Jazz numbers perfect for Christmas, from classics to hidden gems.
If you want to spend Christmas with a touch of style and long for a happy, romantic holiday, jazz versions of Christmas songs are just what you need.
Many artists have taken on jazz arrangements of well-known Christmas tunes, and quite a few have released them as full Christmas albums.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of classic jazz numbers perfect for Christmas listening—even for complete jazz beginners.
From timeless standards to hidden gems, and even artists’ original Christmas songs, enjoy a lineup that includes fresh, new tracks as well.
- Jazz to Enjoy in Winter: Not Just Christmas Songs—Timeless Classics and Performances [2025]
- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
- The Royal Road of Jazz: Classic modern jazz masterpieces. Popular tracks you should listen to at least once.
- Christmas songs from 80s Western music: from hit tracks to hidden gems
- Classic Dixieland jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Disney songs to listen to at Christmas: a collection of classics that color the holiday season
- [Christmas Songs] Christmas songs to sing with children
- Recommended Christmas songs for people in their 70s: A collection of classic winter hits from the Showa era
- A classic jazz ballad from Western music. A world-famous masterpiece and popular song.
- Cool jazz piano: from classic favorites to hidden gems.
- [For people in their 90s] Recommended Christmas songs: from nostalgic school songs and hymns to timeless classics
- Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once
- [Western Jazz] A Special Feature on Standard Numbers You’ve Heard at Least Once
Jazz numbers perfect for Christmas: from classics to hidden gems (71–80)
Mistletoe And HollyFrank Sinatra
The great American singer Frank Sinatra released a Christmas song in September 1957, and since its inclusion on the album “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra,” it has continued to be loved as a Christmas classic.
Sinatra’s warm vocals gently depict quintessential holiday scenes—mistletoe, holly, Santa Claus, and cozy time with family.
It was even used in a Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland.
Why not give it a listen as background music for Christmas with your family and loved ones?
Christmas Time Is HereDianne Reeves
This is a song written for the animated special “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Perhaps because it’s a song featured in a Snoopy show, it has a cheerful message about how it would be wonderful if Christmas lasted all year round.
The singer of this version, Dianne Reeves, is regarded as one of the most important contemporary female jazz vocalists.
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?Harry Connick Jr.
Even among Western Christmas-season songs, this one specifically sings about New Year’s Eve.
Harry Connick Jr.
is an American jazz vocalist and pianist, though he may be better known for his work as an actor.
He is sometimes described as a revival of the big band style reminiscent of Frank Sinatra around the 1950s.
Zat You, Santa Claus?Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, known as “Satchmo,” was a towering figure in 20th-century music—a great trumpeter and a singer whose instantly recognizable gravelly voice became his trademark.
The music he brought into the world continues to make listeners of all ages happy across generations, and his Christmas songs are perfect for anyone looking to spend a merry holiday.
The track introduced here is a Christmas number first released as a 7-inch single in 1953.
It’s also included on the compilation album of Christmas songs released in Japan, “X’mas From Great Old Friend,” so be sure to pick up a copy.
Little Drummer BoyKurt Elling
From Kurt Elling’s album that celebrates Christmas through jazz, here’s a track that gives a modern twist to a traditional carol.
It tells the story of a poor boy who offers a heartfelt gift by playing his drum, enriched by Elling’s signature depth of expression and warm tone, conveying the spirit of Christmas in a fresh way.
Featured on the album “The Beautiful Day: Kurt Elling Sings Christmas,” released in October 2016, this piece combines simple beauty with power, expressing the essential joy and empathy of the season.
It’s a perfect, heartwarming background song for a Christmas night spent with family and loved ones.
Winter WonderlandBing Crosby
The classic Christmas jazz number “Winter Wonderland.” This song has a very long history; it was composed in 1934 by composer Felix Bernard and lyricist Richard Bernhard Smith.
It has been covered by a variety of jazz vocalists such as Tony Bennett and Darlene Love, and versions with arrangements from other genres are still being released today.
This time, I’ve chosen the version by the world-renowned jazz vocalist Bing Crosby.
Little Jack Frost, Get LostBing Crosby & Peggy Lee
A cheerful duet by Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee that chases away winter’s chill with a sprightly rhythm.
Released as a single by Decca Records in 1952, the song humorously portrays people asking the personified cold, “Jack Frost,” to leave.
Crosby’s rich baritone and Lee’s gentle vocals blend in exquisite harmony, vividly depicting winter scenes—grumbling sweethearts, a rose frozen stiff, and more.
Infused with swing and jazz elements, it’s perfect for those seeking a warm atmosphere during the Christmas season, and it remains a perennial favorite frequently included on holiday albums.