The Best Christmas Albums on Vinyl

11 Min Read

There's nothing quite the warm and fuzzy feeling of hearing the first chords of your favorite holiday song to usher in the season. The best Christmas records are the ones that evoke nostalgia, the ones that reinvent a classic, and the ones that just make you smile.

Choosing the best holiday records from a vinyl store is a tough challenge to narrow down because it all depends on what you're in the mood for as you decorate the tree, plan for family get-togethers, or spend time cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa. Regardless of what the moment calls for, here are some of the best Christmas albums on vinyl to spin on the record player this year. 'Tis the season for some holiday tunes!

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Is it any wonder Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" starts off the list of best Christmas records? It's a classic that never gets old, and the Guinness Book of World Records has dubbed it the best-selling single ever. Although it's most recognized as the title track for the 1954 musical film of the same name, he actually performed it several times prior to this release. The deep croon of Crosby's voice singing the holiday ballad immediately takes you inside a picturesque scene of being snowed in with loved ones near a crackling fire.

A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio

Once December rolls around, it's only a matter of time before A Charlie Brown Christmas airs on TV. Filled with feel-good memories for everyone young and old, this sweet cartoon brings to life the beloved Peanuts characters with a jazz-influenced soundtrack by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. While the artist's name may not always be on the tip of your tongue, the bubbly music is instantly recognizable whether you're watching Charlie Brown and his friends ice skating, dancing, or on the search for the perfect tree.

Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey

The amount of love people have for Mariah Carey's song "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is widespread. It's been the theme music for many a holiday party as well as being the big number in the movie, Love Actually. Debuting in 1994, this instant hit is a continuous fan favorite and embraces how much of an impact Mariah Carey has made on the music industry, particularly the pop-heavy times of the mid-90s. Although "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a signature holiday hit, you can't discount the vocal prowess Mariah Carey gives to the album as a whole, especially on the lesser talked about, but powerful version of "O Holy Night."

The Beach Boys Christmas Album by The Beach Boys

Taking it back a few decades before Mariah had a chance to change the game with her iconic holiday song, The Beach Boys mixed their signature sound with lyrics that had people envisioning a different seasonal climate. On one of the best Christmas records of all time, The Beach Boys Christmas Album's most notorious song is "Little Saint Nick," which effuses the same sunny feeling the group shared across the airwaves for so many years. There are also unique spins on other holiday classics, such as "White Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman" with the SoCal style fans know and love.

Christmas by Michael Buble

The smooth voice of Michael Buble echoes the same jazzy tone of Frank Sinatra but with his own modern edge. Known best for his annual holiday specials, Buble has become synonymous with Christmastime. On what’s arguably one of the best Christmas albums on vinyl today, he sings his version of some of the top holiday songs on his 2011 album succinctly called "Christmas." His vocal performance shines through on songs including "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Ave Maria," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Put this record on while entertaining guests or decorating the tree as it's easy listening for all.

A Motown Christmas featuring Various Artists

Infuse the holidays with an upbeat pop flair with A Motown Christmas which features artist favorites, from The Jackson 5's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" to get you excited about the holiday season to Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" to make you feel joyful thinking about being with the ones you love. The Christmas record provides a good mix of quick tempo songs and mellower tunes to please everyone's musical palate with this curated holiday classic.

Noel by Josh Groban

The commanding voice of Josh Groban, which teeters on operatic, carries through every song on his Noel album. He welcomes guest artists on several album tracks including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on "O Come All Ye Faithful" and R&B artist Brian McKnight on his version of "Angels We Have Heard on High." Deemed as one of the best Christmas vinyl records released over the years, there's a soothing quality with its blend of pop hits and church-like hymns that makes it a great playlist for watching the snowfall while cozied up on the couch or spending the afternoon making Christmas cookies.

A Fresh Aire Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller

Attending a Mannheim Steamroller performance is on the holiday tradition list for many. When fans want to relive their musical experience, they can turn to the band's second Christmas album, a Fresh Aire Christmas. With instrumental staples including "Carol of the Bells" combined with international, old-world selections like "Veni Veni (O Come O Come Emmanuel)" and "Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)," it's like having a mini-concert right in your own home.

Christmas Eve and Other Stories by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Sticking with the instrumental-only records and adding the driving pulse of American rock, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is another band that has helped define the holiday season with its notable sound. Christmas Eve and Other Stories is its debut studio album and has become one of the best Christmas albums on vinyl to listen to year after year. It's a conceptual album with each song telling another chapter of the story. From the lyrics to the driving beat of the music, it's progressive holiday music that takes traditional songs and puts their own spin on them.

Home for Christmas by NSYNC

As one of the most famous boy bands to top the charts in the late '90s and early 2000s, it's only natural that NSYNC delivered a holiday album for their fans. Known for the pop vocals and balanced harmonizing, the album kicks off with the title song "Home for Christmas" in addition to other original holiday-themed hits and a few traditional songs thrown in as well. It isn't your average album to put on the vinyl record player this holiday season, but it speaks to the music of the time and speaks to the music fanatics who were crazy about NSYNC.

Now That's What I Call Christmas! by Various Artists

The Now! series reached its peak around the same time as NSYNC. The Now That's What I Call Christmas! compilation is a two-disc wonder that includes music from some of the best holiday records of all time on disc one (Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Burl Ives, to name a few) and modern favorites on disc two (Bruce Springsteen, Celine Dion, and Britney Spears, among others.) Consider it a "mixtape" offering up the best of both worlds with traditional tunes and modern reinterpretations.

Harry for the Holidays by Harry Connick, Jr.

The jazzy smoothness of Harry Connick, Jr.'s voice lends itself nicely to his holiday album, Harry for the Holidays. He's accompanied by a 16-piece big band orchestra as he makes his way through hits like "Frosty the Snowman," "Silver Bells," and "This Christmas." When you need something light to get a head start on Christmas gift wrapping or as you write out holiday cards, this is the music that'll keep you on track with its calming allure and sing-a-long vibe. It’s one of the best Christmas albums on vinyl available today and is a crowd pleaser to get everyone in the festive mood.

Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan

With her signature, ethereal sound, Sarah McLachlan's 2006 album, Wintersong, is one of the sleeper frontrunners for best Christmas records. It's probably most well known for her rendition of Joni Mitchell's "River," but also adds in her own dreamy hits, including "Song for a Winter's Night" and the title track "Wintersong." The album envelopes you into her quiet winter land for a few stolen moments of peace and reflection during the hectic holiday season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is arguably one of the top Christmas songs of all time. And, one of the most popular versions of this beloved Christmas song is from singing cowboy Gene Autry. The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer album is available as a limited edition red colored vinyl to visually represent the holiday spirit as well. The album’s title track leads the way and is followed by 11 other holiday favorites, such as “Joy to the World,” “Up on the House Top,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” For a country twist on holiday classics, this album is one of the best Christmas records to have in the rotation.

Christmas with the Chipmunks Vol. 2 Various Artists by Various Artists

In the late 1950s and into the early 1960s, the Chipmunks were a mainstay in pop culture. So much so that they released a holiday album composed of 11 traditional holiday songs and one original composition by Ross Bagdasarian. Bagdasarian was the man behind the Chipmunks’ fictional manager David Seville, and the Chipmunks were named after the original record label’s executives. The popularity of singing chipmunks hits the radio airwaves with “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and for young ones and those young-at-heart, an album of holiday favorites sung by Alvin, Simon, and Theodore is sure to make the season feel a little lighter.

This Is Christmas by Luther Vandross

The silky, soulful voice of Luther Vandross is as iconic as it comes. His 10th studio album was also his first Christmas album. Songs from the 1995 This Is Christmas album were performed as a part of a holiday special and have since become part of one the best Christmas albums on vinyl for people to enjoy today. Vandross mixes in a few holiday classics like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” with original recordings including his title track, “This Is Christmas.”

Punk Rock Christmas by Various Artists

For punk rock lovers who want an alternative rendition of yuletide tunes, the Punk Rock Christmas album is one of the best Christmas vinyl records there is. A collaboration of different artists takes over 15 tracks. Reel Big Fish, Smash Mouth, and Iggy Pop are among the musicians you can expect on this upbeat holiday album. Also, the limited edition green vinyl pressing makes a great gift for record lovers. Either way, these renditions of traditional favorites give a new meaning to the “spirit of Christmas.”

Last Christmas Original Soundtrack by George Michael

Everyone loves a Christmas movie and even better, a Christmas movie soundtrack. When Last Christmas debuted in theaters in 2019, it was only fitting that it featured the music of George Michael and Wham. After all, “Last Christmas” is one of the most recognized songs on the radio when the holiday season rolls around and is what the film was inspired by. Though not your standard Christmas music, if you want to relive scenes from the movie through song and invite some George Michael nostalgia into your home, this is the album for you.

You don't have to wait until December to put on these records and get into the holiday spirit. Everyone has their own preferences for how they want the music to make them feel. The kind of songs you want to play at your family gathering is often different from the music you want to hear while you're spending quiet time alone. Fortunately, there's an endless list of albums that can set the tone and ambiance for any occasion.

Whether the occasion requires classic, mellow Christmas hits or the upbeat soundtracks that make you energized from all the feelings that the holiday and the anticipation of a new year brings, there's an album ready to take you through the end of the year. Playing any of these records on repeat all December long will fill you with the joy that the season is meant to bring.

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