Top 15 Christmas Songs from the Past 25 Years

As we continue to celebrate our 25^th anniversary, we take a look back at the best Christmas songs from the past 25 years. From *NSYNC to Josh Groban, from Pentatonix to Elton John, there’s a song for everyone on our list! If you can’t get enough of Christmas songs, check out all our arrangements here. From all of us at Musicnotes, thank you for discovering the wide variety of music that we have to offer, and have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

·  “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by *NSYNC (1998): From the album Home for Christmas, this was a big hit for boy band NSYNC in the ‘90s. To bring back even more nostalgia, it was featured in the movie I’ll Be Home for Christmas starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas. When this song begins with the piano riff, you know it’s time for a boy band Christmas!

·  “Where Are You Christmas?” by Faith Hill (2000): Featured in the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this song began as a shorter version entitled “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” and was sung by the character Cindy Lou Who. Mariah Carey wrote the full-length version and made a recording of the song, but it couldn’t be released due to legal issues. Faith Hill became the performer of this sweet, hopeful Christmas classic. The piano part begins with a music box-like accompaniment and eventually builds into a big Christmas ballad.

·  “Believe” by Josh Groban (2004): Originally from the movie The Polar Express, this song was a big hit for Josh Groban on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. The first couple intervals of the song bring you back to this heartwarming Christmas song and movie. The inspirational lyrics tell us to embrace and to believe in the magic of Christmas.

·  “O Holy Night” by Il Divo (2005): Classical crossover group Il Divo made quite a splash in the music scene in the early 2000s. The group was formed by former American Idol judge Simon Cowell, and they continued their success with the Christmas album The Christmas Collection. This operatic arrangement features a simple piano part, so be sure to bring out the dramatic elements with the soaring melody.

·  “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber (2011): From Justin Bieber’s album Under the Mistletoe, this unique holiday song set a record for the highest debut of a Christmas song in Billboard Hot 100 history. This pop hit incorporates reggae elements in the accompaniment, and the lyrics tell us that rather than partaking in holiday traditions, he’s going to hang out under the mistletoe.

·  “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé (2011): Originally a hit for Perry Como in the ‘50s, this Christmas classic received a jazzy update compliments of Michael Bublé. His album Christmas debuted in 2011, but this song wasn’t released as a single until the following year, when it reached the top ten in many countries. This timeless arrangement is a must-have for piano players and singers alike, including the lush jazz chords and a swinging melody.

·  “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson (2013): From the album Wrapped in Red, this upbeat Christmas track was a big hit for Kelly Clarkson, who tells us all she needs for Christmas is her loved one underneath the tree. The recording features a big orchestral accompaniment, and our sheet music includes all those elements, so gather some friends and sleigh bells to belt out this holiday favorite!

·  “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande (2014):  This catchy Christmas pop tune peaked in the top 20 on the Billboard charts. The simple backing tracks in the accompaniment allow for the vocals to shine as Ariana hopes that Santa will tell her if her crush is really into her.

·  “Mary, Did You Know?” by Pentatonix (2014): From their hit album That’s Christmas to Me, Pentatonix created a gorgeous and contemplative a cappella arrangement of this Mark Lowry standard. All voice parts have the opportunity to sing the melody, and the baritone voice part includes both singing and vocal percussion parts. This arrangement is a great option for choirs or advanced a cappella groups.

·  “Light of the World” by Lauren Daigle (2014/2016): Originally featured on the compilation album Christmas: Joy to the World, this song from Contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle tells of the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. The methodical accompaniment keeps the excitement going as the lyrics proclaim, “Glory to the light of the world.”

·  “You Make It Feel Like Christmas” by Gwen Stefani feat. Blake Shelton (2017): From the album You Make It Feel Like Christmas, this was the lead single, and it received most of its initial success on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. This upbeat holiday anthem is a duet between Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, and they list the ways that each of them make it feel like Christmas. Enjoy singing this accessible sheet music arrangement with a friend!

·  “Candy Cane Lane” by Sia (2017): From Sia’s album Everyday Is Christmas, this catchy pop song makes you hungry for candy canes! The piano features a blocked chord accompaniment that encourages you to sing along to take a trip down Candy Cane Lane.

·  “Cozy Little Christmas” by Katy Perry (2018): A single that was initially only available on Amazon Music, this song made it to the top of the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Katy emphasizes that she doesn’t need any material gifts this year, just a cozy Christmas with someone special. Enjoy playing another accessible holiday piece with upbeat blocked chords.

·  “Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift (2019):  Released in 2019 as a single, this song was inspired by a charming Christmas vacation, and the lyrics describe all the fun activities that are a part of the Christmas season. This catchy, upbeat song sounds best with sleigh bells in the background, but just vocals and the piano work too!

·  “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran & Elton John (2021):  Featured on a Christmas edition of Elton John’s album The Lockdown Sessions, this song shot to number one on the UK charts. However, just two weeks later, LadBaby created a parody of the song entitled “Sausage Rolls for Everyone,” which also featured Ed Sheeran and Elton John, and bumped their original song out of the top spot. The lyrics say that even though it’s been a rough year, we should still celebrate the season.

Click here for all our holiday sheet music, and be sure to download our Musicnotes app!