10 Best Christmas Albums of 2024 (Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and More)

Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas album, released by Decca Records in 1945, is one of the most iconic holiday albums in music history. Its star track, “White Christmas,” famously recorded in 1942, is considered the best-selling single worldwide, resonating deeply with listeners then and now for its warm, nostalgic portrayal of a perfect Christmas. The album features traditional holiday favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful),” creating a comforting soundtrack for the season.

It's Officially Christmas: The Double Album by Dan + Shay is a festive collection designed to capture the holiday spirit with a blend of classic and original Christmas songs. Known for their modern country-pop sound, Dan + Shay infuse familiar holiday tunes with their signature style, creating a warm, uplifting experience. The album includes holiday classics like It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Silent Night, and Jingle Bell Rock, alongside new tracks such as Save The Snowman and Blame It On Santa. These original songs bring a contemporary twist to the holiday season, ideal for fans of pop-influenced country music.

Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album by CeCe Winans showcases the gospel icon’s celebrated vocal style with a collection of both traditional and original Christmas songs. Known as the most awarded female gospel artist, Winans brings a soulful and uplifting spirit to holiday classics like "Joy to the World" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" along with newer, spiritually resonant tracks like "This World Will Never Be the Same." The album mixes joyful renditions with reflective moments, emphasizing themes of peace, hope, and celebration for the season.

This 2024 release includes twelve tracks that weave Winans' powerful voice with both familiar and fresh arrangements, capturing the essence of the holidays with a gospel flair that aims to inspire and comfort

The Classic Christmas Album by Tony Bennett brings together the very best of his holiday recordings, spanning four of his most cherished Christmas albums from 1968 to 2008. This collection features heartfelt renditions of beloved carols like "Silver Bells," "Silent Night," and "White Christmas," showcasing Bennett's unmatched ability to capture the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. Listeners are treated to a variety of collaborations, including performances with the Ralph Sharon Quartet and the London Symphony Orchestra, adding a rich orchestral touch to Bennett’s smooth vocals. This album is a heartfelt tribute to the season's spirit, perfect for both loyal fans and newcomers alike who seek to celebrate Christmas with a bit of timeless elegance​.

The Classic Christmas Album by Elvis Presley brings together an assortment of the King’s most cherished holiday songs from various points in his career. Originally released in 2012, this compilation covers tracks from Elvis' Christmas Album (1957) and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas (1971), offering a mix of rock-and-roll Christmas standards and traditional carols with Presley’s soulful touch. Songs like “Blue Christmas,” “Santa Claus Is Back in Town,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” showcase his ability to blend festive warmth with his iconic style.

With a blend of classic rock and roll, early pop, and gospel influences, this album embodies the richness of Presley’s voice while adding an upbeat yet nostalgic holiday mood that’s timeless. The compilation is produced by Sony’s Legacy label and, in addition to CDs, has been released on vinyl with limited edition versions available in stores like Target in 2021​.

The Dean Martin Christmas Album is a holiday classic from the legendary crooner, released in 1966. Featuring timeless Christmas favorites like "White Christmas," "Jingle Bells," and "Silent Night," the album captures Dean Martin's smooth, laid-back vocal style, perfect for setting a festive mood. This collection became a go-to for fans, and it remains one of his most beloved recordings. It's a quintessential mix of traditional holiday music, offering a warm and nostalgic atmosphere with Dean's signature charm.

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow at Christmas (2003) combines the band's signature progressive rock and folk elements with a festive touch, blending holiday classics and original compositions. The album features reworked versions of beloved songs like "Ring Out Solstice Bells" and "A Christmas Song," as well as new pieces such as "Birthday Card at Christmas" and "First Snow on Brooklyn." The music is imbued with Jethro Tull's trademark art rock style, with whimsical flute melodies, intricate arrangements, and a touch of Celtic influence. 

You might be on team *NSYNC or team Backstreet Boys, but only one of these iconic boy bands made a Christmas album. And of course, we have to include it on this list! In Home for Christmas, the band turns to holiday themes - joy, gratitude, and love - while retaining their signature catchy melodies and pop rhythms.

Home for Christmas contains largely original songs with just a few traditional tunes like a beautiful a cappella version of "O Holy Night." There's the upbeat pop of "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" and the wistful balladry of "In Love on Christmas." It's not a subtle album, but has Christmas ever been a subtle holiday?

Some reviewers thought this album missed the mark. They said that the highlights were few and far between and thought the original songs were cheesy. Others weren't fans of the overall sound and instrumentation.

However, most reviewers had a soft spot in their heart for this album. They loved the boy band vocals and said the harmonies were beautiful. They enjoyed the mix of traditional, original, slow, and upbeat songs. And some reviewers who listened out of nostalgia found that their own children loved these songs too!

"A Very Teddy Christmas" is a holiday EP by Teddy Swims, an artist known for his soul-filled vocals and viral rise through social media. This release showcases a mix of traditional Christmas classics with a soulful twist, emphasizing Teddy's ability to bring deep emotion and smooth vocal delivery to familiar tunes. The album features renditions of songs like "Silent Night" and "The Christmas Song," capturing a warm, reflective atmosphere. While it doesn't include original Christmas music, it highlights Teddy's remarkable vocal skill on classic tracks.