Are you hanging decorations on your wall or giving far-flung relatives a call?
Get into the festive spirit by popping on our Top 10 Christmas Cracker Playlist, cranking up the volume and cracking open the mulled wine and mince pies – let’s party!
1. Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You
Blend Mimi’s vocal gymnastics with brilliant bell chimes and backup vocals and you’ve got the ultimate under-the-mistletoe hit. The world has been belting this song out since 1994 – and no wonder.
2. The Soul Saints Orchestra – Santa’s Got A Big Bag Of Soul
If you like a bit of finger snapping and toe tapping along with your turkey and trimmings, this funky classic will be right up your cul-de-sac, but DJs beware – it may trigger excessive dad dancing.
3. Jonah Lewie – Stop The Cavalry
The cheery brass band backing of this track contrasts cleverly with its anti-war message. It’s a classic call for peace and unity at a time we should all get together and feel alright.
4. Slade – Merry Christmas Everybody
Any festive playlist without this 1973 smash would be like a cracker without its snap. Fun festive fact – following an evening of refreshments, singer Noddy Holder worked through the night on these lyrics at his mother’s house in Walsall and finished them in one draft.
5. Run-DMC – Christmas In Hollis
This 1987 jingle bell banger takes us to Christmas Eve in Hip-Hop heartland Hollis, Queens – where the party starts when Santa drops off a big bag of Benjamins during an unscheduled reindeer stop.
6. Wizzard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Another 1973 mega-hit, this paean to perpetual Christmas was written by Roy Wood of the Move and ELO fame. Despite selling millions of copies since, it’s never actually reached number one – still sounds wonderful though!
7. Tom Jones featuring Cerys Matthews – Baby It’s Cold Outside
Tom Jones is definitely on Santa’s naughty rather than nice list here, as he charms fellow Welsh warbler Cerys Matthews into extending their festive evening further.
8. Konshens – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Jamaican Dancehall artist Konshens sprinkles some spicy jerk sauce over this Christmas standard in a track that oozes laid-back Caribbean vibes – enjoy!
9. Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby
Otis Redding’s velvety vocals make this 1967 R&B track perfect for a tinsel-covered dance at your office party – find a partner and get your festive groove on.
10. No Doubt – Oi To The World
Gwen Stefani et al celebrate a multicultural festive season in this high energy cover of The Vandals’ 90s track – pogo dance to this punky tune as your party hits its peak!
So ends our Christmas playlist for this year, but the following blogs provide food for thought until 2020: