The Best Christmas Music You’ve Never Heard
Christmas music is often tradition, and whether it’s popular modern Christmas songs of old standards, holiday music is very familiar. But, there’s a lot of Christmas music you’ve never heard, too. Each year, tons of different musicians release their own holiday music, and sadly, some of it doesn’t get much attention, because it gets drowned out by all the big holiday hits. Sure, songs like Mariah Carey with “All I Want for Christmas is You” and Taylor Swift with “Last Christmas” are great and belong on holiday playlists, but it’s extra exciting to find music that’s not as well known but still just as awesome. In that spirit, we’re honoring some of the best Christmas music you’ve never heard. You might want to find a place for these songs on your holiday playlist.
Best Christmas Music You’ve Never Heard
Mark Tremonti, “Christmas Morning”
If you’re a Mark Tremonti fan, then you’ve probably heard his holiday record, but a lot of people out there aren’t super familiar with his bands Alter Bridge or Creed and are missing out on Tremonti’s solo material. In 2023, Tremonti released, “Mark Tremonti Christmas Classics New & Old,” and it featured the original song “Christmas Morning,” which is a super festive gem that makes you want to cozy up next to the fireplace with hot cocoa.
In an interview with Audio Ink Radio leading up to last Christmas, Tremonti said he felt holiday music suited his “voice way more than the hard rock stuff. That’s why I only started singing professionally in the rock thing. It’s probably been 10 years now. But, I’ve been a processional musician now for almost 30 years, so it’s something I have to work on. I still don’t love my voice for rock, but I do enjoy my voice for this kind of stuff.”
Michael Bublé and Carly Pearce, “Maybe This Christmas”
You probably know of both Michael Bublé and Carly Pearce, but you might not know they have a new holiday song out. Arriving in November 2024, the two have a track called “Maybe This Christmas” that’s simply a delightful holiday listen. Gorgeous bells, soft piano and quaint strings set the tone for this Christmas ballad.
Jennifer Hudson, “Winter Wonderland”
Iconic singer Jennifer Hudson is back with “Winer Wonderland,” a joyous Christmas song that’s perfect for any traditional holiday playlist. If that track isn’t your cup of tea, Hudson also has a bevy of holiday songs out on a new Christmas album, “The Gift of Love,” which marks her first Interscope release. Hudson, of course, is a Grammy winner and has decades of experience in music, so you can expect that her holiday album is tops.
Renn Olympus, “Mistletoe”
I’m always looking for great, independent Christmas music and am loving the holiday music coming from pop and R&B singer Renn Olympus. Her 2024 song “Mistletoe” is a cheery, festive, upbeat pop song with romantic lyrics that will make you want to kiss that special someone.
Annè Autumn Erickson, “Christmas With You”
In full disclosure, this is my own Christmas song, but chances are you haven’t heard it yet, so it fits the theme of this list. “Christmas With You” is a soft, festive holiday ballad about longing to be with your love during the cozy holiday season.
For more festive tunes, check out and add the Spotify holiday playlist below. Hopefully all of these picks will help spice up your holiday playlist this season.
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