Jazz to Enjoy in Winter: Not Just Christmas Songs—Timeless Classics and Performances [2025]

My Favorite ThingsJohn Coltrane

My Favorite Things

If you’re looking for something to enjoy at a bar in winter, I recommend My Favorite Things.

It’s known as a jazz standard, but it originally appeared as one of the songs in the musical The Sound of Music.

This version is by the great modern jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, and compared to the original musical version, it has been crafted into a more melancholic, mature piece.

The Nearness of YouNorah Jones

Norah Jones – The Nearness Of You @norahjones

Composed in 1938 by the great songwriter Hoagy Carmichael, this piece is known in Japan as “Anata no Soba ni” (“Near You”) and celebrates the happiness of being by someone’s side.

It’s a song that truly resonates during this season, when we often spend time with others—at Christmas, New Year’s, and beyond.

As a jazz standard, it’s a timeless classic, performed and recorded by countless artists.

Why not listen to this song and feel the presence of someone special in your life?

Social CallSamara Joy

Samara Joy – Social Call (Live Performance) | Vevo

It’s a tune composed by jazz player Gigi Gryce, to which vocalist Jon Hendricks later added lyrics.

The lyrics basically mean something like, “I dropped by to say hello to a woman I’m a bit interested in.” Even though they were added later, they’re quite stylish, aren’t they? In winter, we often visit acquaintances’ homes for Christmas parties and such, so it’s a perfect song for the situation.

Samara Joy is an American jazz singer who has won a Grammy Award.

I’m excited to see what she does next.

Ruby, My DearThelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk – Ruby, My Dear

Here is a beautifully intricate ballad composed by pianist Thelonious Monk, who wrote many distinctive pieces.

For some reason, ballads with complex harmonies seem to suit winter well—perhaps because their structure feels like fine carpets, woven textiles, or knitwork.

Lyrics added later convey a message of encouragement to a friend after heartbreak.

On nights when you feel a little lonely and want to confide your worries, why not listen to a piece like this while sipping a warm drink?

The Days Of Wine And RosesBerndt Egerbladh Trio

The Days Of Wine And Roses : Berndt Egerbladh Trio / A Boy Full Of Thoughts

This is a superb performance by the trio led by Swedish jazz pianist Bernt Egerbladh.

Featured on the 1965 album “Schizo,” this piece brilliantly adapts Henry Mancini’s film music into jazz.

Egerbladh’s delicate piano touch, together with the melodious interplay of bass and drums, beautifully conveys a fleeting sense of happiness and melancholy, making it perfect for quiet listening on long winter nights.

It powerfully communicates the film’s theme—brief happiness and the sorrow beneath it—using music alone, without words.

In My LifeBill Frisell

In My Life

An instrumental piece by Bill Frisell that revives a classic by the Beatles through his unique interpretation.

The guitar’s delicate touch and rich tone convey the nostalgia and bittersweetness of the original.

Included on the album “All We Are Saying.

.

.” released in September 2011, this track is part of a collection of covers paying tribute to John Lennon.

Frisell’s signature spatial resonance and sense of sonic expanse are striking, evoking emotions different from the original.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet winter night, reflecting on days gone by.

Winter WonderlandChet Baker

Chet Baker – Winter Wonderland (Rare Lp Take)

Written in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernard Smith, this song has been performed by many artists as a classic Christmas tune.

It has a slightly stylish vibe, and no matter the arrangement, it always heightens the Christmas spirit.

Often performed not only by singers but also as an instrumental, Chet Baker’s version has a driving tempo that feels like a sleigh gliding along—very cool indeed.