It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year! Time for Mariah Carey and Michael Buble to be thawed out for their annual domination of the charts as the onslaught of Christmas carols take over the radio stations and Spotify playlists across the world. In order to prepare ourselves for this coming avalanche of Christmas carols, we here at the Lion’s Roar (with the help of some other students and staff) decided to rank some of the top Christmas songs of all time.

Tier 6

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- Darlene Love: Although it was not met with success when it was recorded in 1963, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” has gone on to become one of the most legendary carols ever and was even named the greatest rock and roll Christmas song ever by Rolling Stone Magazine. 

Christmas in Hollis- Run DMC: Without a doubt the most famous hip-hop Christmas song, “Christmas in Hollis” has become a holiday staple since its release in 1987. The song samples some of the most famous Christmas songs ever, including “Frosty the Snowman”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Joy to the World”.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer- Rudolph Movie: Made famous from the 1964 animated movie, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is loved by kids and adults alike and is easily thought of as one of the most iconic carols for the holiday season. 

Tier 5

Feliz Navidad- Jose Feliciano: Recorded and released in 1970, “Feliz Navidad” is one of the most iconic Christmas carols and has even been featured in an episode of Dora the Explorer. 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Various Artists: If you can think of a musician then they’ve probably covered this song. From Bruce Springsteen to Neil Diamond to the Jackson 5- just about everyone has recorded this Christmas classic. 

Blue Christmas- Elvis Presley: Recorded by the King himself in 1957, “Blue Christmas” is still an unduplicatable masterpiece to this day. 

Christmas Time is Here- Charlie Brown Christmas Movie: Written by the legendary Vince Guaraldi, “Christmas Time is Here” is a sentimental tune that’s been loved since its release in 1965. 

Tier 4

White Christmas- Various Artists: Possibly the most famous Christmas song ever, “White Christmas” is the best-selling single of all time and has even won an Academy Award.

Little Saint Nick- Beach Boys: If you wish Christmas was in summer, then this is the perfect carol for you. Written and released by the Beach Boys, this polarizing song has maintained a comfortable spot on all Christmas playlists since its release in the 60s.

Jingle Bell Rock- Various Artists: The perfect carol for fans of old-fashioned rock n’ roll, “Jingle Bell Rock” still dominates the charts and is considered by many to be the quintessential Christmas rock song. 

A Holly Jolly Christmas- Various Artists: Although not the most popular on this ranking “A Holly Jolly Christmas” is amongst the most streamed songs ever and has been a staple in holiday playlists since its inclusion in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie. 

Tier 3

All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Cary: It was only a matter of time before this song came up. Whether we want to admit it or not, this Christmas classic by Mariah Carey is possibly the most popular song ever as it annually finds itself on top of the charts. 

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee: The third song on this list to be included in the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer movie, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is another classic Christmas rock song and has over 250 million sold copies. 

Run Run Rudolph- Chuck Berry: Written by the legendary Chuck Berry, this guitar-driven carol has been used in almost every action scene in every Christmas movie. 

Tier 2

Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt: One of the most controversial Christmas songs there is, “Santa Baby” is still considered a holiday staple thanks to its unique sound and lyrics. 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Various Artists: Another song that’s been covered by just about everyone, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is still popular to this day even though it was released almost a century ago. 

The Christmas Song- Nat King Cole: Although not number one on our list, it’s hard to find a more iconic song than “The Christmas Song” and a more iconic Christmas voice than Nat King Cole’s.

3rd Place

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Andy Williams: Maybe the most legendary Christmas song ever, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a staple on both Billboard charts and Christmas playlists.

2nd Place

Last Christmas- Wham!: Quite possibly the most controversial and polarizing song on this list, “Last Christmas” is loved for its unique sound and somewhat cheesy lyrics.

1st Place

You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch- Grinch Animated Movie: And the number one Christmas song as voted on by Menchville students and staff is another movie classic. With so many memorable lines and lyrics, it’s hard to think of a more iconic Christmas song than “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch”.