Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems
The music scene of the ’80s has a kind of sparkling image, whether we’re talking about Western music or Japanese music.
Given that era, it’s only natural that countless classic Christmas songs were born around the most glamorous and romantic event of the year.
While Japan and the West view Christmas somewhat differently, this article showcases many Western Christmas songs that were hits in the 1980s.
From those perennial standards you hear in Japan every holiday season to lesser-known hidden gems and covers of standards, we’ve gathered a wide range—from sweet tunes to slightly bittersweet numbers—to bring you a comprehensive lineup!
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Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems (1–10)
Merry Christmas Strait To YouNEW!George Strait
A gem of a title track from George Strait—nicknamed the “King of Country”—featured on his first Christmas album released in 1986.
Set against gentle guitar and piano, it offers warm holiday greetings and a heartfelt sense of kindness, sung with care.
Written by songwriter Bob Kelly, the piece isn’t flashy, but Strait’s characteristically restrained vocals resonate deeply.
The album reached No.
17 on the Billboard Country chart and earned double platinum certification.
Perfect for those who want to spend a quiet, reflective Christmas wrapped in the warmth of traditional country.
Christmas In The CaribbeanNEW!Jimmy Buffett
A Christmas number released in 1985 by Jimmy Buffett, known for his tropical rock with a love for the islands.
It was initially issued as a 7-inch single and later included in the 1992 four-disc best-of box set Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads.
The song depicts a unique worldview of celebrating Christmas in a snowless tropical setting, featuring scenes like Santa arriving on a dolphin and ordering mistletoe—imagery that sets it apart from traditional Christmas themes.
Born on December 25, Buffett himself suggests that “snow isn’t everything,” offering a song that proposes an unorthodox way to spend the holiday.
It’s a hidden gem recommended for those who want to relax on the beach or experience a different kind of Christmas vibe.
Colorado ChristmasNEW!Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Formed in 1966, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has traversed folk, country, and bluegrass.
The Christmas song they released as a single in 1983 is a piece that sings of the beauty of a snow-covered landscape wrapped in silence.
It conveys a deep reverence for nature, declaring that heaven dwells in a snowy Colorado morning, and its unhurried, ballad-like melody sinks into the heart.
Alison Krauss’s harmonies and John McEuen’s banjo add color, resulting in a warm, nostalgic finish.
Its restrained imagery is part of its charm, making it a perfect song for those who want to greet Christmas morning quietly.
80s Western Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems (11–20)
Thank God For KidsNEW!The Oak Ridge Boys
A warm number by the Oak Ridge Boys, a vocal quartet that started in gospel and later shifted to country-pop.
Released as a single from their 1982 Christmas album “Christmas,” it spent 16 weeks on the country chart and peaked at No.
3.
The song expresses gratitude for children, portraying their innocence and smiles as gifts from God, and warmly depicts the bonds between parents and children and the love of family.
With a gentle arrangement featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, layered with their signature harmonies, it evokes a prayerful atmosphere.
Beloved beyond the Christmas season, it continues to be performed live throughout the year.
Recommended for those who want to relax with family or are looking for a heartwarming song.
Thank God It’s ChristmasQueen
Thank God It’s Christmas, famous as a hidden gem by Queen, was released in 1984.
It stayed on the weekly charts for six weeks and peaked at No.
21.
Although that’s a relatively low ranking for a Queen song, its inclusion on several Christmas compilation albums gradually drew attention to it and led to its current popularity.
The song has a vibe reminiscent of ’80s city pop, while the vocal lines are quintessentially Queen.
Wonderful Christmas TimePaul McCartney
Released in 1979 by Paul McCartney, the Christmas song “Wonderful Christmastime.” Thanks to its November release and McCartney’s name recognition, it continued to be loved even into the 1980s.
While John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas,” by McCartney’s fellow Beatles member, sings of anti-war themes, this song simply celebrates the joyful atmosphere of Christmas.
It’s a track that really captures McCartney’s signature style.
Last ChristmasWham!
When it comes to Christmas songs, many people probably think of “Last Christmas” first.
It’s a 1984 track by Wham, a pop act emblematic of the ’80s, and it’s been covered and loved by many artists in Japan as well.
The sound is like gently falling snow.
Why is it that, even though it’s a heartbreaking song about lost love, we still feel like humming along? The understated yet powerful drumming is also captivating.
An unfading, timeless classic—it touches the heart no matter when you listen.