Playlist Suggestions for Holiday Christmas Parties

Holiday Christmas parties can be a huge hassle. As a party host, you might be responsible for a lot of duties including: making sure your family, friends, and/or co-workers know how to get to your party location, what food will be served, and knowing what events or activities are planned. You should also make sure everyone gets home okay at the end of the night (especially if Grandpa's special eggnog is served as your beverage of choice). One of the most time-consuming tasks you might face is creating an enjoyable play-list of music. The music has to fit the scene, so for a Christmas party know your audience and stick with what works. Below, you will find notable versions of some Christmas classics, slow favorites, and a few laugh tracks thrown in that you can't go wrong with. This will be sure to keep your party in the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer. And hey, if things go well enough you just might be able to do this again next year....right?! -----------------------------

Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
Normally, a sad breakup song wouldn't be the best route for a party, but Elvis puts a nice rock-and-roll spin on and helps to slow the mood down. You'll be sure to get under the mistletoe in no time with this classic.

Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby
The title is translated as "Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian. You may have heard this while watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It is played as Chevy Chase day dreams about having an in-ground swimming pool in his backyard. He watches his strange, yet hilarious family take advantage of the water and enjoy the glorious weather. This Hawaiian number keeps the Christmas feel while also giving a warm greeting from an exotic island.

Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
You simply can't go wrong with this Spanish holiday cheerful classic by singer-songwriter Jose Feliciano. This is one of the most downloaded and aired Christmas songs around and mixes in a English verse of "I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart". A definite winner if you'd like to add in some Latin flavor to your shin-dig.

Christmas Don't Be Late - Alvin & The Chipmunks
If you've never heard this hilarious holiday classic you have been living under a rock for quite awhile. Believe it or not, this reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart in 1958. Add this to your play list and you'll be sure to get some laughs.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Frank Sinatra
Ol' blue eyes will put smiles on people's faces in this holiday classic. This song has been covered countless times, including a version by Jessica Simpson in 2004. This one is tops in my book, but you can decide for yourself.

Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
More than likely you've heard of this classic in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer special. Burl Ives is arguably the singer most associated with Christmas tunes and has covered numerous tracks. This is another track which will fit your holiday evening festivities.

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Written by Johnny Marks and recorded by Lee in 1958, this Christmas jingle is a good song to warm up the dance floor or to just pick up the pace.

Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
It seems like all these classics were either made in 1957 or 58. This one is no exception and has gone on to sell 100 million copies. Even though it makes reference to other 50s classics such as "Rock Around the Clock" it will fit in just fine in any of today's modern Christmas parties. That's why they call these tunes timeless.

Christmas Song (ding Dong) - Gunther & The Sunshine Girls
Okay, I hesitated putting this on the list but I couldn't help myself. Imagine a Swedish pop singer spewing techno/pop in a sexy-seductive Christmas jingle and you'll realize why this was too good to pass up. Besides, your guests will need a shift-from all these classics right? Show some originality!

The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
Okay, this is arguably the most well-known Christmas song out there. So, in turn, if you don't include this track at your get-together you might let people down. Ironically, it is said this song was written on a hot summer day in 1944 in an effort to "stay cool by thinking cool".

Here Comes Santa Claus - Gene Autry
Its not uncommon for Christmas parties (especially work-related) to have a surprise appearance by good ol' Saint Nick. If you're looking for a jingle to accompany the big man, look no further.

White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Another classic by Crosby, the song actually received an Academy award for Best Original Song in the 1942 musical, "Holiday Inn". Another track that fits the holiday theme for your night.

All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
With all these old-time classics, your guests might be wanting a little modern change. Carey came out with this track in 1994 and eludes that no Christmas presents will do this year. She just wants a visit from her lover. As a fun fact, by late 2006 this had become the best-selling holiday ring tone of all time in the U.S.

Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys
This is another holiday classic that your guests can get up and dance to. And don't think you're too cool for the Beach Boys. This group has been turning out hits since 1961.

Christmas In Dixie - Alabama
To add a little country into the mix, Alabama comes through with a track sure to have you slow-dancing at the end of the night.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen
What's a party without the Boss? This would be another good track to use if you are having Santa show up.

Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
A slyly humorous song about a woman who wants the finer things for Christmas. What's wrong with extravagant? Absolutely nothing. You'll add some laughs with this track.

I'll Be Home For Christmas - Perry Como
This was written in 1943 and touched a soft-spot with Americans who were still fighting in World War II. This is a good song to end your evening & send your friends home with a smile.

Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
Recorded in 1979, the song didn't garner much attention in the U.S. but reached #6 in the U.K. singles chart. Perhaps it was the synthesizer riff? Who knows, but its definitely a Christmas original.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
Arguably, this is the most popular version of this song/TV special/story. Perhaps a good track to add if there are children around or you're just feeling reminiscent. Either way its sure to be a crowd-pleaser.