Introduction
Rock Christmas music has long been a beloved holiday tradition for music fans looking to add some extra cheer to the season. The rock ‘n roll Christmas song emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, pioneered by the likes of Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Brian Setzer. These early rockers took Christmas classics and injected them with an uptempo rhythm, distorted guitars, and rebellious attitude. Over the decades since, countless rock bands and artists have put their unique spin on Christmas music, releasing iconic holiday albums and novelty singles that have become staples of the season.
The appeal of rock Christmas tunes is undeniable. Upbeat tracks with wailing guitars and anthemic vocals provide the perfect high-energy holiday soundtrack. For rock fans, Christmas albums from bands like The Killers, Weezer, and blink-182 are just as essential as Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole. Even heavy metal and punk bands get in on the act, providing plenty of aggressive, tongue-in-cheek takes on festive favorites. Simply put, rock ‘n roll and Christmas go together like cookies and milk.
In this ultimate rock Christmas playlist, you’ll discover 25 of the best holiday hootenannies ever committed to tape. From Chuck Berry’s 1958 classic "Run Rudolph Run" to modern hits like The Killers’ "Don’t Shoot Me Santa," this playlist traverses the full sonic spectrum of rock Christmas cheer. Turn it up and have yourself a merry little mosh pit this season!
Classic Rock Christmas Songs
Christmas and rock n’ roll have gone hand in hand since the early days of rock music. Many of the most legendary artists got into the holiday spirit and released some festive rock tunes that have stood the test of time. Some of the most iconic classic rock Christmas songs include:
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"Run Rudolph Run" by Chuck Berry (1958) – One of the first Christmas rock songs, Chuck Berry put his signature rock n’ roll spin on this holiday standard. With its shuffling rhythms, roaring guitar licks, and clever lyrics, "Run Rudolph Run" encapsulates Berry’s pioneering rock style.
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"Little Saint Nick" by The Beach Boys (1963) – Only The Beach Boys could write a Christmas song about a hot rod sled and make it a cheerful, upbeat classic. With their signature vocal harmonies and lyrics referencing Southern California car culture, "Little Saint Nick" is a timeless and unique holiday track.
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"Father Christmas" by The Kinks (1977) – With snarling vocals, crunchy guitar riffs, and lyrics satirizing the commercialism of Christmas, The Kinks delivered a snarky punk-tinged holiday hit with "Father Christmas." Ray Davies’ biting social commentary makes it a Christmas classic.
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"2000 Miles" by The Pretenders (1983) – Led by Chrissie Hynde’s soulful vocals, this melancholy Christmas ballad has a tender lyrics about missing someone far away. The song’s captivating blend of rock, pop, and folk elements is what gives it lasting appeal.
These iconic classic rock Christmas songs have become staples of the holiday canon thanks to their innovative fusion of Yuletide themes with the classic rock sound. Their creativity, musicianship, and lyrical wit are why these songs continue to get heavy rotation each holiday season.
Glam Rock Christmas Tracks
The glam rock movement of the early 1970s brought theatricality and flamboyance to rock music. This over-the-top aesthetic was a perfect match for Christmas songs, resulting in some of the most iconic and influential rock holiday tunes.
Bands like Wizzard, Slade, and T. Rex led the charge of glam Christmas anthems. Their songs merged nostalgic holiday themes with stomping glam rhythms, flashy guitars, and outrageous vocals.
One of the first and most well-known glam Christmas songs is "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" by Wizzard. Released in 1973, the song captured the escapism and celebration of the glam era. With its festive sleigh bells, bubbly piano, and Roy Wood’s animated vocals, it became a staple on holiday radio.
That same year, Slade unleashed their raucous glam stomper "Merry Xmas Everybody." With its bounding drums, blaring horns, and Noddy Holder’s boisterous vocals, the song epitomized the maximalist glam sound. It shot to #1 on the UK charts, pushing Slade into the spotlight.
Glam icon Marc Bolan also got in on the Christmas action with T. Rex’s whimsical 1973 track "Christmas Bop." Driven by twangy guitars and surreal lyrics, it exemplified Bolan’s dreamy songwriting. The song’s spacey vibe and tinselly production encapsulated the playful spirit of glam.
For many, these glitzy, larger-than-life glam rock tunes defined what a great Christmas rock song could be. Their sparkling energy and cheer made them Christmas classics that still get heavy airplay. They proved that bombastic glam and nostalgic holiday themes were a perfect match. Their influence can be heard in many later rock Christmas songs that aimed for spectacular, over-the-top arrangements.
Punk Rock Christmas Tunes
Punk rock and Christmas seem like unlikely bedfellows, but some of the best punk bands have recorded hilarious, tongue-in-cheek holiday songs. These tracks apply the rebellious sound and attitude of punk to Christmas carols and traditions, adding a healthy dose of humor and satire along the way.
The Ramones were one of the first to try their hand at punk rock Christmas tunes. Their catchy 1989 track "Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)" depicts a dysfunctional family’s tense Christmas gathering. With Joey Ramone’s signature snarky nasal vocals, buzzsaw guitar riffs, and lyrics like "Merry Christmas, I don’t wanna fight tonight/With you I’ll never get it right," it’s a punk rock holiday classic.
The Sex Pistols took things even further with their vulgar take on the Christmas classic "Auld Lang Syne," hilariously retitled "Auld Lang Syne (The Bollocks Version)" and released in 1979. Johnny Rotten snarls and sneers through the lyrics, backed by Steve Jones’ crunchy guitar. It’s a raucous, two-minute blast of punk cynicism.
For a more melodic punk Christmas song, Green Day’s "Xmas Time of the Year" from their 1994 EP is fast, catchy, and captures the melancholy some feel during the holidays. Billie Joe Armstrong sings about holiday depression in his trademark bratty tone, complaining that "This Xmas time of year always makes me feel this way" over driving power chord riffs.
Other great punk rock Christmas tunes include blink-182’s "Not Another Christmas Song," Fall Out Boy’s "Yule Shoot Your Eye Out," and NOFX’s "Xmas Has Been X’ed." Whether satirizing holiday commercialism, venting seasonal angst, or just being silly, punk bands have created some perennial anti-establishment Christmas favorites.
Metal Christmas Anthems
Heavy metal and Christmas may seem like an odd pairing, but some of the most iconic rockers have delivered deliciously dark and aggressive holiday hits. These metal Christmas anthems often feature darker themes and edgier imagery than traditional Christmas tunes.
Twisted Sister’s "Heavy Metal Christmas" album from 2004 is a headbanger’s delight, featuring metalized versions of classics like "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" along with originals like the title track. Dee Snider’s hair-raising vocals and the band’s shredding guitars give Christmas carols a serious shock treatment.
Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford also released a Christmas album in 2009 called "Winter Songs." The track "Winter Song" showcases Halford’s powerful voice over a haunting, progressive metal arrangement. It’s a uniquely heavy take on the Christmas spirit.
Marilyn Manson offered his own twisted take on the holidays with the nightmarish track "Christmascuddlefistnail" from 1997. It’s a bizarre, industrial-tinged song featuring Manson’s creepy crooning over a backdrop of chiming bells and distorted beats. Definitely not your typical Christmas melody!
For a more traditional metal sound, Motorhead leader Lemmy Kilmister recorded a gritty cover of "Run Rudolph Run" in 2004, giving the Chuck Berry classic his signature rasp. It’s a raucous romp fueled by Lemmy’s gravelly growl and the band’s pummeling rhythms.
Whether it’s fresh originals or rockin’ renditions of classics, these metal monsters have gifted headbangers with some of the most memorable Christmas songs. Their dark, aggressive stylings put a deliciously sinister spin on familiar holiday tunes.
Alternative Rock Holiday Hits
The holidays are a time for comfort and nostalgia, but sometimes you need a break from the traditional Christmas tunes. That’s where alternative and indie rock Christmas songs come in. With their quirky, atmospheric, lo-fi sounds, these tracks provide a fresh perspective perfect for the hipster in your life.
Sufjan Stevens is known for his eccentric holiday songs like "That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!" This 2006 indie folk track has a low-fi, bedroom recording vibe with poetic lyrics and banjo and sleigh bell sounds that evoke cozy winter nights. Stevens’ delicate voice and unconventional arrangements demonstrate his knack for putting a distinctive spin on Christmas.
For a dreamy synth-pop holiday sound, look no further than The Shins and their cover of Paul McCartney’s "Wonderful Christmastime." With shimmering keyboards and lush production, this 2012 track highlights James Mercer’s hazy, melancholic vocals. It’s an upbeat yet introspective take perfect for contemplative winter walks.
No roundup of alternative Christmas songs would be complete without Phoebe Bridgers’ 2017 single "Christmas Song." With melancholic lyrics about holiday depression and sparse, stripped-back production, this indie folk tune highlights Bridgers’ gentle voice and her talent for sad, beautiful holiday melodies.
So when you need a break from "Jingle Bell Rock," queue up these lo-fi, atmospheric hits from your favorite indie artists. Their innovative sounds and introspective lyrics will give your holidays a cool new flavor.
Modern Rock Christmas Jams
In recent years, a new generation of rock bands has emerged with fresh, contemporary takes on Christmas music. Groups like The Killers, My Chemical Romance, and Fall Out Boy have brought their signature sounds to holiday tunes, creating an exciting blend of modern rock and Christmas spirit.
One of the biggest modern rock Christmas hits is The Killers’ "Don’t Shoot Me Santa." Released in 2007, this song features lead singer Brandon Flowers’ soaring vocals over a driving synthpop melody. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics tell the story of a wanted criminal pleading with Santa Claus not to turn him over to the authorities. With its blend of new wave influences and Christmas themes, "Don’t Shoot Me Santa" exemplifies the playful, innovative approach of modern rock holiday music.
For a darker twist, My Chemical Romance offered their rendition of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" in 2010. Featuring Gerard Way’s emotional vocals, the track gives the Mariah Carey classic a gothic makeover with a harder-edged arrangement. This demonstrates how modern rock bands can take well-known Christmas pop songs and transform them into something totally unique.
Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy brought their pop punk sound to the 2003 holiday track "Yule Shoot Your Eye Out." Named after the classic film A Christmas Story, the song pairs driving guitars and Patrick Stump’s soaring melodies with cheeky references to the movie. This shows how modern rock Christmas music can blend festive themes with the bands’ signature styles.
By putting their own spins on Christmas classics and writing original holiday-themed rock songs, contemporary bands have shown that modern Christmas music can be both nostalgic and groundbreaking. The innovative sounds and styles of these modern rock Christmas jams prove that fresh new holiday music can still capture the spirit of the season.
Female-Fronted Rock Christmas Songs
When it comes to Christmas rock music, female artists have delivered some of the most memorable tracks with powerful, emotive vocals and themes of girl power and feminism.
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"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" by Joan Jett – The queen of rock n’ roll puts her gritty, rebellious spin on this classic Christmas song. Jett’s raspy vocals and crunchy guitar riffs make this track an edgy holiday hit.
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"My Gift is You" by Gwen Stefani – A heartfelt original Christmas ballad from 2004, with Stefani’s reggae-infused ska-pop sound. Her smooth and sultry voice shines on this uplifting love song.
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"Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses – This catchy, upbeat 1982 new wave/post-punk tune has become a holiday favorite. Frontwoman Patty Donahue’s quirky vocal delivery is fun and charming.
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"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Darlene Love – Love’s towering voice powers this classic 1963 Phil Spector-produced Christmas pop song. Her vocal range and emotion are stunning.
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"Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee – Just 13 years old when she recorded this rockabilly Christmas tune in 1958. Lee’s energetic and youthful vocal performance made it an instant classic.
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"Christmas in Hollis" by Run-D.M.C. – Featuring the rap duo’s friend Hollis Stone, this 1987 track mixes rock and hip-hop with a smooth R&B chorus. One of the first Christmas rap hits.
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"Christmas in Harlem" by Alicia Keys – Keys brings her soulful R&B sound to this charming 2009 Christmas song. Her warm voice and holiday nostalgia shine through.
With their commanding vocals and blend of rock, pop, soul, and hip-hop, these female-fronted Christmas songs provide a diverse and empowering spin on the holidays.
Rock Christmas Covers
Rock artists have put their own spin on countless Christmas standards and pop hits over the years, often adding an energetic new edge to familiar holiday tunes. From fresh rock arrangements of traditional carols to amped-up covers of popular yuletide tracks, these reimagined Christmas classics allow bands to showcase their sound while still celebrating the spirit of the season.
Some of the most memorable rock Christmas covers include metal legends like Black Sabbath taking on the bizarre yet compelling "Changes" by Charles Brown, showing Ozzy Osbourne’s vocals and Tony Iommi’s guitar giving an ominous hard rock twist to the sentimental 1973 ballad.
The Ramones also famously unleashed their buzzsaw guitar fury on "Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)," their own brash punk rock take on the classic holiday family dysfunction song.
Indie favorites Yo La Tengo turned Phil Spector’s majestic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" into an understated lo-fi gem, while R.E.M. reworked John Lennon’s "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" into an energetic holiday anthem driven by jangly guitars.
From pop to punk, rock bands have found endless inspiration in putting their unique sound and style into Christmas covers, allowing longtime fans to celebrate the season while discovering their favorite artists’ music in a new light. These reinterpreted Christmas classics are a great way for rock legends to show appreciation for the holiday, even if their normal sound is far from "Silent Night."
Conclusion
Rock Christmas music has come a long way since the 1950s when early rock pioneers like Chuck Berry first started putting their raucous spin on holiday tunes. Over the decades, artists from every rock genre and era have tried their hand at Christmas songs, putting their unique stamps on everything from vintage carols to modern originals.
This playlist has highlighted some of the very best that rock Christmas music has to offer, showcasing the incredible range and diversity of Yuletide sounds within the rock genre. From the sunny vocal harmonies of The Beach Boys to the heavy metal thunder of Twisted Sister, the punk sneer of The Ramones to the indie folk melancholy of Phoebe Bridgers, there’s something here to please all kinds of rock fans.
Whether you prefer your holiday music with a little more edge, angst, and attitude or just want some festive tunes to turn up and rock out to, this ultimate rock Christmas playlist has it all. The 25 songs featured here represent the evolution and variety of rock Christmas music over the decades, providing the definitive soundtrack for a headbanging, rockin’ holiday season.
So crank up the volume, rock around the Christmas tree, and have yourself a very merry rock ‘n’ roll Christmas!