Jazz Christmas Songs to Set the Mood for the Holiday Season|Soundscapes | Switching Styles
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Jazz Christmas Songs to Set the Mood for the Holiday Season

  • Writer: Dylanna Fisher
    Dylanna Fisher
  • Dec 25, 2024
  • 3 min read

Christmas music’s reassuring and joyous sound fills the air as the holiday season arrives. Pop songs and traditional carols are well-loved favourites. However, jazz Christmas songs have a certain allure with their elegant melodies and fluid rhythms. Jazz Christmas music is ideal for any event. It’s perfect for a festive dinner. It’s also great for wrapping presents by the tree or spending a warm evening with loved ones.

Photo by Brett Sayles on

In this post, we have compiled a collection of must-listen jazz Christmas tunes. They will add flair and glitz to your holiday festivities. These songs, which range from timeless classics to contemporary versions, use jazz’s soulful sounds to express the enchantment of Christmas.

No one captures the warmth of the holidays quite like Ella Fitzgerald. Her version of this timeless classic is pure magic. Her vocals are as soothing and inviting as a crackling fire on a snowy evening.

This instrumental masterpiece, famously featured in A Charlie Brown Christmas, has become synonymous with the holiday season. The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s gentle piano melodies and soft, jazzy undertones evoke a sense of nostalgia, joy, and quiet reflection.

Hamilton Jones Trio delivers a gorgeous smooth jazz instrumental with “With White Snow.” Its mellow tones and intricate arrangements create a serene and festive atmosphere that complements any holiday moment.

Nat King Cole’s velvety voice breathes life into this quintessential Christmas song. It’s a heartfelt jazz classic that paints a cozy picture of the holidays, making it an essential part of any festive playlist.

Frank Sinatra brings his signature charm to this lively holiday favourite. Sinatra’s rendition is a guaranteed mood-lifter with swinging rhythms and a smooth voice, perfect for festive parties and quiet evenings at home.

Playful, sultry, and cheeky humour, Eartha Kitt’s rendition of “Santa Baby” adds a touch of fun to the season. Its jazzy vibe makes it a standout addition to any holiday music collection.

This jazzy interpretation of the beloved children’s tune offers a fresh and sophisticated take. Shannon & Keast’s rendition blends soothing vocals with an elegant piano arrangement, making it perfect for listeners of all ages.

Billie Holiday’s soulful delivery of this wintery love song is a masterclass in jazz artistry. Her warm, evocative voice wraps around the lyrics, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance ideal for chilly December nights.

Chris Memento’s sentimental saxophone-driven track captures the heart of the holidays. Its romantic, nostalgic feel makes it a delightful choice for quiet moments by the fireplace or intimate gatherings with loved ones.

Though not a traditional Christmas track, James Butler’s smooth jazz instrumental is a refreshing addition to your holiday playlist. Its serene melodies and crisp production evoke a wintry landscape of clear skies and frosty breath—perfect for a tranquil post-holiday unwind.

Happy Holidays and Happy Listening!

Jazz Christmas music puts a sophisticated and heartfelt twist on the well-known and beloved holiday tunes. This playlist includes something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a calm and soothing song or a lively song to get you in the holiday spirit. These classic songs add style, coziness, and joy to your holiday season.

Play these lovely jazz songs as you celebrate the season’s magic and allow their calming tones to create the ideal atmosphere for your Christmas get-togethers. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season of fun, love, and music.

What’s Next?

If you enjoyed this playlist, share it with friends and family. Do you have a favourite jazz Christmas song that didn’t make a list? Let us know in the comments!

Photo by Kristina Paukshtite on

Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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