Top 19 Best Christmas Songs (Noel)

"Jingle Bell Rock" is a Christmas classic written by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Booth in 1957. It became a popular holiday tune frequently played on American radio stations during Christmas. This song is notable for being the first Christmas hit of the Rock'n'Roll era, paving the way for many more rock-inspired Christmas songs. After more than 60 years, it continues to bring joy to listeners around the globe.

Jingle Bell Rock opened doors for Rock'n'Roll, with many artists citing it as an influence. Selling over 120 million copies worldwide, it remains one of the most played songs every holiday season, heard not only on the radio but in music stores, supermarkets, and more.

Though the lyrics are simple, it’s a fresh take on the classic Jingle Bell, with lines like, "The bells are ringing and swaying, snowflakes falling, spreading joy to all. And now, the Christmas dance begins, blending with the sounds of the glorious moment. Let’s dance together to the jingling bells in the frosty air of Christmas night." Today, Jingle Bell Rock is one of the most covered songs worldwide, generating substantial royalties for its creators and performers.

• Song Title: Jingle Bell Rock
• Composers: Joe Beal - Jim Boothe
• Music Composers: Joe Beal - Jim Boothe

Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, when families around the world gather to share warmth and happiness. Many songs celebrate the festive season with cheerful tunes, but one that stands out with its melancholic yet heartfelt lyrics is Last Christmas, a timeless song about love lost, which has become a Christmas favorite.

Released in December 1984, Last Christmas was written by George Michael. The song tells the story of a man who gave his heart to someone he loved deeply during Christmas, only to have that person leave him. Left heartbroken and alone in the cold winter, the song evokes memories of past loves, yet it also offers hope as a new Christmas season approaches.

"Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, But the very next day, you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I’ll give it to someone special…"

Despite its sorrowful theme, Last Christmas has resonated with millions around the world, becoming a cherished classic alongside songs like Jingle Bells, Feliz Navidad, and Mary’s Boy Child. The bittersweet melody, combined with the warm message of moving forward, mirrors the complexity of love—both sweet and painful, much like a glass of rich wine enjoyed on a cold Christmas night. This song remains a symbol of the season, one to be enjoyed with loved ones as the holiday approaches.

• Song Title: Last Christmas
• Composer: George Michael
• Music Composer: George Michael

Every Christmas season, the melodies of The First Noel fill the air in streets and churches, celebrating sacred moments and bringing people closer together. This ancient Christmas carol, the oldest still widely sung, brings to life the joy and faith surrounding Christ's birth, which brought salvation to humanity.

The composer of The First Noel remains unknown, but its melody and lyrics create a warm, beautiful atmosphere. The song tells a story that slightly differs from the Bible’s account, where shepherds follow a star to find the birthplace of Christ. In contrast, the Bible speaks of wise men from the East guided by the star, while the shepherds are led by angels.

The First Noel is one of the oldest Christmas carols, yet it has not been forgotten. Many believe it was written by an uneducated commoner, making it a song of the people, loved by all. The song captures the essence of Christmas, heralding the good news of Christ's birth.

Like many Christmas songs, The First Noel expresses joy and anticipation for the coming of Christ. For many Christian nations, it marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

• Song Title: The First Noel
• Arranged by: William Sandys
• Music Composer: William Sandys

Released in 1995 as part of Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas album, All I Want For Christmas Is You became one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. The album is regarded as one of the best modern Christmas collections. All I Want For Christmas Is You broke sales records, with 400,000 copies sold in its first week.

The song's heartfelt lyrics express a young woman’s desire for love over material gifts: “I don’t want much for Christmas, there’s just one thing I need. I don’t care about the presents under the Christmas tree. I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know.”

• Song Title: All I Want For Christmas Is You
• Writer: Mariah Carey
• Music Composer: Mariah Carey / Walter N. Afanasieff

One of the best-selling songs of all time, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! was first recorded in 1945 by Vaughn Monroe.

The lyrics express a longing for snowfall during the hot summer months, yet the song's association with Christmas grew over time due to its festive atmosphere. The music is soft and romantic, making it perfect for holiday seasons. Let’s enjoy this timeless classic.

• Song Title: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
• Lyricist: Sammy Cahn
• Composer: Jule Styne

This iconic song was composed by the legendary Irving Berlin and has been performed by renowned artists such as Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and even Lady Gaga.

When Berlin wrote the song, he famously told his collaborator, “Take a pen and write down this song. I’ve just written the greatest song of my life, actually, it’s better than anything anyone has ever written.” White Christmas conveys the dream of a peaceful, snowy Christmas for everyone worldwide. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this timeless classic during the upcoming holiday season.

• Song Title: White Christmas
• Lyricist: Irving Berlin
• Composer: Irving Berlin

With its soft, resonant melodies harmonizing with the ringing of Christmas bells, one cannot forget the classic O Holy Night.

Originating from France, this song was requested by an unnamed priest, written by a poet, and composed by a Jewish musician. The first performance took place in 1847, and it has become one of the most recorded and performed Christmas carols in history, with hundreds of millions of albums featuring famous artists. One of the most memorable renditions is by Celine Dion, who met the song's challenging musical and emotional demands, turning O Holy Night into a career milestone.

• Song Title: O Holy Night.
• Lyricist: Adolphe Adam
• Composer: Opera Emily Laurey.

Joy to the World is one of the most beloved and well-known Christmas carols. The song's message conveys joy and love as a replacement for sin and sorrow. It has gained widespread popularity in Christian churches, partly due to the prestige of its creators.

The lyrics were written by Isaac Watts, based on ideas from the Bible. The music was arranged by Lowell Mason from an existing melody that many believe to be composed by Handel. However, Handel did not compose the entire melody.

• Song Title: Joy To The World
• Lyricist: Isaac Watts
• Composer: Lowell Mason

Santa Claus is Coming to Town was written by composers John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie. It was first performed on the Eddie Cantor radio show in November 1934. The song's lyrics tell children that "Santa is coming, so be careful. Don't cry, don't pout. Santa has a list of naughty and nice children, so you must be good!"

• Song Title: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
• Composers: John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie
• Music by: John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie

Bản thánh ca này được Charles Wesley viết vào năm 1739 với lời ca tôn vinh Chúa giáng thế. Hằng năm cứ đến dịp Giáng sinh là các đài phát thanh trên toàn thế giới đều chọn ca khúc này để phát. Giai điệu sâu lắng và da diết của “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” luôn làm ấm lòng người nghe vào mùa đông giá rét.

Đây cũng là ca khúc gây nhiều tranh cãi nhất, bởi trải qua hàng trăm năm tồn tại nhưng nó luôn bị biến đổi về giai điệu và vẫn chưa ai tìm ra được một nhạc điệu cố định cả. Ngay cả tên bài hát cũng có nhiều bản ghi âm cũng đã thay đổi thành “Heard The Herald Angels Sing”. Ca khúc này còn được sử dụng trong nhiều vở nhạc kịch trong kinh thánh.

• Tên ca khúc: Hark The Herald Angels Sing
• Tác giả: Charles Wesley
• Soạn nhạc: Felix.

A song that is widely loved by young people in Vietnam due to its sweet melody and cheerful rhythm. 'Mary’s Boy Child' was written in 1956, and its lyrics tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The original title of the song was 'Mary’s Little Boy Child,' but when the disco group Boney M. covered it in 1978, they changed the title to 'Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord.' 'Mary’s Boy Child' remains a favorite Christmas song among children worldwide.

• Song Title: Mary’s Boy Child
• Author: Jester Hairston
• Composer: Disco Boney M

On a cold winter night, as the church bells ring, everyone gathers to celebrate Christmas together. The song 'When a Child is Born' evokes imagery of Christmas stories like 'The Little Match Girl,' reminding us that being born and having a peaceful life is a true blessing.

It teaches us to cherish every moment of life and not let it pass in vain – this is the meaning of Christmas and the message conveyed in the song by Fred Jay.

• Song Title: When a Child is Born
• Author: Fred Jay
• Composer: Fred Jay

'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' is a popular Christmas song worldwide, especially in the United States, and is also well known through its Vietnamese version performed by singer Thanh Thao. The song was inspired by the comic character 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' and adapted into a song by Johnny Marks.

The song tells the story of Rudolph, Santa Claus's ninth reindeer. Due to his unusual appearance with a big, glowing red nose, he was often teased and isolated by his friends. One snowy night, Santa chose him to lead the sleigh team, as his glowing nose lit the way, and from that moment, he became a hero.

• Song Title: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• Author: Johnny Marks
• Composer: Johnny Marks

'Happy Xmas' was written in the 1970s and is considered one of the greatest Christmas songs of all time. Everything from the lyrics to the melody is perfect. The song quickly rose to number 4 on the UK charts shortly after its release.

The song was composed by John Lennon with a message calling for the end of unjust wars so that everyone around the world could enjoy a peaceful Christmas, as the song's lyrics suggest.

• Song Title: Happy Xmas
• Author: John Lennon
• Composer: John Lennon

The song is a message from children to Santa Claus, asking him, 'Santa, don't forget my gift. Remember to dress warmly, because it's very cold outside. And I know part of the reason you're enduring the cold is for me.' It's hard to imagine any Santa Claus forgetting to bring gifts to such sweet children.

If I told you that this song is still the best-selling single of all time in France, would you be curious? You might not know the title, but you’ve likely heard it before. Since its release in 1946 by French singer Tino Rossi, the song has been covered by many famous artists. You've probably heard its gentle melody in the movie The Smurfs, or performed by Celine Dion and the lively Alvin & The Chipmunks.

• Song Title: Petit Papa Noel
• Authors: Henri Martinet and Raymond Vincy
• Composer: Bernard Ioffet

Half of the lyrics of this song are simply 'Fa la la la la.' Sometimes, happiness can be that simple, right? Perhaps it’s the playful melody and whimsical words that make 'Deck the Halls' one of the most iconic Christmas songs in the English-speaking world. The song, intended for children, is characterized by a catchy tune and confusing lyrics that even puzzle some English speakers.

For example, the word 'gay' originally entered the dictionary in the 12th century with the meaning of 'full of fun and joy,' not its modern sense. And 'troll,' in this context, means 'to sing loudly and clearly' rather than 'to tease,' as we commonly understand it today!

• Song Title: Deck the Halls
• Author: Thomas Oliphant
• Composer: John Party

Silent Night is one of the oldest Christmas carols. The original 'Silent Night' (Stille Nacht) was written by an Austrian priest in 1817. In 1839, musician John Freeman translated the lyrics into English and performed it for the first time at a church in St. Nicholas, Austria. Soon after, 'Silent Night' became a beloved carol sung in churches worldwide. In 1905, the Haydn Quartet was the first to record this song, which was later performed by various other bands globally.

The lyrics of 'Silent Night' convey a peaceful message of celebrating Christmas and praising God for his blessings. The soothing melody stirs deep emotions of love and gratitude in all who listen.

• Song Title: Silent Night
• Author: Joseph Mohr
• Composer: Fr. Xav. Grube

'Jingle Bells' is one of the most well-known songs, widely sung during winter all around the world. Composed by James Lord Pierpont in the fall of 1857, it was initially published under the title 'One Horse Open Sleigh.' Later, the song was translated into various languages and became known worldwide as 'Jingle Bells.' Many famous artists have performed the song in various styles, but perhaps the most successful rendition came from the Jamaican group Boney M. The ringing bells at the beginning and the cheerful, warm melody made 'Jingle Bells' an iconic hit for Boney M.

• Song Title: Jingle Bells
• Author: James Lord Pierpont
• Composer: James Lord Pierpont

'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' is a beloved song that originated in the 16th century. It has become one of the most well-known traditional English Christmas carols, recognized and sung worldwide during the festive season. The song conveys warm holiday wishes to everyone.

The message of the song is reflected in its lyrics, offering a joyful Christmas greeting and wishing for a prosperous New Year: We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Along with its meaningful lyrics, the lively and festive music has made this carol a favorite among children and adults alike, spreading cheer and anticipation for a joyful Christmas and New Year celebration worldwide.

• Song Title: We Wish You A Merry Christmas
• Origin: Western England