Jazz to Enjoy in Winter: Not Just Christmas Songs—Timeless Classics and Performances [2025]
When it comes to jazz that suits the winter season, many people think of the various beloved classics that are cherished as Christmas songs.
And because the nights are long, it’s a season that pairs well with introspective tracks you’ll want to listen to closely.
In addition to standard numbers, jazz-style arrangements of famous Christmas songs are also popular.
In this article, we’ll cover those staple Christmas tunes while also picking out jazz numbers recommended for winter.
From pieces that explicitly take winter as their theme, to numbers perfect for solitary reflection, and even cheerful tracks that make you forget the cold, we’ll include original songs by rising young artists who have been attracting attention in recent years!
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- Famous Western jazz classics. Recommended popular songs.
Jazz to enjoy in winter: classic masterpieces and performances beyond just Christmas songs [2025] (11–20)
Hunt Up WindNEW!Hiroshi Fukumura with Sadao Watanabe
This album, a collaboration between two giants of the Japanese jazz scene, is a fusion work released in April 1978.
The tight unison lines and interplay between trombonist Hiroshi Fukumura and saxophonist Sadao Watanabe are nothing short of exhilarating.
Riding an energetic, driving rhythm, brass and saxophone intertwine as funk grooves blend seamlessly with Japanese fusion sensibilities.
Seasoned international players also appear on the session, giving the record a cosmopolitan sound.
If you’re looking for robust jazz-funk to savor on long winter nights, this is a work you’ll definitely want to pick up.
WintertimeNorah Jones
The one who treats us to gently soothing Christmas songs is Norah Jones, the Grammy-winning jazz singer from the United States.
While grounded in jazz, her music is captivating for the way it weaves in elements of country, folk, soul, and pop.
Perfect for the holiday season is Norah Jones’s song “Wintertime,” a tender blend of gospel and country with vocals as warm and softly layered as falling snow.
Why not spend a quiet, reverent moment this Christmas listening to it?
Holly Jolly ChristmasNEW!Michael Bublé
Originally, it’s a classic Christmas song from the 1960s, first performed by Burl Ives.
Michael Bublé’s version was released in 2011.
It has jazzy elements, making it very stylish and easy to groove to.
At just two minutes long, it’s not hard to learn and feels familiar, so I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to pick up a Christmas tune! Overall, it’s a song that sounds really cool when sung with a relaxed feel and a light touch.
The jazz swing is key—don’t overthink it, let your body catch the groove! The rhythm will naturally fall into place.
I feel like it’s perfect for singing while swaying side to side with a drink in hand.
Try singing it as if you’re humming during a little break!
Chilly Winds Don’t BlowNina Simone
Chilly Winds Don’t Blow, released in 1959 by American jazz singer Nina Simone.
This is a jazz song you’ll want to hear in winter, with her soulful voice that stirs the heart.
True to its title, which means “cold winds don’t blow,” her singing carries a strength that seems to blow the chill away.
When you’re worn out by the winter cold or stressed by the year-end rush, listening to this track is sure to lift your spirits in no time!
SnowfallBeegie Adair
Beegie Adair, a jazz pianist from Kentucky, began playing piano at the age of five.
She studied piano at college while majoring in music education, building her career as a session musician while working.
The charm of her music lies in its elegance.
Snowfall, a perfect fit for the Christmas season, shifts into a graceful swing in the middle, exuding a refined atmosphere.
Why not spend a holy night with this romantic jazz piano piece loved around the world?
SnowboundSarah Vaughan
From its splendid string introduction, Sarah Vaughan’s rendition of “Snowbound” promises a romantic Christmas.
Her allure lies in her wide range and richly vibrato-laden voice—opulent and powerful, it continues to captivate us today.
Sarah Vaughan, one of America’s premier female jazz vocalists, launched her career after winning Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater.
She sang countless masterpieces and created timeless standards.
Enjoy a wonderful moment with the gorgeous, mellow “Snowbound,” perfectly suited to grace a solemn Christmas Eve.
Jazz to enjoy in winter: timeless masterpieces and performances beyond just Christmas songs [2025] (21–30)
Seven Shades of SnowJune Bisantz
It isn’t a very famous song, but this piece, which depicts the beauty of snow, is a little-known winter classic.
Sung by jazz vocalist June Bisantz, whose husky, richly expressive voice brings it to life, the song reflects the beauty of the scenery in its melody and seems like a piece that requires solid technique to sing.
June Christy has also performed it.
If you like the song, I recommend listening to other versions by various singers as well.