Christmas Song Playlist for Your Holiday Party

When people first arrive at your holiday party they will spend the majority of the time getting comfortable and greeting others. I suggest you keep the Christmas songs light and easy listening. Then as the party moves into the second stage, where folks are more comfortable, maybe some fun songs and later when the evening is winding down I would move into the traditional Christmas songs. It will slow the pace of your holiday party which is what you want to do when it is time for your guests to think about leaving. Below I have showcased 10 of my favorites; I hope you will like them too.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year" by Andy Williams

This is an old time favorite and is worthy to get the party started. It was written by Eddie Pola and George Wyle. It was released in 1973 on The Andy William's Christmas Album when Ronald Reagan was president. He declared Andy William's voice a national treasure.

"All I want for Christmas is you" by Mariah Carey

This song was written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff for Mariah's album, Merry Christmas, the best selling Christmas album of all time. It was described by The New Yorker Magazine as "one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon". The song reached the top ten in Japan and other countries and in 2006 became the most popular ring tone of all time in the US.

"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas" by Bing Crosby

Here's an old favorite that's even been sung by The Chipmunks. It was written in 1951 by Meredith Wilson while she was staying at the Grand Hotel in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. There are references in the song to the hotel and Frost Park that is across the street from the hotel. Many artists have sang it but it was Perry Como and The Fontaine Sisters that made it a hit. Johnny Mathias is also a favorite to sing this song so take your pick of artists.

"Santa Baby" by Madonna

It would not be a holiday party without some fun Christmas songs and what could be more fun then "Santa Baby"? This Christmas song was witten in 1953 by Joan Javits, Phillip Springer and Tony Springer. It was originally sung by Eartha Kitt and released in 1953. There are two versions to the song and the one sung by Madonna is the second version which was also recorded by Eartha Kitt but failed to catch on. I'll bet you didn't know that, did you?

"Jingle Bell Rock" by Brenda Lee

Written in 1957 by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe it has sold over 100 million copies! It was originally sung by Bobby Helms and was a big hit for him. Brenda Lee made the charts with this favorite in 1964 and 1967.

"Baby it's Cold Outside" by Dean Martin

This has always been one of my favorites. It was written by Frank Loesser and first sang as a duet with his wife at a housewarming party in 1944. It went on to become a Christmas favorite that has been sang by many famous duets such as Bing Crosby and Doris Day, Ricardo Montalban and Ester Williams, Red Skelton and Betty Garrett to name just a few.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland

Sang by Judy Garland in the MGM movie musical "Meet me in St Louis". Frank Sinatra also recorded a version with a variation in the lyrics that has probably become more familiar so once again take your pick as to your favorite artists or play them all. The song was modified for the movie, Meet Me in St Louis, because some of the lyrics were considered depressing and believe me if you ever heard them, they are, but recently some artists such as James Taylor have released the original version. Thanks but I'll stick to this one.

"Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley

Blue Christmas was written by Bille Hayes and Jay Johnson. It was first recorded by Ernest Tubb in 1948 and is considered a country christmas classic. Elvis Presley recorded it in 1957 on his Christmas Album, in his own Elvis style, and made it a rock and roll holiday party favorite.

"Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano

You don't have to speak Spanish to appreciate this holiday party favorite. Feliz Navidad is a Christmas song written in 1970 by Jose Feliciano who is Puerto Rican. It has become a classic Christmas pop song and an interesting bit of trivia is it was featured in the special "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" as Big Bird was learning how to skate.

"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

This is a beautiful song but it will drop the tempo of a holiday party fast so I would suggest not playing it until your party is winding down and it's time to say goodbye. Maybe you could all hold hands while swaying to the music.........ok, depending on how much you've had to drink. It was written in 1942 by Erving Berlin and showcased in the movie "Holiday Inn" with Bing Crosby. More then 220 artists have recorded this beauty including Doris Day, Beach Boys, Morman Tabernacle Choir, Peggy Lee, Tiny Tim, Backstreet Boys and Destiny's Child. Well, some of the afore mentioned is just scary but you make the call.

This is only a handful but and I would suggest that you try not to play the same song by the same artist over the course of the evening. These Christmas songs have been recorded by slews of talented artists so it really shouldn't be that hard to never (maybe once) play the same song by the same artist twice. Good luck and have fun.