Jazz numbers perfect for Christmas, from classics to hidden gems.

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Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
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A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!

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 numbers perfect for Christmas: from classics to hidden gems (41–50)

White ChristmasElla Fitzgerald

White Christmas

White ChristmasElla Fitzgerald

White Christmas, a Christmas song that continues to be loved around the world, was released in 1942 with vocals by the male singer Bing Crosby.

Composed by Irving Berlin, the song became a huge hit and has been covered by many artists.

One famous jazz version is by the female jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald.

Even at a relaxed tempo, it conveys the excitement of the Christmas season.

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Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasElla Fitzgerald

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little ChristmasElla Fitzgerald

Originally written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and used in the 1944 musical Meet Me in St.

Louis.

It has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Sam Smith.

This version is by Ella Fitzgerald, the pinnacle of female jazz singers.

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Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)Norah Jones

Norah Jones – Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones) (Visualizer)

Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)Norah Jones

Norah Jones, who has gained popularity for a musical style that blends elements of jazz with country and folk, is also a well-loved artist in Japan.

Her song “Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)” is an original track included on her first Christmas album, “I Dream Of Christmas,” and it seems poised to become a new staple Christmas song.

While the overall sound is based on slow jazz, it has strong pop elements, making it enjoyable even for listeners who aren’t accustomed to jazz.

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Christmas BluesHolly Cole

Holly Cole – Christmas Blues

Christmas BluesHolly Cole

As the title suggests, it’s a song about a sad, romantic Christmas.

Holly Cole is a Canadian vocalist who leans more toward pop.

Just before her debut, she suffered a comminuted fracture of her jaw in a traffic accident and temporarily halted her activities, but she made a comeback with “Calling You,” the theme song from the film Baghdad Cafe, which became a worldwide hit.

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O Come All Ye FaithfulJoey Alexander

Joey Alexander – O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) [In-studio Performance]

O Come All Ye FaithfulJoey Alexander

A piece that beautifully fuses the sacred atmosphere of Christmas with the refined sound of jazz.

The piano tones performed by Indonesia-born Joey Alexander—hailed as a prodigy in the jazz world at just 12—resonate deeply in the heart.

Featured on the Christmas EP “A Joey Alexander Christmas,” released in November 2018, it brings new allure to traditional Christmas carols through Joey’s delicate touch and improvisation.

Performed in a trio with Larry Grenadier and Eric Harland, the track exudes a serene yet warmly inviting mood—perfect background music for spending Christmas night with someone special.

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Good Morning BluesElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald – Good Morning Blues

Good Morning BluesElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, a legend in the jazz world.

She has released several Christmas albums, and this is a Christmas song from one of them, A Swinging Christmas.

It’s recommended for those who think, “Instrumentals are nice, but jazz is all about the vocals!”

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Let it snowFrank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra – Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (Official Music Video)

Let it snowFrank Sinatra

A quintessential winter song that has been covered by many artists, including Vaughn Monroe, Bing Crosby, Doris Day, The Manhattan Transfer, and Kenny G.

Incidentally, the version played over the ending of the movie Die Hard is Vaughn Monroe’s.

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