December is a month of contrasts: festive celebrations and quiet moments, warm gatherings and cold winter nights. Musicians have captured this spirit with songs that celebrate love, loss, joy, and contemplation. Here’s a curated list of songs about December that you can play throughout the month.
Be sure to check out the Songs About December Playlist at the bottom of this page.
Best Songs About December
1. “A Long December” – Counting Crows
Lyric Sample: “It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last.”
“A Long December” is a folk-rock song about regret and hope as a year ends. Adam Duritz’s weary voice carries the feeling of looking back while still wanting to move forward.
2. “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” – The Four Seasons
Lyric Sample: “Oh, what a night, late December back in ’63.”
This nostalgic hit celebrates a magical December evening full of unforgettable memories. Its infectious rhythm and upbeat tone make it a timeless favorite for the season.
3. “River” – Joni Mitchell
Lyric Sample: “It’s coming on Christmas, they’re cutting down trees.”
Joni Mitchell’s track captures the complexity of the holiday season, with core themes of longing and escape. “River” is considered by many to be one of Mitchell’s best.
4. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
Lyric Sample: “They’re singing Deck the Halls, but it’s not like Christmas at all.”
A powerful ’60s soul track where Darlene Love sings about missing someone during the holidays. The song’s big production and raw vocals capture the mix of joy and loneliness.
Related: Best Christmas Songs
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5. “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Lyric Sample: “So this is Christmas, and what have you done.”
An anthem for peace, this song offers a hopeful and deep message. Its enduring relevance makes it a meaningful addition to any December playlist
Related: Best Vietnam War Songs
6. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
Lyric Sample: “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away.”
“Last Christmas” ties Christmas to the memory of giving trust to the wrong person and dealing with the sting that follows. The upbeat production hides a breakup story, but it still somehow gets us in the holiday mood.
Related: “Last Christmas” Song Meaning
7. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues
Lyric Sample: “It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank.”
A gritty and emotional duet, this track tells a bittersweet tale of love and loss. Its unique perspective on the holidays has made it a beloved December favorite.
Related: “Fairytale of New York” Song Meaning
8. “Winter Wonderland” – Ella Fitzgerald
Lyric Sample: “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening.”
Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of this holiday classic is as timeless as it is charming. Her smooth vocals bring warmth and elegance to this festive tune.
9. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Lyric Sample: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know.”
Bing Crosby’s version of this song is a cornerstone of holiday music. Its nostalgic lyrics and soothing melody capture the essence of December traditions.
Related: Best Songs About Snow
10. “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley
Lyric Sample: “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you.”
“Blue Christmas” is a great song for anyone missing someone during the holidays. Its message and Elvis’ great delivery have made it a December classic.
Related: Songs with the Blue in the Title
11. “December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)” – George Michael
Lyric Sample: “There was always Christmas time, to wipe the year away.”
This is a tender and nostalgic song about the holiday season. It’s a reminder of the comfort and hope that Christmas can bring, even in challenging times.
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12. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Michael Bublé
Lyric Sample: “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”
Michael Bublé’s smooth crooning brings warmth and longing to this holiday staple. It’s perfect for those dreaming of reuniting with loved ones in December.
13. “Merry Christmas Baby” – Otis Redding
Lyric Sample: “Merry Christmas, baby, you sure do treat me nice.”
Otis Redding’s soulful performance makes this track a celebration of love and holiday cheer. It’s a festive classic filled with charm and passion.
14. “Silent Night” – The Temptations
Lyric Sample: “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.”
The Temptations sing this classic carol with smooth harmonies. It’s a holiday song that never gets old.
15. “The First Noel” – Carrie Underwood
Lyric Sample: “The first Noel the angels did say.”
Carrie Underwood’s stunning vocals bring beauty and grace to this timeless carol. Her rendition captures the joy and spirituality of the holiday season.
16. “December” – Norah Jones
Lyric Sample: “December, come to me, I hope I can see you smiling.”
This song is a ballad with simple piano and Norah Jones’ warm vocals. The lyrics focus on memories and hopes during the winter season.
17. “Hard Candy Christmas” – Dolly Parton
Lyric Sample: “Lord, it’s like a hard candy Christmas, I’m barely getting through tomorrow.”
Dolly Parton’s bittersweet song of resilience and hope during tough times. The song is about the challenges of moving forward while holding onto optimism.
18. “December” – Collective Soul
Lyric Sample: “Don’t scream about, don’t think aloud.”
This rock classic captures the cool and contemplative mood of December. Its powerful instrumentals and thought-provoking lyrics make it a standout track.
19. “My December” – Linkin Park
Lyric Sample: “This is my December, this is my time of the year.”
“My December” explores feelings of solitude and loss. Its mood fits well with the reflective nights of December.
20. “Last December” – Good Charlotte
Lyric Sample: “All the words we didn’t say, all the time that slipped away.”
Good Charlotte’s “Last December” is a track about loss, regret, and cherished memories. The lyrics explore themes of friendship and the fleeting nature of life.
21. “Back to December” – Taylor Swift
Lyric Sample: “Maybe this is wishful thinkin’, probably mindless dreamin’.”
“Back to December” is an apology to a past love, where Taylor Swift reflects on regrets and lost chances. The gentle melody matches the regretful tone in the lyrics.
22. “Something About December” – Christina Perri
Lyric Sample: “Lights around the tree, mama’s whistling takes me back again.”
Christina Perri’s emotional ballad captures the warmth and love of the holiday season. Its sentimental lyrics and soft melody bring out the comforting feeling of December.
23. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Judy Garland
Lyric Sample: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light.”
Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is one of the most iconic versions of this beloved classic. With her tender, emotional delivery, Garland brings warmth and nostalgia to the holiday season.
Related: Best Classic Christmas Songs
Conclusion
Songs about December capture a wide range of emotions, from festive joy to quiet moments of thought. Whether you’re embracing the holiday spirit, remembering lost moments, or simply appreciating the passage of time, these songs perfectly match the mood of the season.
Check out more of our Songs About the Months of the Year lists!
