Classic Rockers' Favorite Christmas Songs

Traditional Christmas music 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.
    our editorial process
    Dave White
    Updated March 18, 2019

    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"

    "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" by Jimi Hendrix

    Legacy Records 

    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"

    "Santa Mental" by Steve Lukather

    Favored Nations Entertainment

    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"

    "Christmas with the Beach Boys" by the Beach Boys
    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"

    "In the Christmas Spirit" by Booker T. & The MG's

     Stax Records

    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"

    "Southern Rock Christmas" compilation album

    Cleopatra 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"

    "Boogie Woogie Christmas" by Brian Setzer

     Surfdog Records

    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"

    "What's It Gonna Be, Santa?" album cover

     Rhino 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"

    "Selected Works 1972–1999

     Electra 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"

    "Christmas Album" by Jethro Tull

     Fuel 2000 Records

    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"

    "Christmas Time Again" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
    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)"

    "December" by Moody Blues

    Universal Records 

    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