Christmas isn’t just about traditional carols; it’s also the perfect time to crank up the volume with some rockin’ holiday tunes. If you’re looking to ditch the usual saccharine sweetness and inject some guitar riffs and powerful vocals into your festive season, you’ve come to the right place. Forget the “Little Drummer Boy” and embrace the electric guitar – this is your guide to the best Rock Xmas Music to soundtrack your holidays.
Santa Claus rocks out to Christmas music on headphones, embodying the spirit of rock xmas music
Timeless Rock Christmas Anthems
Chuck Berry – Run Rudolph Run
A true rock and roll Christmas classic, Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” is pure energy. Released in 1958 by Chess Records, this track, co-written by Johnny Marks (the man behind “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”), is driven by Berry’s signature guitar riffs and exuberant vocals. Its infectious rhythm and festive cheer have made it a favorite for generations and a must-cover song for artists like Sheryl Crow and Bryan Adams. If you need a high-octane start to your rock xmas music playlist, this is it.
Bobby Helms – Jingle Bell Rock
“Jingle Bell Rock” is the quintessential crossover hit, blending country roots with rock and roll energy. Bobby Helms’ 1957 hit became a mainstream sensation, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard charts. Its catchy melody, twangy guitar, and upbeat tempo make it an instantly recognizable and beloved Christmas song. Even for those who lean towards rock, “Jingle Bell Rock” remains an irresistible festive tune, proving that rock xmas music can have broad appeal.
Modern Rock Takes on Christmas
Def Leppard – We All Need Christmas
For a touch of heartfelt rock balladry amidst the festive frenzy, Def Leppard’s “We All Need Christmas” is a perfect choice. This beautifully crafted acoustic rock song, released in the 21st century, is enriched with strings and a message of hope and optimism. It builds to a powerful rock coda, showcasing Joe Elliott’s vocals and the band’s signature sound. It’s a modern classic-in-waiting, ideal for those reflective moments during the Christmas season, offering a contemporary take on rock xmas music.
Weezer – We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Weezer, known for their clever covers, delivers a rocking rendition of the traditional carol “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Featured on their Christmas With Weezer EP from 2008, this short but sweet track injects a dose of alternative rock energy into a classic hymn. It’s a testament to how versatile rock xmas music can be, transforming familiar tunes into something fresh and exciting for modern rock fans.
Iconic Artists, Christmas Rock Style
John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” transcends the typical Christmas song, carrying a powerful message of peace. Released as part of Lennon and Yoko Ono’s peace activism, this song features the Harlem Community Choir and resonates with its timeless call for unity, originally during the Vietnam War era but still relevant today. While not strictly a high-energy rock song, its inclusion of rock instrumentation and Lennon’s iconic status firmly places it within the broader spectrum of meaningful rock xmas music.
U2 – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home Please)
U2’s rendition of Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home Please)” is an emotionally charged, widescreen rock interpretation of a 1963 classic. Bono’s powerful vocals combined with U2’s signature anthemic sound elevate this song to new heights. Originally co-written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector, U2’s version brings a stadium-rock feel to a Christmas plea, demonstrating the emotional depth that rock xmas music can achieve.
Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmastime
While leaning more towards synth-pop than pure rock, Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” is undeniably a Christmas classic with rock pedigree. Built around a memorable synthesizer riff, its simple and joyful lyrics capture the essence of Christmas spirit. As a creation of a Beatle, it inherently carries a rock influence and remains a widely loved festive tune, showcasing the diverse sounds within the realm of rock xmas music.
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Christmas All Over Again
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers deliver a rousing, guitar-driven Christmas anthem with “Christmas All Over Again.” Penned by Petty himself, this song blends his signature rock style with a hint of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound production. Originally featured on the A Very Special Christmas compilation in 1992, it’s a feel-good rocker that perfectly captures the excitement and energy of the holiday season, a quintessential addition to any rock xmas music collection.
Alternative and Punk Rock Christmas
The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses offers a unique narrative within the landscape of rock xmas music. Starting with a spoken-word delivery and building into a rock-infused love story, it’s far from typical Christmas fare. The song culminates in a heartwarming Christmas Eve encounter, blending new wave sensibilities with festive cheer, proving that rock xmas music can be both quirky and heartwarming.
Little Steven – Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)
Little Steven’s version of The Ramones’ “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)” brings punk rock energy to the holiday season. Originally by the Ramones, this song with its killer riff and plea for domestic peace offers a raw and humorous take on Christmas tensions. Little Steven’s rendition, with his signature rock style, amplifies the song’s rock edge, making it a standout track for those who prefer their rock xmas music with a punk attitude.
Cocteau Twins – Frosty The Snowman
Cocteau Twins’ ethereal take on “Frosty The Snowman” might seem unexpected, but their dreamy soundscapes surprisingly complement the Christmas spirit. Their hazy, atmospheric rendition transforms a children’s classic into a piece of enchanting, alternative rock xmas music. It showcases the versatility of Christmas songs and how they can be reimagined in diverse rock styles.
Ballads and Glam Rock for the Holidays
Bryan Adams – Merry Christmas
Bryan Adams delivers a soulful, yearning rock ballad with “Merry Christmas.” Released in 2011, this sleigh-bell-enhanced track showcases Adams’ signature raspy vocals and heartfelt delivery. It’s a more contemporary addition to the rock xmas music canon, blending classic rock balladry with festive instrumentation for a warm and comforting holiday sound.
Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody
Slade’s “Merry Xmas Everybody” is a glam rock Christmas anthem that has become a staple of the holiday season in the UK and beyond. Initially hesitant to release it, the band was convinced by their manager, and the song topped the charts in 1973, beating Wizzard’s “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.” Its anthemic chorus and glam rock energy make it an essential part of any rock xmas music playlist, embodying the celebratory and loud spirit of the holidays.
Blues and Power Pop Christmas
Eric Clapton – White Christmas
Eric Clapton’s bluesy rendition of “White Christmas” brings a soulful and sophisticated touch to a holiday classic. Featured on his Happy Xmas album, Clapton’s version is delivered in a Chicago blues style, transforming Bing Crosby’s classic into a warm, guitar-driven piece of rock xmas music. It demonstrates how even traditional carols can be infused with the blues-rock expertise of a guitar legend.
Cheap Trick – Christmas Christmas
Cheap Trick, the power-pop legends, brought their signature sound to Christmas with “Christmas Christmas” from their 2017 album Christmas Christmas. Driven by Rick Nielsen’s powerful guitar chords, the title track is a high-energy rocker that perfectly blends their power-pop sensibilities with festive themes. It’s a testament to how power-pop can deliver a fun and energetic take on rock xmas music.
Sentimental and Controversial Christmas Rock
The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl – Fairytale of New York
The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” featuring Kirsty MacColl, is a Christmas classic that blends Irish folk with punk rock energy. While sometimes controversial due to its lyrics, it remains a beloved song for its raw emotion and storytelling. Its unique blend of genres and poignant narrative makes it a standout track in the rock xmas music landscape, offering a more complex and bittersweet take on the holiday season.
Wham! – Last Christmas
Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is a pop masterpiece with undeniable rock undertones, especially in its emotional depth and George Michael’s powerful vocals. Written and performed almost entirely by George Michael, this song about lost love has become a timeless Christmas classic. Its enduring popularity and emotional resonance secure its place as a significant song that bridges pop and rock sensibilities within the broader context of xmas music.
Unique Takes and Deep Cuts
Darlene Love – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Darlene Love’s original version of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” is a Phil Spector-produced masterpiece that blends pop, soul, and a hint of rock and roll. Released in 1963, it features Love’s powerful vocals and Spector’s Wall of Sound production. Its enduring appeal and influence on later covers, including U2’s rock version, solidify its status as a foundational track in the history of rock xmas music, even if originally rooted in soul-pop.
The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick
The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” brings surf rock vibes to the Christmas season. Inspired by Brian Wilson’s vision of Santa’s sleigh as a hot rod, this song blends their signature harmonies with festive lyrics. Its upbeat tempo and Beach Boys’ sound create a unique and joyful piece of rock-infused xmas music, perfect for adding a Californian twist to your holiday playlist.
Eartha Kitt – Santa Baby
Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby” is a playfully seductive and jazzy Christmas song that has been covered by numerous artists across genres, including rock and pop. Kitt’s unique vocal delivery and the song’s cheeky lyrics about extravagant Christmas wishes make it a memorable and often-covered tune. While originally jazz-pop, its crossover appeal and covers by rock artists contribute to its presence in the wider conversation around diverse xmas music styles.
The Pretenders – 2000 Miles
The Pretenders’ “2000 Miles” is a poignant and atmospheric Christmas ballad with a rock heart. Written by Chrissie Hynde as a tribute to her late bandmate James Honeyman-Scott, its melancholic beauty and chiming guitars create a reflective mood. Hynde’s emotive vocals and the song’s blend of sadness and remembrance make it a deeply moving piece of rock xmas music, offering a different emotional dimension to the festive season.
AC/DC – Mistress for Christmas
AC/DC’s “Mistress for Christmas” offers a humorous and raucous take on Christmas themes. Inspired by tabloid gossip and Donald Trump’s personal life, this song from The Razor’s Edge album injects AC/DC’s hard rock energy and tongue-in-cheek lyrics into the holiday season. It’s a decidedly non-traditional and humorous addition to rock xmas music, showcasing the genre’s capacity for satire and irreverence.
Queen – Thank God It’s Christmas
Queen’s “Thank God It’s Christmas” is a majestic and uplifting Christmas single that blends rock instrumentation with Queen’s signature grandeur. Co-written by Roger Taylor and Brian May, and sung by Freddie Mercury, it’s a powerful and anthemic track. Its release as a standalone single in 1984 and subsequent popularity demonstrate the ability of rock bands to create impactful and enduring xmas music.
The Kinks – Father Christmas
The Kinks’ “Father Christmas” is a darkly witty and socially conscious Christmas song with a strong rock edge. Released in 1977, it tells the story of a department store Santa confronted by underprivileged kids demanding money instead of toys. Ray Davies’ songwriting and the band’s rock instrumentation create a unique and thought-provoking piece of xmas music, blending social commentary with festive sounds.
Elvis Presley – Blue Christmas
Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” is a rock and roll infused take on a classic country Christmas song. Elvis’s version, first released in 1957, is characterized by his emotive vocals and The Jordanaires’ backing vocals. His rendition became a Christmas classic and a favorite of Bruce Springsteen, demonstrating the early integration of rock and roll into xmas music traditions.
Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a charity supergroup song with significant rock artist participation, making it relevant to the rock xmas music conversation. Featuring solos from George Michael, Bono, and Paul Young, among others, this song raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Its massive success and iconic status highlight the intersection of rock and pop music with charitable Christmas initiatives.
Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a rockabilly-infused Christmas classic that has remained popular for decades. Recorded when Lee was just 13, its upbeat tempo, saxophone solo, and rock and roll energy make it an enduringly joyful holiday song. Its inclusion in the film Home Alone further cemented its status as a cross-generational favorite within the broader landscape of xmas music, including its rockabilly subgenre.
The Ronettes – Sleigh Ride
The Ronettes’ “Sleigh Ride” is a Phil Spector-produced Christmas gem that blends girl group pop with rock and roll energy. Featured on A Christmas Gift For You, their version is known for its “Wall of Sound” production and iconic horse whinny sound effect. Its energetic and festive sound makes it a quintessential Christmas track and a prime example of Spector’s influence on xmas music production, blending pop and rock elements.
Bob Seger – The Little Drummer Boy
Bob Seger’s version of “The Little Drummer Boy” brings a heartfelt rock sensibility to a traditional Christmas carol. Featured on A Very Special Christmas charity album, Seger’s rendition, featuring ex-Grand Funk drummer Don Brewer, is both powerful and moving. It demonstrates how rock artists can reinterpret classic carols with depth and emotion, adding to the diverse range of rock xmas music.
Explore more festive tunes and expand your rock xmas music horizons by discovering the best Christmas songs of all time.
