The Ten Best Christmas Party Songs

This Christmas, entertain party guests with their favorite Christmas songs and expand their holiday music knowledge by playing songs that receive less rotation play on favorite holiday radio stations. The right blend of contemporary selections mixed in with the classic traditional will allow guest to be pleasantly engaged in the Christmas spirit. Every Christmas party music playlist should include a variety of musical styles in order to please a majority of the guest. Everyone has their own collection of favorite Christmas songs but here ten more to add to playlists.

"Baby its Cold Outside" by Dean Martin. Although there are many different versions of this song that one can choose, one can never go wrong with using a member of the pack rack singing Christmas songs. Due to its inclusion in the movie "Elf," most people should be able to sing along!

"2000 Miles" by the Pretenders. Lead singer Chrissie Hynde has an amazing voice that seems almost perfect for Christmas songs. Most people are familiar with their version of "Have yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Although not a song that originated on a Christmas Album, "2000 Miles" captures as only the Pretender's can do, the common theme of longing for loved ones during the often cold and snowy Christmas Season days.

"Christmas Means Love" by Joan Osbourne. Most only know of Joan Osbourne from her hit "One of Us," yet Osbourne has a unique soulful voice which delivers quite a punch on her Christmas album that was re-released in 2007. Simply put, a must for any Christmas collection.

"Christmas Time is Here" by Vince Guaraldi Trio. Not much needs to be written about this classic made famous by the Peanuts gang . A soothing classic, when played, it is as if one can see the white cartoon snowflakes outlined with blue outside their window.

"I Saw Three Ships" by Sting. With his British accent and traditional British music, Sting transports the party guest back in time with this classic song.

"Peace on Earth-the Little Drummer Boy" by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. A favorite of many, guest might revolt if this song is left off the playlist. This is perhaps the greatest Christmas song ever written in under two hours.

"Do They Know its Christmas Time" by Band Aid. Again, party guest will love to sing along to their favorite lyrics and try to do their best Bono impersonation.

"Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses. Pep things up a notch by playing this song at the party. The Waitresses cleverly construct a new wave 80's Christmas Classic that will have everyone singing along in no time.

"Sleigh Ride" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers. With a fusion of rag-time like jazz and early swing music, the Squirrel Nut Zippers offers a unique and enjoyable version of the classic "Sleigh Ride." If your guest has never heard of this band, they will certainly inquire who performs this brilliantly done song.

"Do You Hear What I Hear," by Whitney Houston. Despite recent years of poor judgment in the life issues area, Whitney Houston's gospel background really shines in this song. This is Whitney Houston in her element.

Add any of the above to favorite Christmas playlists to create the perfect seasonal atmosphere.

Source: Farhi, Paul; "Bing and Bowie: An Odd Story of Holiday Harmony." Washington Post, December 20, 2006.