Best Classic Rock Christmas Songs
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start listening to some of the best classic rock Christmas songs of all time. – Author: Anne Erickson, AC/DC courtesy photo via Sony Music.
The holiday season is here, and with it comes yuletide carols and festive Christmas music. The best classic rock Christmas songs always sit well this time of year, and they can help switch things up when people get tired of hearing the same Mariah Carey holiday songs playing. Sure, “All I Want for Christmas is You” is a classic, but it’s certainly not classic rock. In honor of holiday music that truly rocks, we present our tally of a handful of the best classic rock Christmas songs of all time. Listen to some of the greatest holiday tunes in all genres via this additional feature, too.
The Greatest Classic Rock Christmas Songs of All Time
AC/DC, “Mistress for Christmas”
Australian rockers AC/DC released “Mistress for Christmas” in 1990 on their 12th studio album, “The Razor’s Edge.” It’s a fun, humorous holiday song that’s not meant to be taken seriously.
Bruce Springsteen, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
It’s not really Christmas without hearing Bruce Springsteen and his festive classic, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Springsteen recorded the gem at the C.W. Post College in Greenvale, New York on Long Island on December 12, 1975, and he released it in 1981. It’s his own take on the 1934 classic and a special holiday tune.
Chuck Berry, “Run Rudolph Run”
Chuck Berry released “Run Rudolph Run” in 1958, and it was an instant smash. The song, which takes from “Little Queenie,” is a favorite for classic rockers to cover. One of the most famous covers features Lemmy Kilmister, Dave Grohl and Billy Gibbons performing together, but that song title is slightly changed, to “Run, Run Rudolph.”
John Lennon & Yoko Ono, “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”
It would be impossible to have a tally of the best Christmas classic rock songs of all time without including the great “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” from John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The late Lennon and his wife released the track in 1971 as an anti-Vietnam War song, and it always pops up around the holidays.
Rob Halford, “We Three Kings”
Rob Halford of Judas Priest is much more metal than rock, but we have to get him on this roster. Halford released “We Three Kings” off his “Halford III: Winter Songs” album in 2009. The entire record is packed with traditional Christmas tunes, and it’s a must-listen around the festive season.
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, “Christmas All Over Again”
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ mix of folk and rock make them the perfect band to release a holiday track. The late, great Petty and his group released “Christmas All Over Again” in 1992 as part of the “A Very Special Christmas 2” compilation album. Proceeds from the album benefited the Special Olympics, so it was for a great cause.
The Kinks, “Father Christmas”
The Kinks released “Father Christmas” in 1977 as a commentary on class warfare. While the subject of the song was very serious, it still plays like a festive track and is a popular one to play around the holidays.
Twisted Sister, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”
Twisted Sister are known for their East Coast hair metal, but that doesn’t mean they don’t rock it for Christmas. Dee Snider and company have a true holiday classic in 2006’s “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” and it’s certainly one of the greatest classic rock Christmas songs ever. It’s recorded in the style of “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” which makes it extra fun.
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