artists put their own spin on the traditional Christmas song. Here are a few of our favorites:

• "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" by The Ramones - A fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of the holiday season.
• "2000 Miles" by The Pretenders - A melancholic tune about missing a loved one during the holidays.
• "Just Like Christmas" by Low - A slow, introspective song that explores the true meaning of Christmas.

The Weird and Wonderful

Sometimes, you just need a little bit of weirdness in your Christmas playlist. These songs are sure to provide that:

• "I Want an Alien for Christmas" by Fountains of Wayne - A fun, quirky tune that's out of this world.
• "Christmas in the Sand" by Colbie Caillat - A laid-back, beachy song that's perfect for a warm winter's day.
• "Merry Christmas (The Beer Growler Song)" by They Might Be Giants - A hilarious song about a beer growler's Christmas wish.

Soulful Sounds of Christmas

From soulful ballads to funky dance tracks, these artists bring a little bit of soul to the Christmas season. Here are a few of our favorites:

• "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway - A soulful, upbeat track that's sure to get you moving.
• "Someday at Christmas" by Stevie Wonder - A beautiful, heartfelt ballad about a future where love and peace reign supreme.
• "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love - A soulful, Motown-inspired track that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Electronic and Experimental

If you're looking for something a little more... unconventional, these electronic and experimental Christmas tracks are sure to fit the bill:

• "Christmas in the Trenches" by John McCutcheon - A haunting, experimental track that explores the true meaning of Christmas.
• "Star of Wonder" by Tori Amos - A beautiful, atmospheric song that's perfect for a quiet winter's night.
• "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson - A stunning, a cappella track that showcases the vocal talents of these two singer-songwriters.

Country Christmas

From twangy guitars to heartfelt ballads, these country artists bring a little bit of down-home charm to the Christmas season. Here are a few of our favorites:

• "Christmas in Dixie" by Alabama - A fun, upbeat track that's perfect for a country Christmas party.
• "If We Make It Through December" by Merle Haggard - A heartfelt, nostalgic song about the struggles of the holiday season.
• "O Holy Night" by Martina McBride - A beautiful, soulful rendition of this Christmas classic.

Instrumental Delights

Sometimes, words just get in the way. These instrumental Christmas tracks are sure to provide a little bit of festive cheer:

• "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra - A beautiful, orchestral track that's perfect for a winter's night.
• "The Skaters' Waltz" by Emile Waldteufel - A fun, upbeat track that's sure to get you moving.
• "Winter Wonderland" by Vince Guaraldi Trio - A beautiful, jazzy rendition of this Christmas classic.

Global Christmas

From Latin rhythms to African beats, these global Christmas tracks are sure to add a little bit of international flair to your holiday playlist. Here are a few of our favorites:

• "Mi Burrito Sabanero" by Juan Luis Guerra - A fun, upbeat track that's perfect for a Latin-inspired Christmas party.
• "African Noel" by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - A beautiful, soulful song that explores the true meaning of Christmas.
• "Sleigh Ride" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra - A fun, big band-inspired track that's sure to get you moving.

A Cappella Delights

There's something special about a cappella music, especially during the holiday season. These tracks are sure to provide a little bit of festive cheer:

• "The Christmas Song" by Straight No Chaser - A beautiful, harmony-rich rendition of this Christmas classic.
• "O Holy Night" by Pentatonix - A stunning, a cappella rendition of this beloved Christmas song.
• "Silent Night" by The Real Group - A beautiful, harmony-rich track that's perfect for a quiet winter's night.

We hope these 20 unconventional Christmas songs have added a little bit of variety to your holiday playlist. Whether you're looking for something new and exciting or just want to refresh your old favorites, there's something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, give them a listen, and happy holidays!