With the holidays fast approaching, the world is once again turning up the volume on Christmas music, led by artists both new and classic. Among those leading the charge is none other than Jimmy Fallon. The comedic host of The Tonight Show, aged 50, recently expressed his musing to PEOPLE about his favorite holiday tracks and the joy they bring.
Fallon says, “I think you can listen to holiday music whenever you want… a good song is a good song.” This hot take emphasizes the universality of holiday tunes, highlighting their ability to uplift spirits regardless of the time of year. Recognizing significant names like Mariah Carey, he adds, “If you want to hear it, [if] it makes you happy, put on Mariah [Carey], crank it.”
This time around, Fallon has taken his love for festive music to new heights. He curated 150 songs for his holiday station on SiriusXM, delivering tracks spanning decades and diverse genres—from emotionally poignant classics to humorous modern variants. “These are songs from the brain of an insane man,” he quips, alluding to his recent album, Holiday Seasoning, featuring collaborations with Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, and Meghan Trainor.
Among the top songs on the Billboard chart this year is Mariah Carey's timeless hit, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” celebrating its reign at the No. 1 spot. A staple of the holiday season, the song continued to resonate with listeners, originally having debuted in 1995 but only hitting peak chart status many years later.
Fallon's extended playlist highlights both popular and lesser-heard tracks, as he said, “These are all my songs... It's stuff you don't hear on the radio.” His thoughtful selections are reflective of the variety present within holiday music, demonstrating how different years yield different favorites.
This holiday also brings memories of artists whose contributions have been monumental to the genre, most poignantly recalled with Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, who passed away last year. The band’s “Fairytale of New York” remains one of the most beloved songs during Christmas, with its haunting, reflective lyrics capturing the essence of hope and nostalgia.
MacGowan’s poetic approach resonates deeply, especially in lines like “I could have been someone, well so could anyone,” illustrating the universal yearning for dreams and identity. With lyrics like, “They’ve got cars big as bars, they’ve got rivers of gold,” the charm of this song is undeniable, making it easy to understand why it holds such esteemed status.
Meanwhile, as the Billboard Hot 100 reveals, there’s only one non-holiday tune among its top 10 songs this week. Alongside longstanding classics like Dean Martin’s “Let it Snow” at No. 8 and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” at No. 2, we see tracks from contemporary voices such as Kelly Clarkson and Ariana Grande making the cut. Kelly’s “Underneath the Tree” and Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” reinforce the relevance of modern artists within the holiday music scene.
The cheerful melody of “Last Christmas” by Wham! and Bobby Helms’ classic “Jingle Bell Rock” also mark their presence, showcasing the blend of new and old. Fun and nostalgia thrive across the board as these songs dominate holiday playlists.
Various artists keep the spirit alive, with groups like The Braxtons reminding us of soulful renditions of classics. Their take on “Mary, Did You Know?” from the 2015 album Braxton Family Christmas serves as both tribute and celebration, particularly poignant following the passing of Traci Braxton.
The modern era influences holiday music vibrantly as well, with releases like Coco Jones’ “A Timeless Christmas,” adding fresh flair to well-loved tunes. And let's not forget about the uplifting, gospel-influenced renditions shared by legends like Whitney Houston and The Temptations.
Reflecting on the essence of Christmas music, Fallon shared, “It really is the memories… you grow up, you go through different phases.” His words capture the transition from youthful excitement over gifts to the heartfelt desire for togetherness. “It’s about being together,” he affirms, reminding fans of the true spirit behind the season.
And as the debate over the best Christmas song continues—an engaging topic for many—you can’t help but recognize the vast array of artists who have colored the past and present of holiday music. Each year, we see the familiar faces of legends and rising stars alike, contributing to the soundtrack of our holidays and leaving behind lasting impressions.
This season, as Mariah leads the fruits of their labor on the charts and Fallon’s quirky suggestions provide fresh playlists, the conversation about holiday tunes will likely persist. Indeed, whether you favor the classics or new releases, there’s no denying the joy music brings during the most wonderful time of the year.
