With Thanksgiving tomorrow, it’s the perfect time to once again share selections from my massive Christmas playlist! I’ve highlighted songs for those who live in warmer climates, cowboy tunes, and stuff that is just plain weird. Today I wanted to offer some of my personal favorites that are a little more traditional in sentiment, but songs you might not have heard.

“Ol’ Saint Nicholas” Doris Day

Doris Day is an icon, and I love the joyful tones of her and the tune is nothing short of charming!

“Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo” Alvin Stoller & Billy May

Of course we all know the song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” but this version provides a mambo twist that just makes it so much more fun!

“Mr. Heatmiser” Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy has been featured before, but this is by far my favorite off of their Christmas albums. If you’re a fan of Christmas films, then you will know this is a cover of the iconic song from the Rankin/Bass film The Year Without a Santa Claus.

“Ring Those Christmas Bells” Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians

There is just something so heartwarming about this song. I imagine a whole town getting ready for Christmas and welcoming people home for the holidays.

“Warm December” Julie London

No one had a voice like Julie London! I love this not overtly Christmas tune, as it is much more a lover’s song.

“Blue Christmas” The Misfits

The Misfits usually find their way on a Halloween playlist, but here they are on a Christmas playlist for the second time! I simply adore this version of “Blue Christmas”!

“Buon Natale” Nat King Cole

People usually know Nat King Cole for his holiday classic “The Christmas Song” but here is another one that needs to be added to your rotation where he sings of an Italian town that celebrates Christmas year round!

“Happy Holiday” Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee is another gal with an irresistible voice! I love the simple sentiment in this that isn’t overtly sappy.

“Whatever U Celebrate” Reel Big Fish

I’ve admitted before I’m a fan of ska, so when Reel Big Fish came out with a Christmas album not too long ago, I was stoked! This song just wants to wish you an awesome holiday season – whatever you celebrate.

“Merry Twist-Mas” The Marcels

There is no exaggerating how the Twist took over after Chubby Checker released the original in 1958. The Twist even made its way into the world of holiday music!

I hope you found some gems to add to your Christmas playlist to keep things lively and fun this holiday season!

Want more Christmas music? Check out other annual Christmas playlist posts! I’ve also started a Spotify playlist that rounds up nearly all songs from this year and past year playlists! Not everything is on there due to it not being on Spotify, but it will still turn some heads at your next Christmas party!