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20 Best Christian Christmas Songs to Sing Around the Tree

These powerful Christian Christmas songs will help you celebrate the reason for the season and lift your holiday spirits.

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two sisters singing christian christmas carols around the christmas tree
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Add these Christian Christmas songs to your holiday playlist

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate during the Christmas season. Loved ones gather near and far to spend time together, doing fun Christmas activities and celebrating peace, love, and good will towards man. Is it Christmas, though, if you don’t play some great Christmas music?

You may already have a playlist of the best Christmas songs going (which should include some funny Christmas songs), but if you don’t have these Christian Christmas songs on your playlist, consider adding them. They’re uplifting, cheerful, and help you celebrate the reason for the season with joy. Merry listening!

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“The Little Drummer Boy” by The Harry Simeone Chorale

This popular Christmas song has religious roots. If you look at the lyrics, it’s about the gifts being given to Jesus when he’s born and how the boy is playing his drum for the newborn King. After you add this song to your playlist, check out the meaning behind these popular Christmas symbols.

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“Joy to the World” by Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole does a great job covering this Christmas song written by Isaac Watts, who based the lyrics on Psalm 98. It’s about people celebrating the coming of Jesus and the glory He brings. Don’t forget to read these religious Christmas quotes that capture the spirit of the holiday.

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“Ave Maria” by Michael Bublé

Bublé’s performance of this religious song is sure to become a staple on your Christmas playlist. Let it play while participating in your annual Christmas traditions.

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“The First Noël” by Andy Williams

“The First Noël” references the birth of Jesus and is a staple on many people’s Christmas playlist. There are plenty of versions to choose from, and this one from Andy Williams is a classic. Speaking of classics: here are some great Christmas books everyone should read around the holidays.

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“O Holy Night” by Mariah Carey

Similar to “The First Noël,” there are plenty of versions of “O Holy Night” to choose from. Mariah Carey’s version stands out because of her beautiful and powerful vocals as she sings of the night Jesus was born. After listening to Mariah Carey sing these lovely words, read these Christmas quotes that capture the warmth of the season.

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“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Faith Hill

This Christian Christmas song is believed to be about the shepherds going to Bethlehem to see and worship the birth of Jesus. There are plenty of versions of this song to choose from, but this one by Faith Hill is particularly powerful. Make sure to bookmark these Christian quotes that will inspire you every day.

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“What Child Is This?” by Josh Groban

Groban’s performance of this religious song is sure to give you chills!

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“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Pentatonix

Enjoy this unique performance of a classic religious Christmas song that celebrates the birth of Jesus.

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“Go Tell It on the Mountain” by Sara Evans

Sara Evans puts a lovely country spin on this tune. You can’t help but sing along!

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“Born In Bethlehem” by Third Day

This is another song that celebrates Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Add it to your playlist now and listen with loved ones.

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“It’s Christmas” by Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin’s song about the widespread celebration of Christmas will surely fuel your holiday spirit.

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“Light Of The World” by Lauren Daigle

Sing along with Lauren Daigle as she dazzles you with words of celebration and worship in this song.

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“Hallelujah (Light Has Come)” by BarlowGirl

This religious tune will have you singing with wonder, praise, and gratefulness.

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“Somewhere In Your Silent Night” by Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns creates a lovely song about faith finding you and having hope—two messages that really resonate throughout the holidays.

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“I Wonder As I Wander” by Harry Connick Jr.

You’ll love listening to Harry Connick Jr.’s lovely voice sing about reflection, gratitude, and Jesus.

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“We Three Kings” by Tenth Avenue North ft. Britt Nicole

This Christian Christmas song is soon to become one of your favorites. You may even listen to it outside the Christmas season!

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“Mary’s Boy Child” by Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte’s iconic voice singing about Mary’s boy, Jesus; what more could you want in a Christmas tune?

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“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Danny Gokey

Fair warning: you may have this song on repeat throughout the holidays.

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“Away In a Manger” by Martina McBride

Sing along with country star Martina McBride as she sings about Jesus’ humble beginnings and the faith He brought at birth.

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“Mary Did You Know?” by CeeLo Green

CeeLo Green’s voice is simply incredible in this Christian Christmas song asking Mary if she knew just how special her son was. It’s bound to become one of your holiday favorites!

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Kelly Kuehn
Kelly Kuehn is a former editor for Reader’s Digest who covered entertainment, trivia and history. When she’s not working you can find her watching the latest and greatest movies, listening to a true-crime podcast (or two), blasting ‘90s music and hiking with her dog, Ryker, throughout the Finger Lakes.