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.”
Counting Crows’ heartfelt track is about change, hope, and the passage of time. Its bittersweet lyrics resonate during the emotional days of December.
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 poignant track captures the complexity of the holiday season. Its wistful lyrics and haunting melody convey themes of longing and escape.
4. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
Lyric Sample: “They’re singing Deck the Halls, but it’s not like Christmas at all.”
This soulful classic expresses the longing for a loved one’s return during the holidays. Its powerful delivery and heartfelt lyrics have made it a seasonal staple.
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.
6. “Last Christmas” – Wham!
Lyric Sample: “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away.”
This iconic pop hit combines heartbreak with festive cheer. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it an essential part of the holiday music canon.
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.
10. “Blue Christmas” – Elvis Presley
Lyric Sample: “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you.”
Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” is a heartfelt anthem for anyone missing someone during the holidays. Its soulful delivery has 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 heartfelt reminder of the comfort and hope that Christmas can bring, even in challenging times.
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’ rendition of this sacred carol is both soulful and reverent. Their harmonies elevate the song to a powerful and moving December anthem.
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.”
Norah Jones delivers a tender and introspective ballad in “December.” The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke the quiet beauty of the 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 anthem of resilience and hope during tough times. With its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody, 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.”
Linkin Park’s emotional track explores themes of solitude and introspection. Its haunting lyrics and melody make it a poignant choice for December nights.
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 heartfelt lyrics explore themes of friendship and the fleeting nature of life, paired with a powerful melody that amplifies its emotional weight.
21. “Back to December” – Taylor Swift
Lyric Sample: “Maybe this is wishful thinkin’, probably mindless dreamin’.”
Taylor Swift’s “Back to December” is a tender apology wrapped in a beautiful melody. The song’s heartfelt lyrics make it a moving addition to December’s music canon.
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 evoke 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.
The Unique Mood of December in Song
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.
If you want more songs that reference the different months of the year, check out the Best Songs with Months in the Title.