The holiday season doesn’t truly begin until you put on a Christmas album. Whether it’s jazzy and nostalgic or loud and unapologetically pop, everyone has an album that they’ll enjoy. Some albums fade with time, but others return every December like clockwork, filling grocery stores, dorm lounges and car rides home with instant warmth.
Below are the best Christmas albums of 2025, ranked and ready to soundtrack the entire season.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Some holiday albums come and go, but A Charlie Brown Christmas remains a classic forever. With its jazz piano, the soft brush percussion and the dream-like arrangements, it’s impossible to hear it without feeling instantly calmer.
It’s the kind of album you can play on repeat for hours while decorating, studying, baking or doing nothing at all.
Tracks like “Skating” and “Christmas Time Is Here” still feel magical over 60 years later, making them a staple for all generations.
“Under the Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
“Under the Mistletoe” is a nostalgic holiday classic. Released in 2011, this album has aged surprisingly well and remains one of the few modern pop Christmas albums that people actually return to.
“Mistletoe” is basically unavoidable in December, and honestly, I don’t see anyone complaining about it. Songs like “Fa La La,” “Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas,” and “Christmas Eve” hit with a cozy, early-2010s nostalgia warmth that nothing else replicates. If you grew up with it, it’s an instant serotonin boost.
“Christmas” – Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé's voice is iconic within itself, but his 2011 Christmas album, “Christmas” is by far his most well-known piece of work.
It’s one of the most commercially successful holiday albums ever released, and it’s not slowing down in 2025.
His covers are clean, polished and traditional in a way that leaves you captivated. Bublé’s voice just sounds like Christmas; it’s smooth, warm and slightly cheesy in the best possible way. The album remains the go-to for background music at every holiday event.
“The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection” – Taylor Swift
Even though it’s only six songs, Taylor Swift’s holiday EP comes around every winter and remains one of her most beloved early releases.
Her original, “Christmases When You Were Mine,” is still a fan-favorite. It’s emotional, a little sad and perfect for snowy evenings.
Her covers of “Last Christmas” and “Santa Baby” bring the exact early-Taylor charm people still love in 2025.
“Merry Christmas” – Mariah Carey
It’s impossible to talk about Christmas music without Mariah Carey. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” dominates the charts every December like clockwork, but the rest of the album deserves just as much love.
From gospel-inspired arrangements to classic ballads, Mariah’s vocals are simply unmatched. “Merry Christmas” is festive, dramatic, and powerful, and is exactly what holiday music should be.
The best Christmas albums stick around because they make the season feel warmer, brighter, and a little more magical. Whether you gravitate towards jazz, pop, soul or pure nostalgia, 2025’s holiday listening lineup proves that great Christmas music never goes out of style.
And if you don’t know what to play this year? Start at the top and work your way down, you’ll end up with your new holiday favorite.
The arts desk can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com
