Now that December is here, I’m getting into the Christmas spirit. I know some people start listening to Christmas music immediately after Halloween, but I always wait until December so that I’m not annoyed with the songs by the time Christmas comes around. No matter how hard I try to stay away from it, though, I always end up hearing Christmas music play on the radio in November. Rather than listening to the same Michael Bublé or Bing Crosby songs, I created a playlist of indie music that still puts you in the Christmas spirit without being overplayed.
The Wombats "Frosty the Snowman"
This is a sweet little cover of “Frosty the Snowman.” I would listen to this cover year round.
The Shins "Wonderful Christmastime"
This cover definitely still has the same happy, lightweight, Christmas spirit.
Fitz & the Tantrums “Santa Stole My Lady”
“Santa Stole My Lady” is a nice change from the typical Christmas songs.
The Oh Hellos “Silent Night, Holy Night”
This cover has beautiful vocals, and it is a nice folk cover.
Phoenix “Alone on Christmas Day”
This song is from “A Very Murray Christmas.” It doesn’t get much better than Phoenix and Bill Murray.
Sleeping At Last “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Sleeping At Last never fails to bring beautiful, soft, music, and their Christmas songs are no exception.
Weezer “The Christmas Song”
This song gives off Christmas vibes yet still stays true to Weezer’s sound.
The Civil Wars “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
The Civil Wars’ voices blend so nicely. This is a nice, calming Christmas song.
She & Him “All I Want For Christmas is You”
This is from She & Him’s new Christmas album, and it doesn’t disappoint.
The Head and the Heart “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
The perfect song to sit cozied up inside, out of the cold. The Head and the Heart bring a calming, yet happy Christmas song.
Andrew Belle “Back for Christmas”
This song has really interesting instrumentals, and combined with Andrew Belle’s voice, it is a must for the indie Christmas playlist.
The Killers “Boots”
The Killers always bring timeless music. You’ve got to have The Killers on your Christmas playlist.
Shakey Graves “Carol of the Bells”
These vocals on “Carol of the Bells” are beautiful. Shakey Graves focuses less on the background and more on the raw talent and beauty of the voice.
Jimmy Eat World “Last Christmas”
Jimmy Eat World’s cover of “Last Christmas” is so joyful. It’s the perfect balance between upbeat and calming.
Sufjan Stevens “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”
What would an indie Christmas playlist be without Sufjan Stevens? He has so many different Christmas songs, but “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is one of my favorites. He stays true to his own style, and it’s so different from the typical Christmas music, but it’s beautiful.
