The Best Alternative Christmas Songs That Will Become Your New Favorites
I love Christmas music so much that any time during the year I find myself wanting a little pick-me-up, I crank up my favorite playlist of Christmas songs.
But even I get a little sick of hearing Jingle Bell Rock and Frosty the Snowman everywhere I go during the holiday season.
And so one year, I set out to find the best uncommon Christmas songs to add to my festive playlist. I listened to hundreds of songs to find the best of the best, and today I’m sharing the cream of the crop with you.
These alternative Christmas songs will get you in the holiday spirit without getting under your skin.
The 12 Best Alternative Christmas Songs That You’ll Love
These uncommon Christmas songs are so fresh and fun that they’ll quickly become your new favorites during the holiday season.
1. A Christmas Compromise by Inara George
Don’t let the fact that this song is from a kids’ album fool you. The singer’s beau is Jewish, but she’s REALLY into Christmas:
Oh, could we get a Christmas tree?
I know on this one thing, we can’t agree
But nevermind the Jesus part
Won’t you let Santa into your heart?
Listen: Apple Music† | Amazon Music
2. Christmas by Teddy Thompson & Family
When it comes to alternative Christmas songs, this is maybe the most succinct summary of what Christmas is all about:
Drink a lot
Eat too much
Spend some time with the ones you love
Listen: Apple Music
3. It Snowed by Meaghan Smith
This tune sounds like one of those classic Christmas songs of yesteryear, but the lyrics are as fresh as a newly fallen snow:
It snowed, It snowed
It snowed last night
Everything is sparkling with diamond light
The road is bare
It’s four feet high
Honey, let’s play hooky
‘Cause it snowed last night
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
4. She’ll Be My Everything for Christmas by Los Lonely Boys
If you’re looking for uncommon Christmas songs, how about a love song with an upbeat tempo?
Singing Silent Night and feelin’ right
Under the mistletoe
Hear them sleigh bells ring and angels sing
And dancin’ through the snow
She’s my everything
For Christmas
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
5. Maybe Next Year by Meiko
If you ended up in the Naughty camp this year, here’s an anthem for you:
I don’t think Santa’s coming this year
‘Cause I’ve been a bad, a bad girl
I’ve made my bed, now I’m lying in it
Without a care, a care in the world
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
6. Raise the Tree by Trent Dabbs
If I close my eyes, this song conjures up that anticipation of heading home for Christmas.
I’m driving home for Christmas with joy beyond belief
The snow’s in the sky, my hands are tucked under my sleeves
The dreams and bells are ringing, the kids all try to sleep
The fireplace turned high, the songs are sung out in the streets
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
7. Santa’s Lost His Mojo by Jeremy Lister
Dr. Evil strikes again!
Ho ho ho ho oh no
Santa’s lost his mojo
The elves and the reindeer have done their share
Trying to find a remedy to break a spell
But old Saint Nick has gone and lost his mind
He’s down in Mexico drinking tequila and wine
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
8. Snowfall by Ingrid Michaelson
This song will warm your insides like a cup of hot cocoa with a dash of ancho chili powder. One of my favorite alternative Christmas songs of all time!
I want a snowfall kind of love
The kind of love that quiets the world
I want a snowfall kind of love
‘Cause I’m a snowfall kind of girl…
I want a snowfall kind of love
The kind of love that keeps you in bed all day
Oh I want to walk through with you
And watch it all melt away
Listen: Apple Music
9. No Christmas for Me by Zee Avi
Missing your honey this Christmas? This one needs to go on your playlist of alternative Christmas songs.
There won’t be eggnogs by the cozy fire
There won’t be glasses of mulled wine either
There won’t even be a Christmas tree
‘Cause you’re not here to light it up with me
Santa honey, won’t you bring my baby back to me?
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
10. Someday at Christmas by Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson’s version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is my favorite and deserves a listen for the little twist he puts on the classic lyrics. But if you’re looking for something even more original, give this one a listen.
And some day at Christmas, there’ll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found out what life is really worth
Then there will be peace on Earth
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
11. Home by Blake Shelton
You may have heard the version by Michael Buble, but this version from Blake’s album was rewritten with a seasonal feel.
I can close my eyes and see the angel on the tree
A blanket of snow outside and all my friends and family
And though I know that you’re no further than a call away
I need to see your face–a call could never be the same
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
12. When the Leaves by Ingrid Michaelson
Yes, Ingrid made the list twice. She’s an all-time favorite in our house, and we were seriously considering naming our baby girl “Ingrid”—until we couldn’t think of a nickname better than “Ing” or “Rid.” This song is just simple and beautiful:
When the snow comes down
And it covers this lonely town
Then I miss your kiss
Listen: Apple Music | Amazon Music
Want More?
Check out these other playlists of alternative Christmas songs: Those Happy J-I-N-G-L-E B-E-double-L-S, A Medley of New Music to Please the Holiday Spirits, and The Indie Christmas Playlist.
Your Turn
Do you know of any other awesome alternative Christmas songs? A better nickname for Ingrid? Share it in a comment below!
Thanks!
You may enjoy Tiny Tree by Guster-. It’s very sweet