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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80s Western Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems (11–20)
Christmas In HollisRun-D.M.C.
Run-D.
M.
C.
is the hip-hop group that took the 1980s hip-hop boom by storm.
As pioneers who fused rock with hip-hop, they stood apart from the genre’s then-prevalent thug image with their catchy tracks.
Their song “Christmas in Hollis” is one of their signature holiday hits and was a major success.
Blending old-school ’80s vibes with catchy pop sensibilities, it’s definitely worth a listen.
Merry Christmas EveryoneShakin’ Stevens
Everyone has their own way of enjoying Christmas.
Some may want to relax with quiet songs, while others may prefer sacred music to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
If you’re spending Christmas with your family, you might want bright, pop tunes to set the mood.
For those people, I recommend “Merry Christmas Everyone.” This song is a classic by singer-songwriter Shakin’ Stevens—a Christmas track with a catchy, pop melody reminiscent of country music.
Do They Know It’s Christmas?NEW!Band Aid
It was recorded in November 1984 as a charity single for famine relief in Ethiopia and released the following month on December 3.
It spent five weeks at number one on the UK charts, selling over one million copies in its first week alone—an astonishing achievement.
Because the song carries a strong message, it’s worth taking the time to understand the lyrics rather than just singing it for the vibe.
It’s great fun to sing in harmony with a few people, of course, but it’s also satisfying to sing solo since there are parts you can really belt out.
Each singer in the original has their own distinctive style, but don’t worry too much about that—singing in your own voice is best! Place a hand on your chest and try singing while resonating your voice.
Do They Know It’s ChristmasBand Aid
Band Aid is a charity project formed by rock and pop artists mainly from the UK.
It was formed in 1984 and released “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” The project became a huge hit and helped spark the formation of USA for Africa, famous for “We Are the World.” Since Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats and Midge Ure of Ultravox handled the songwriting, the melody carries a certain Ultravox-like atmosphere.
Do You Hear What I Hear?Whitney Houston
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” was composed in 1962 with the aim of calling for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Since it sings about the birth of Jesus Christ, it’s quintessentially Christmas.
In 1987, Whitney Houston covered the song, and it was included on the Christmas-themed compilation album “A Very Special Christmas.” Her vocals, soaring over a rich, layered chorus, have commanding presence and pair perfectly with the sparkling, quintessentially ’80s sound.
ChristmasThe Blue Nile
A gemlike ballad by The Blue Nile that sings of the loneliness and hope hidden within the bustle of Christmas.
Its dreamlike sound, woven from synthesizers and a drum machine, is layered with Paul Buchanan’s emotive vocals, leaving a lingering resonance that sinks into the heart.
Included on the deluxe edition of the classic 1989 album Hats, this song portrays, through Christmas scenes glimpsed through a window, lost time and love, as well as a longing for reunion, and carries a message about striving to hold on to love and trust amid harsh realities.
It’s a perfect listen for a quiet winter night of contemplation.
Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems (21–30)
The Eyes of a ChildNEW!Air Supply
The Australian duo Air Supply’s 1987 release The Christmas Album includes two original songs in addition to its covers.
This work is a ballad co-written by Graham Russell and composer Ron Bloom, asking us—now that we’re adults—to rediscover the importance of reclaiming the pure gaze of childhood that resonates more deeply with age.
Interweaving strings and orchestral accompaniment, its serene, emotionally rich finish is quintessentially Air Supply’s romantic sound.
There are records of it being distributed as a promotional single, and it remains a hidden gem that still gets radio play every Christmas season.
Why not give it a quiet listen on a peaceful Christmas Eve?