10 Pop Songs to Try This the Holidays The holiday season is synonymous with classic carols, but there is a growing, vibrant catalog of pop-infused festive tunes designed to bring high energy and fresh vibes to your winter gatherings. While timeless classics have their place, sometimes a party, a long drive, or a quiet evening in needs a modern twist. The right pop holiday song can bridge the gap between nostalgia and contemporary sound, offering catchy choruses, upbeat production, and fresh perspectives on the season. Here are 10 pop holiday songs to try this year that will revamp your seasonal playlist. The Modern Classics and High-Energy Hits
1. “Santa Tell Me” – Ariana Grande (2014): This track has arguably become the modern standard for Christmas pop. Grande’s powerhouse vocals combined with a cheerful, R&B-tinged production create an infectious, longing-yet-upbeat vibe. It is essential listening for any modern festive playlist.
2. “Underneath the Tree” – Kelly Clarkson (2013): Clarkson delivered a song that feels instantly nostalgic, featuring a wall-of-sound production reminiscent of 1960s holiday hits. It is fast-paced, joyful, and showcases incredible vocal energy that is perfect for holiday morning preparations.
3. “Christmas Tree Farm” – Taylor Swift (2019): Swift captures the nostalgic magic of childhood holidays in this upbeat, fast-tempo song. Written to feel like a festive memory, its catchy melody and rapid-fire lyrics make it a perfect, high-energy addition to a festive playlist. Upbeat Pop and Funky Rhythms
4. “Never Be Alone at Christmas” – The Fray (2011): A lesser-known but incredibly uplifting pop-rock offering, this song focuses on the warmth of being with loved ones. It has a anthemic chorus that acts as a heartwarming, upbeat reminder of the season’s true purpose.
5. “Like It’s Christmas” – Jonas Brothers (2019): This track brings a funky, bass-heavy, and cheerful pop sound to the holidays. It’s lighthearted and designed to make you dance, bringing a bright, sunny energy to the cold winter months.
6. “Cozy Little Christmas” – Katy Perry (2018): A more laid-back but still profoundly pop-oriented track, Perry’s song focuses on the joy of a low-key, intimate holiday. It has a jazzy, upbeat rhythm that is perfect for relaxed entertaining or decorating the tree. Feel-Good Anthems and Indie Pop Vibes
7. “Snowman” – Sia (2017): While this song has a slightly more melancholic ballad structure, its pop production and unique vocal styling have made it a modern staple. It’s a whimsical, storytelling song that provides a different emotional texture to a playlist.
8. “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber (2011): This acoustic-driven pop song offers a romantic and lighthearted vibe. It’s simple, melodic, and has become a staple for younger generations, offering a relaxed pace that fits well in a mix of high-energy tunes.
9. “Wonderful Christmastime” – Kylie Minogue & Mika (2016): Taking the Paul McCartney classic and injecting it with a high-energy pop overhaul, this cover version is electric. Minogue’s pop sensibilities and Mika’s theatrical flair make this version an incredibly fun and danceable holiday hit.
10. “Christmas & Chill” – EP by Ariana Grande (2015): Although this is an EP, the title track and “Wit It This Christmas” stand out as R&B-pop hybrid masterpieces. It offers a sultry, smooth alternative to the traditional, frantic energy of holiday music. Refreshing Your Seasonal Playlist
Incorporating these songs into your holiday rotation does not mean abandoning the classics; rather, it refreshes them. These ten tracks offer a blend of nostalgia, modern production, and high-energy joy that can lift the spirits of any holiday party or personal moment. The key to a great holiday playlist is balance, and modern pop provides that necessary spark to keep things exciting, fresh, and thoroughly enjoyable throughout the festive season.
Whether hosting a bustling party or enjoying a quiet evening, modernizing the holiday soundtrack brings a new layer of enjoyment to the festivities. These 10 tracks offer a fantastic mix of joy, romance, and energy, ensuring the soundtrack to your season is anything but boring. Trying new songs can create new memories, making the season feel both timeless and contemporary, ensuring that the holiday music experience remains exciting year after year. If you’d like, I can:
Categorize these by mood (
Leave a Reply