Classic Rockers' Favorite Christmas Songs

Tradition meets classic rock

by Dave White
Dave White is a longtime radio DJ and music journalist who covered classic rock for more than four decades.
Updated November 20, 2017

Most of the classic rock artists who have recorded Christmas albums have included some original tunes, but they have also turned to some of the traditional favorites, usually with their own unique interpretations. Here are some of the holiday tunes that are most popular among classic rock artists at Christmastime.

01
of 11

"Silent Night"

UMVD Special Markets

One of the most popular songs of the season is one of the favorites of classic rockers.

  • Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsies - from the 1969 EP Merry Christmas And Happy New Year
  • Steve Lukather - from Santamental
  • The Ventures - from Christmas Joy
  • Joe Satriani - from Merry Axemas
  • Elvin Bishop - from A Rock 'N' Roll Christmas
  • Keith Emerson - from A Classic Rock Christmas
  • Jorma Kaukonen - from Christmas
  • Chicago - from Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa
02
of 11

"Jingle Bells"

Varese Sarabande

It just wouldn't be Christmas, classic rock or otherwise, without a laugh-filled dash through the snow.

  • Brian Setzer Orchestra - from Christmas Rocks: The Best-Of Collection
  • Canned Heat - from Christmas Album
  • Booker T. & The MGs - from In The Christmas Spirit
  • Steve Lukather - from Santamental
  • The Ventures - from Christmas Joy
03
of 11

"We Three Kings"

Capitol Records

This traditional song is a particular favorite of artists from various genres.

  • Jethro Tull - from The Jethro Tull Christmas Album
  • Blackmore's Night - from Winter Carols
  • The Ventures - from Christmas Joy
  • Beach Boys - from Christmas With The Beach Boys
  • Booker T. And The MGs - from In The Christmas Spirit
04
of 11

"The Christmas Song"

Sony Special Products

Chestnuts roasting, Jack Frost nipping ... yeah, that one. ASCAP says it's the most performed holiday song.

  • Chicago - from Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa
  • Steve Lukather - from Merry Axemas, Vol. 2 - More Guitars For Christmas
  • Booker T. & The MGs - from In The Christmas Spirit
  • The Ventures - from Christmas Joy
05
of 11

"Joy To The World"

Sanctuary Records

This upbeat holiday tune lends itself well to a variety of classic rock sub-genres.

  • Steve Morse - from Southern Rock Christmas
  • The Ventures - from Christmas Joy
  • Steve Lukather - from Santamental
06
of 11

"O Holy Night"

Locomotive Spain

It's one of the most often heard traditional carols, and it gets some interesting treatment from these artists.

  •  
  • Richie Sambora - from Merry Axemas - A Guitar Christmas
  • Blackmore's Night - from Winter Carols
  • Brian Setzer Orchestra - from Boogie Woogie Christmas
  • .38 Special - from A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night
07
of 11

"Little Drummer Boy"

Sanctuary Records

You're not likely to hear arrangements like these in stores or on the radio.

  • Jimi Hendrix - from Merry Christmas And Happy New Year
  • Alex Lifeson - from Merry Axemas - A Guitar Christmas
  • .38 Special - from A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night
  • Chicago - from Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa
  • Elvin Bishop - from The Alligator Records Christmas Collection
08
of 11

"Please Come Home For Christmas"

Capitol Records

Something about the sentiment makes this a popular pick for rockers.

  • Edgar Winter - from Harlem Nocturne
  • Pat Benatar - from Synchronistic Wanderings
  • Eagles - from Selected Works 1972-1999
09
of 11

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Varese Saraband

Good King Wenceslas would probably approve of these arrangements.

  • Blackmore's Night - from Winter Carols
  • Chicago - from Chicago Christmas: What's It Going To Be Santa
  • Jethro Tull - from The Jethro Tull Christmas Album
  • .38 Special - from A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night
10
of 11

"Greensleeves"

Sanctuary Records

This classical-based favorite has captured the fancy of a diverse mix of classic rock artists.

  • Lynyrd Skynyrd - from Christmas Time Again
  • Jethro Tull - from The Jethro Tull Christmas Album
  • Steve Lukather - from Santamental
11
of 11

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"

In its own way, this John Lennon song has become something of a modern day traditional holiday tune.