An indie countdown to Christmas: 25 alternative festive tracks
Sick of hearing Mariah Carey every time it hits December? We’ve got you covered with this definitive list of alternative tunes to get you through the Holidays
Photo: Jono White
Well, it’s that time of year when everyone starts playing holiday music and you can’t escape the classics. Even if you don’t celebrate, there are always good tunes to be had from holiday inspiration. If you’ve grown a bit numb to the same old holiday classics, don’t fret, we’re here to introduce you to some new ones. From indie acts to ska bangers to acoustic-led parody to underrated 80s, enjoy 25 Christmas songs to get you through every day up to the big one.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Phoebe Bridgers
This cover of a holiday classic gets a haunting aura from none other than indie sensation Phoebe Bridgers. It still has the Christmas spirit at its core; nevertheless, it’s got the Phoebe essentials. It sounds like you’re listening to Phoebe lull you into a trance with her vocals as she sings with a nice echo effect added on, alongside an instrumental with just the right amount of winter-inspired tonality. Let it all soak in as you listen, and be sure to check out the rest of her If We Make It Through December release while you're at it.
2. Lonely Man of Winter by Sufjan Stevens
If you want some acoustic serenity this Christmas, you’ve come to the right place. Sufjan Stevens’ signature voice and aura shine bright in this track from his collaborative project with writer Alec Duffy. Full of delightful acoustic chords, poetic lyrics, sleigh bells, and floating harmonies, it’s just right to mellow out to. And you can feel extra merry knowing that every profit from the song goes to Duffy’s non-profit Brooklyn performance venue JACK.
3. Santa’s Beard by They Might Be Giants
Istanbul used to be Constantinople, and They Might Be Giants made a Christmas song. You may have found out about They Might Be Giants due to their quirky lyrics and humorous ways, but don’t count them out for making a cool Christmas tune. Jealousy isn’t the only thing being felt by the band this holiday season; the slamming guitar rhythms and John Flansburgh and John Linnell’s power as a dynamic duo will be felt through your listening method of choice.
4. White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes
This Fleet Foxes classic may not actually be a Christmas song, but to the untrained ear, it sure sounds like one. It sounds like winter snow and is easy to sing along to. Despite its grim undertones, it’s an easy listen with a nice harmonic composition. If you haven’t heard of Fleet Foxes, perhaps now is an excuse to use this as a starting point. Maybe you can make a chorus round with your family or friends while chilling by the fire while you’re at it.
5. ugly xmas sweater party by girlhouse
Indie bedroom-pop act girlhouse has a perfect Christmas song to dance around your room to. All about a failing relationship that had a tipping point at an ugly sweater party, don’t be surprised if within the first thirty seconds you’re dancing like no one’s watching. ugly xmas sweater party sounds like it belongs in an indie holiday movie, but the one in your head will do.
6. Christmas Drag by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
One of the more upbeat alternative Christmas tracks of this list, there’s an allure to I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME’s title track of their Christmas Drag EP. It might be a case of sad lyrics, happy melody; nevertheless, don’t be fooled by the premise. With high-voltage instrumentals, jingle bells that go all the way, and guitar chords that ramp up the Christmas sadness, it’s perfect for anyone looking for something merry and bright. Because Christmas is a drag sometimes.
7. Merry Something to You by DEVO
Yep, we’re throwing it back to the ’80s. New wave icons DEVO have a Christmas jam for your listening pleasure, and your parents might even find themselves reminiscing about holidays past. It’s a short track, but its length doesn’t detract from the jolliness; you’ll be sure to groove to a synth-filled, peppy tune. Plus, if you’re looking for a truly universal holiday track, the concept of it being a “Merry Something” might just be what you’re looking for.
8. I Wish It Was Christmas Today by Julian Casablancas
Frontman of The Strokes, Julian Casablancas, is here to give you a little treat. Full of energy and spirit, Casablancas is prepared for the holiday season. A cover of a bit from the infamous late-night sketch show Saturday Night Live, he transforms a one-off performance for comedic purposes and turns it into a rock ‘n’ roll Christmas anthem. Jimmy Fallon, Horatio Sanz, Chris Kattan, and Tracy Morgan might just have a run for their money.
9. All I Want for Christmas is You by My Chemical Romance
Yes, you read that correctly. Acclaimed rock band My Chemical Romance did a cover of Mariah Carey’s classic Christmas tune. It’s a pop classic with a rock twist, and sure to make anyone have a grand time. Sure, the original might get overplayed by the time the 25th rolls around, but if you need a new life into it, this is your best bet. Headbanging to Mariah never sounded so fun.
10. Feliz Navidad by Los Lobos
A José Feliciano Christmas classic gets a Mexican rock twist with Cali rock band Los Lobos. It sounds straight out of a group holiday sing-along and has the right vibes for even the most chill of holiday celebrations. The guitar riffs are so smooth it’s impossible not to get into the groove. Enjoy rocking out to this number around the Christmas tree, no matter if you speak Spanish or not.
11. Blue Christmas by Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes always delivers when it comes to making a song feel like a unique experience. Their Christmas music is no exception either. With light instrumentals and Connor Olberst’s signature, raspy voice, it’s winter wrapped up in a neat bow. Feel free to give this holiday track a spin if you’re looking for something not too bright, but just the right amount of merry.
12. Holiday-ish by The Regrettes and Dylan Minette
An adorable duet sure to warm anyone’s heart, this track made for Record Store Day’s 2019 Black Friday is sure to be a keeper on your rotation. Perhaps the most modern as it gets when it comes to the holiday season, it’s a sweet sentiment that as long as you have your loved one, you’ve got your holiday joy. Full of easy-going instrumentation, back-and-forth duet style singing, and a tinge of musical-number sounding inspiration, The Regrettes and Minette’s collab is sure to leave you grinning. Dance around the kitchen, decorate some gingerbead houses, do whatever with someone who brings you joy while you play this sweet tune.
13. 2000 Miles by The Pretenders
An 80’s alternative rock Christmas classic, have a seat by the fire and mellow out to this Pretenders original. Although it was never explicitly stated as a Christmas song, it has all the right notes and charm to be one. Plus, it’s a nice ode to former band member James Honeyman-Scott, who passed away before the song's release. No one is gonna say no to some oldies if you play the best ones.
14. Christmas Will Break Your Heart by LCD Soundsystem
Feeling a bit bah-humbug this holiday season? Turn to none other than LCD Soundsystem to help you out. As the title makes evident, Christmas isn’t always a time for cheer. Yet, the Brooklyn band leaves you with a bit of optimism to make your spirits a bit higher. Put on your headphones and go through a holiday heartbreak the right way.
15. Oi to the World by No Doubt
This isn’t your parents’ classic Joy to the World. Unless they grew up with a sick music taste. If you’re a fan of No Doubt or ska music in general, there’s no reason to pass up on adding the iconic 90’s band to your Christmas rotation. A kiss-off to the world and the holidays, it ironically has a killer amount of holiday amplification. There’s even a horn section breakdown to groove your holiday blues away to in true ska fashion.
16. Yule Shoot Your Eye Out by Fall Out Boy
A lesser-known number from their first greatest hits compilation, Fall Out Boy delivers on Christmas passive-aggressiveness. If you are a scrooge this holiday season, let them serenade your anger with a killer acoustic guitar and Patrick Stump’s raw and gritty vocals. Fans of the older stylings of the band will find something to enjoy in Yule Shoot Your Eye Out. Not to mention you can always play it to your enemies.
17. Boxing Day Blues (Revisited) by Courtney Barnett
What starts off with a commanding drum rhythm quickly turns into a Boxing Day inspired plea for feelings to be returned. Barnett feels like she’s been thrown out like a Boxing Day tree, and it shows by the pain in her voice as she sings. Boxing Day Blues (Revisited) has a jazz style composition that compliments Barnett’s voice wonderfully and leaves room to add a layer of desperation via the darker tones that come through both her voice and the instruments accompanying. It’s not a joyous, celebration song, but it’s an essential listening to commend Barnett’s talents even in the holiday season.
18. Silent Night by Manchester Orchestra
It wouldn’t be a true alternative holiday playlist without Manchester Orchestra now, would it? A delightful rendition of the Christmas classic, these Atlanta rockers are sure to have you listening to their cover on repeat. It’s digestible to even the most casual Christmas music enjoyer, and a treat for alternative music lovers. It is one of the longer songs in this playlist with its almost five-minute duration; however, every second of it is worth your attention for all of the little nuances that make it special.
19. Santa Stole My Girlfriend by The Maine
Santa may make the naughty list, but it seems like he should be on it for being a player. A comedic song about your girlfriend cheating on you with Saint Nick, The Maine’s take on a holiday song is as catchy as it is hilarious. An acoustic number with just the right about of sass, there’s no way to resist giving it a listen whenever you’re feeling down this time of year.
20. Is This Christmas? by The Wombats
If you’re a fan of English rockers The Wombats, you shouldn’t miss out on their Christmas tune. Full of critical wit and a tinge of upbeat dread, Is This Christmas? is the perfect song to queue if you’re sick of the Christmas “cheer”. By the time it ends, you’ll be sure to join in on the chanting and wonder if this is really what Christmas is supposed to be. At least they know that no one really enjoys wine-induced political Christmas talk.
21. Santa Baby by Wolf Alice
Recorded as part of 2017’s Spotify Sessions, Wolf Alice is here to serenade Santa. They capture the essence of a live holiday performance as Ellie Roswell sings her heart out with the passion of someone who wants you mesmerized. Joff Oddie kills it on the acoustic guitar, complementing Roswell’s vocals perfectly. Being a bit impatient for Santa to come and give you the gifts you wanted has never sounded so divine.
22. Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It) By Peach Pit
The title may not be the most cheerful, but that doesn’t stop Peach Pit from delivering on a Christmas cover. A cover of the aforementioned artist Sufjan Stevens, Peach Pit makes it their own with indie essentials: an acoustic lead guitar, electric guitar melodies to compliment, with rich bass and drums to make the experience whole. They do such a good job in covering the song that it almost sounds like their own. Fans of the band and indie Christmas song lovers alike are sure to find the what they’re looking for with Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It).
23. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by Sasha Alex Sloan
Ah, the classic case of intruding on your mother getting a bit too cozy with Santa. Starting off as an acoustic heavy piece, it gets an indie pop touch that arrives as light as snowfall. Sasha Alex Sloan’s vocals take center stage in her cover for Spotify’s holiday singles from last year; however, she gives way for the background to shine. The only complaint to be had is that with only a two minute duration, it’s hard not to crave to hear more.
24. Maybe Next Year by Jenny Owen Youngs
Are you missing someone this holiday season? So is Jenny Owen Youngs. A sadder song full of longing, this one’s for those who haven’t had much luck around this time of year. Youngs’ voice is like velvet and the downtempo instrumental are here to coax your holiday blues. Perhaps you need someone who knows what it’s like to miss someone, or you need to let it all out. But like she says, “maybe next year”.
25. Sleigh Ride by fun.
You know we had to end this list on a fun one (pun completely intended). Perhaps the days of fun. have come and gone, but we’ll always have their absolute banger of a holiday song. Come along and get your loved ones and go on whatever adventure you may have with lead singer Nate Reuss encouraging you. Full of the musical charm that made them so talented, there’s plenty of unique touches to this cover of a Christmas classic. You can even take a breather during the latter half that features a modern touch of upbeat joy. Whatever you do this holiday, hopefully, it will be as cool as what fun. does with Sleigh Ride.