The holiday season is in full swing and while it’s a treat to listen to Christmas music, it can quickly lose its novelty when it feels like the radio is playing the same 12 songs. Nothing like a pop version of “Little Drummer Boy” to make one start wishing the music industry would be ‘cooked with their own goose, and buried with a steak of holly through the heart.’
So before you fully morph into Ebenezer Scrooge, here’s a list of some classic retro Christmas music that will bring the Spirit of Christmas past back in full swing!
(At Atomic Ranch, we love to curate and share our favorite finds from across the web with you. Some of the products you’ll see on this page are affiliate links, which means we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!)
The Beach Boy’s Christmas Album
If you’re needing to pick up some “good vibrations” this Holiday season, The Beach Boy’s Christmas Album is the perfect place to start. Featuring classic Christmas tunes and originals such as “Little Saint Nick” and “Man With All the Toys.”
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
The Nat King Cole Christmas Album
From the first few notes, you’ll recognize his iconic rendition of “The Christmas Song.” His version is the most played for a reason.
Streaming on: Spotify, Amazon Music
Available for purchase here.
Bing Crosby’s White Christmas
America’s king of Christmas, Bing Crosby’s Christmas album is as timeless as the classic film that shares the same name. You can’t go wrong with this collection of enduring melodies.
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
Ella Fitzgerald’s A Swinging Christmas
This jazzy collection of Fitzgerald’s unique vocal styling feels classic and contemporary at the same time. Her beautiful “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is mandatory late December listening.
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
Ol’ Blue Eyes masterfully croons his way through this collection of seasonal standards. His “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” will give any stressed holiday shopper a peaceful pause in the midst of chaos.
Streaming on: Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
Merry Christmas from the Supremes
Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross’ 1965 Christmas Album is a perfect example of Motown’s magnificence. Their cover of “My Favorite Things” is groovy and inventive.
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas
You know it had to be here. Instantly recognizable and universally beloved, this smooth jazz collection is perfection from start to finish.
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
The Best of Stevie Wonder: The Christmas Collection
Just try to make it though “Someday at Christmas” without the hairs on your arm standing up. Just try.
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music
Available for purchase here.
The Carpenter’s Christmas Portrait
A personal favorite, Karen Carpenter’s warm and deep vocals are (*chef’s kiss*) perfection. This album contains classic and original songs turned classic such as “Merry Christmas, Darling.”
Streaming on: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify
Available for purchase here.
Looking for more Mid Century immersion? Try watching these 10 MCM movies and television shows.
Check out more seasonal treasures here with Mid Mod Christmas Ornaments or peruse the rest of our Retro Holiday Wish List.
