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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1980s Western Christmas songs: From hit tracks to hidden gems (41–50)
Joys of ChristmasChris Rea
While bearing a title that suggests the joy of Christmas, this song actually portrays the harsh realities of society.
It vividly depicts the struggles of the working class in Northern England, highlighting a world that stands in stark contrast to the festive glitter of the season.
Chris Rea’s wistful melody, combined with blues-rock elements, was released in 1987 and peaked at No.
67 on the UK Singles Chart.
Issued as a single from the album “Dancing with Strangers,” it came out in both 7-inch and 12-inch formats.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to look at the realities behind Christmas or who resonate with socially conscious lyrics.
80s Western Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems (51–60)
Please Come Home for ChristmasThe Eagles
A classic winter song wrapped in a soulful vibe.
Released in 1978, this track showcased a new side of the Eagles.
It was produced in a short span to meet the expectations of fans eagerly awaiting the follow-up to Hotel California.
Issued as a holiday single, it reached No.
18 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It also drew attention as the first release to feature Timothy B.
Schmit.
Its bittersweet lyrics—longing for a reunion with a loved one—beautifully capture both the warmth and loneliness of Christmas.
This is a song that comforts those separated from family or a partner.
Why not listen to it in a moment when someone special comes to mind?
This One’s for the ChildrenNew Kids On The Block
It’s a Christmas song from around 1989 whose atmosphere grabs you from the intro—I really love it.
It’s so beautiful that you can’t help but get absorbed in listening; it’s a truly great track.
It has a vibe that makes you want to play it again as soon as you hear it once, so I recommend it to anyone who wants to spend Christmas with their children.
It Doesn’t Often Snow At ChristmasPet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys are a music duo from England who enjoyed immense popularity in the 1980s.
Their impact on the music world is significant, having helped lay the foundations of electronic music such as dance rock, dance pop, and synth-pop.
Their Christmas song, It Doesn’t Often Snow At Christmas, is a perfect example.
Of course, it’s not your typical Christmas song.
It’s crafted into a highly distinctive track, richly infused with the electronic sounds they excel at.
Christmas Time is HereSURFACE
You’ll fall in love the moment you hear it.
It’s a Christmas song by Surface, included in their best-of album.
The rich atmosphere and relaxed melody are soothing, making it a truly lovely track to listen to.
It’s catchy enough to hum along to, so it’s a fun piece as well.
Christmas WrappingThe Waitresses
Christmas Wrapping is a song by the American new wave band the Waitresses, contributed to the 1981 compilation album A Christmas Record.
The lyrics, delivered at a very rapid pace from the perspective of a woman who’s too busy to make any plans for Christmas, are said to play on the double meaning of “wrapping” and “rapping.” The sound is a very poppy, upbeat tune, and with the ending where she happens to run into the guy she’s been interested in, it all adds up to a very happy Christmas song.
Christmas At Ground Zero“Weird Al” Yankovic
This is a Christmas song in the style of a Christmas carol by parody master “Weird Al” Yankovic, with pitch-black humor.
Even if you don’t understand English, watching the music video makes it easy to imagine it’s about something pretty awful.