According to “Love Actually,” Christmas is the most romantic time of the year (Sorry, Valentine’s Day), and actually, many holiday songs of the past back up those sentiments exactly. Whether they were singing about snuggling up to the fireplace, or missing an ex come Christmas time, these artists always have something to say about who they want to spend the holidays with.
Here are 15 of the best romantic Christmas songs, guaranteed to get you in the mood for hugs in the house, kisses in the snow and cuddles anytime, anywhere.
15. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC
The grown woman in me knows this is by no means considered a romantic song, but the 12-year-old girl in me doesn’t care because...Justin Timberlake. To be honest, NSYNC could’ve sang a Chinese takeout menu, and we would have all still lost our minds over how handsome those guys were.
14. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Sixpence None the Richer
Sixpence none the who? Dude, Sixpence None the Richer! They had that one song “Kiss Me” from the ‘90s. You know, the cute little song they play during halftime at basketball games when they start up the kiss cam? Turns out, they have a way with romance because this song is so adorably lighthearted in a way that makes you feel like anything can happen.
13. “Fa La La” --Justin Bieber ft. Boyz II Men
How Justin Bieber and Boyz II Men ended up in the same recording studio together is beyond any one of us, but the vocal runs and harmonization in this song is pretty on point. Sure, Bieber loses cool points for that over-coiffed haircut thing he used to sport, but Shawn Stockman racks ‘em back up with his apparent inability to age.
12. “Last Christmas” by Wham!
This song is soooooooooooo ‘80s, and totally different from a lot of other Christmas songs, mainly because it’s actually a really pouty breakup song. But aside from that, the sentiment game is strong, the melodrama game is real and the mullet game is just out of this world.
11. “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay
Okay, I’m not going to lie. This song starts off sounding kind of depressing. But when it hits, it HITS in classic Coldplay fashion, delivering a message of hope, celebration and of course, love.
10. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel and Michael Buble
Yeah, there’s no denying the original lyrics to this song are uber sketch. But if Michael Buble is in, we are all SO IN, no doubts about it. Also, this version replaces “maybe just another drink more” with “maybe just a sodapop more” and “Say, what’s in this drink?” with “Say, was that a wink?” which is ADORABLE.
9. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Michael Buble
Buble’s entire Christmas album is the most genius thing that’s ever been created since caller ID, but this one is particularly special. I mean, who doesn’t want to cozy up to a boo thang in some fuzzy socks with cocoa to this song?!
8. “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
Again, the grown woman in me is saying, “Little boy, get your education and stop chasing after all these girls. Christmas is about JESUS, not smooching shawty. Homegirl ain’t going nowhere, calm down.” But the 12-year-old girl in me is saying, “He is so cute, she is so cute, this whole thing is so cute!”
7. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
This song isn’t even romantic, but after "Mean Girls," I think it’s safe to say it has taken on a whole new meaning that includes not very much nice, but a lot of naughty. Wink wink.
6. “Auld Lang Syne” by Mairi Campbell
I can’t be the only person who now associates this song with that heartfelt movie montage of Carrie running over to Miranda’s apartment to eat chinese food on New Year’s Eve in “Sex and the City.” New Year’s may have only one song to its name, but that one song is golden, and extremely lovey dovey given the thirst trap tendencies of that entire holiday.
5. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
It is so hard to crack into the Christmas song market with something original, but Grande delivers something pretty special with this track, and as usual, kills it with the vocals. Plus, the video is GOALS. Fur hats, onesies, satin sheets and a dance party? YAAAAAAAAAAS.
4. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Michael Buble
Guess who's back? Back again? Listen, this guy is just the GOAT of Christmas music. Anyways, Buble singing about coming over to the crib, wishing for snow and mistletoes? Yup, that’s it. I volunteer as tribute.
3. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
If you’re not thinking about that special someone when you hear this song, you’re 40% scrooge, 50% grinch and 10% Buddy’s dad in The Elf. I’m just saying...
2. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
Definitely the sexiest Christmas song ever made, “Santa Baby” is an anthem for any femme fatale flirt trying to milk this holiday for everything it’s worth. And I don’t blame all you vixens, either. It’s hard in these streets.
1. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey
Finally, we get to the queen of the holiday hits! Allow me to channel my inner Stefon for this one. This.song.has.everything: a pop princess, a bunch of jingle bells, such an upbeat tempo and an impossible-to-reach high note that always embarrasses anyone who tries to attempt it. Mariah, out of every song you’ve ever recorded (Yes, even “Obsessed”), this is your best work.
Whether there’s a beau in your life or not, Christmas brings out the lover in all of us. Happy holidays, everyone!
