1990s Western Christmas songs: from blockbuster hits to hidden gems
Just seeing the way the cityscape changes every December and the sparkling decorations lining the shops somehow puts you in a buoyant mood, doesn’t it?
And what you can’t skip during this season, of course, is Christmas songs!
For those looking for Christmas music as BGM for a holiday party or for the car, this article introduces Western Christmas songs from the 1990s—a decade that produced many hit tracks.
Rather than covers of so-called standards, we’ve mainly gathered original Christmas songs, so it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to create a Christmas atmosphere that’s a little different from the usual!
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’90s Western Christmas songs: From smash hits to hidden gems (11–20)
Grown-Up Christmas ListDavid Foster
It’s a classic Christmas song that expresses wishes for peace and happiness from an adult’s perspective.
Composed by David Foster in 1989 and first recorded in 1990, it focuses on universal hopes rather than material gifts.
Amy Grant’s 1992 cover brought it wider recognition and cemented its place as a Christmas staple.
Its simple structure and gentle melody highlight the warm, thoughtful lyrics.
Foster, a Canadian musician, has excelled across genres from pop to jazz and R&B, and has won 16 Grammy Awards.
It’s recommended as background music for Christmas gatherings or for listening in the car.
Depicting prayers and gratitude for Christmas to family and loved ones, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a heartwarming song.
8 Days of ChristmasDestiny’s Child
“8 Days of Christmas” is a song released on October 30, 2001 by Destiny’s Child, the R&B vocal group that Beyoncé was a member of.
It’s included on their first and only Christmas album of the same name.
This adult Christmas song tells of receiving gifts from a generous lover—presents any woman would envy.
It’s recommended for those who want to spend a glamorous Christmas with their significant other.
Every Year, Every ChristmasLuther Vandross
As the Christmas season approaches, the atmosphere of the city changes and it makes your heart leap, doesn’t it? A perfect song for this time of year is the one Luther Vandross released in 1995.
Featured on his Christmas album “This Is Christmas,” it captivates with its wistful melody and Vandross’s rich vocals.
The lyrics, which portray feelings of loneliness and heartbreak during the holidays, are deeply moving.
It gained popularity on urban radio stations and, according to an ASCAP report in 2010, became one of the most-played songs of the Christmas season.
It earned strong support from fans of Black music.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel not only the joy of Christmas but also its bittersweet side.
Sleigh RideTLC
TLC’s “Sleigh Ride” is a track based on the famous American Christmas song “Sleigh Ride.” TLC—T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli—are a three-member hip-hop group who, alongside groups like Destiny’s Child, were hugely popular in the ’90s.
Their cover of “Sleigh Ride” preserves the catchy charm of the original while highlighting their cool musical style.
The Closing of the Year (Main Theme from Toys)Wendy & Lisa feat. Seal
Opening with soprano and children’s choir, this piece wraps you in warmth and lifts your spirits.
Partway through, the rhythm kicks in and the tempo picks up; by the finale, Seal’s powerful vocals join, transforming it into a grand anthem—an especially striking structure.
Created as the theme song for the 1992 Christmas release of the film “Toys,” it sings of the importance of human connection, as if symbolizing that special year-end season.
While painting scenes of an entire city wrapped in celebration, it delivers a message of love and hope.
The collaboration with Seal is also a unique and captivating highlight of this work.
ChristmastimeNEW!Aimee Mann with Michael Penn
This is a Christmas song co-written by Aimee Mann—who scored hits in the 1980s with ‘Til Tuesday—and her husband, singer-songwriter Michael Penn.
It was included on the 1996 compilation album Just Say Noël and later appeared on Aimee Mann’s holiday album One More Drifter in the Snow.
The song is also used over the end credits of Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Hard Eight.
Its understated, unadorned sound is striking, evoking the mysterious mood of the Vince Guaraldi Trio.
Within its restrained beauty, shaded emotions are rendered with delicacy, making it a refined Christmas piece for adults.
1990s Western Christmas songs: From big hits to hidden gems (21–30)
I Only Want You for ChristmasNEW!Alan Jackson
A straightforward love message—“All I want for Christmas is you”—makes this a moving country number.
Created by Alan Jackson, a leading figure in neo-traditional country, it was released as a single in November 1991.
While weaving in classic motifs like Santa Claus and mistletoe, the song expresses a warm longing for a loved one rather than material gifts.
Traditional country sounds featuring pedal steel and fiddle are sprinkled with holiday sparkle, and Jackson’s deep vocals resonate gently.
Later included on the album Honky Tonk Christmas, it’s a long-lasting track that has re-entered the charts multiple times.
Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night with someone special.