Favorite Classic Rock Covers of Popular Christmas Songs

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

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"Silent Night"

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

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"Jingle Bells"

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

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"We Three Kings"

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

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"The Christmas Song"

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

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"Joy To The World"

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

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"O Holy Night"

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

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"Little Drummer Boy"

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

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"Please Come Home For Christmas"

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

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"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

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

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"Greensleeves"

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

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"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"

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

John & Yoko and The Plastic Ono Band from Lennon Legend
Moody Blues from December
Tommy Shaw, Steve Lukather, Marco Mendoza, Kenny Aronoff from We Wish You A Metal Xmas...And A Headbanging New Year
Jimmy Buffett from Christmas Island
Carly Simon from Christmas Is Almost Here