Looking to fill that silent night with some joyful noise? We asked six musicians to choose their favorite Christmas albums of all time, and their answers served up plenty of nostalgia and a few surprises. See their picks below, and check out G&G’s ultimate holiday playlist—featuring tunes from these albums, picks from the experts at the Record Stop in Charleston, and editors’ favorites—for more listening inspiration.
Christmas Portrait (1978)
The Carpenters
From singer/songwriter Whitney Mongé: I grew up listening to this record every year around the holidays thanks to my mother, who adored Karen Carpenter’s voice. Her easy-listening contralto vocal range and incredible musicianship with her brother Richard has always been an inspiration for me. The harmonies between the two cannot be understated on this album. My favorite tracks on the record include their version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and their original tune “Merry Christmas Darling.” It’s definitely a throwback but always my go-to to start the season off right.
A Motown Christmas (1973)
The Temptations, the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and Smokey Robinson
From Houndmouth frontman Matt Meyers: With a title like that there is certainly no mystery about what you’re getting, but what a testament to the time, the artists, and the genre as a whole. Every song is soulful and tasteful and makes me feel something.
The Preacher’s Wife (1996) and Merry Christmas (1994)
Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, respectively
From singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer: They both feel like my childhood—festive, joyful, spiritual, and filled with lots of friends and family putting our own little spin on all the holiday classics. I love Whitney’s “Who Would Imagine a King” and Mariah’s “Miss You Most.” —Brittney Spencer
For Christmas (2021)
Amanda Shires
From singer/songwriter Amanda Shires: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill jingle-jangle, cookie-cutter Christmas album full of recycled carols. I made this for everyone—the ones who love the holidays and the ones who feel a little lost in them. It’s for the folks who sit by the fire but still feel a chill, the ones who love Christmas but can’t ignore the bittersweet edges that come with it. These songs are full of longing, humor, heartbreak, and yes, hope. No “Jingle Bells” on repeat here—this is strings and stories that make you feel like the snow is falling right in your living room. It’s for those reflective moments when you’re staring out at the lights and for those late-night gift-wrapping marathons when you need a little company.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Vince Guaraldi Trio
From actress and singer Rita Wilson: This album is evocative of my childhood when all us kids sat around watching the Charlie Brown TV special. I love the somewhat melancholy vibe on certain songs that felt different from the other Christmas songs you’d hear on the radio. It was jazz! The album includes classic holiday songs, new songs, and even Beethoven. It comes together beautifully through Vince Guaraldi Trio’s unique and fresh take on what a Christmas album could be.
Socks (2018)
JD McPherson
From singer Maggie Rose: JD is an amazing artist and songwriter and showcases that on Socks, which is composed of completely original Christmas tunes of his own. The production makes all of his creations sound like instant classics, and they rock. I love a good Christmas crooner record, but JD’s album goes there in a way that is refreshing and lively, making it a staple in my Christmas party soundtrack.
