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

Sleigh RideAndy Williams

Andy Williams – Sleigh Ride (Audio)

This song is often listened to during the Christmas season, but if you read the lyrics closely, you can tell it’s more of a winter song.

However, there are versions where the line “There’s a birthday party” is changed to “There’s a Christmas party,” so it’s considered a Christmas song.

The Christmas SongDexter Gordon Quartet

Dexter Gordon Quartet – The Christmas Song

Dexter Gordon was an American jazz tenor saxophonist active from the 1940s through the 1980s.

This soulful, bluesy Christmas song is included on his 1970 album “The Panther!”.

Its relaxed melody and the tenor sax’s low tones offer a charm you won’t find in other Christmas songs.

Cool YuleKurt Elling

Cool Yule

Cool Yule is a Christmas song released in 1953 by Steve Allen, who was active as a television personality, actor, writer, and artist.

The song gained worldwide popularity when it was released by jazz vocalist Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as Satchmo.

This time, we’ve chosen the version by jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, known for his baritone voice and scat singing.

Frosty The Snow ManPatti Page

Frosty The Snow Man Patti Page

It’s a heartwarming, whimsical song about a day when children put an old silk hat on a snowman, and the snowman suddenly bursts into lively dance and dashes around happily with the kids.

It’s popular as a song to sing with children during the Christmas season.

Frosty The SnowmanRoy Hargrove

Frosty the Snowman – Roy Hargrove

This is another song you hear often, and the classic jazz arrangement makes it so stylish! It’s a perfect Christmas arrangement by American jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove.

He won Grammy Awards with his Latin jazz band in 1997 and for jazz and hip-hop in 2002.

Those Soulful Jingle BellsMark Whitfield

Those Soulful Jingle Bells

“Those Soulful Jingle Bells” is a jazz arrangement of the song known worldwide as “Jingle Bells.” This cover is a version by American jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield, characterized by its performance on a guitar with a beautiful tone—often called an ‘eleaco,’ which combines qualities of an acoustic and an electric guitar.

Also, the bass features an interesting arrangement that makes effective use of rests, so be sure to listen for that as well.

The Sound of ChristmasRamsey Lewis Trio

The Sound of Christmas

If you want to enjoy jazz arrangements of Christmas songs, the recent stylish takes are certainly great, but I also recommend those that follow in the tradition of old-school bop jazz.

This track is from the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s 1961 Christmas album, “Sound of Christmas.” Amid the groovy sound, you’ll hear plenty of familiar phrases pop up.