Courtesy of Freepik
Synopsis: Holiday classics bring nostalgia, but it’s the new takes — the unexpected, the joyous, the soulful — that swing playlists each year. This ranked list covers the 20 Best covers of Christmas Songs in the 21st century, from pop and R&B reinterpretations to a cappella wonders and big-band sparkle. Each entry shows how modern artists have reshaped familiar tunes, adding personality and seasonal magic.
Christmas music has a funny way of pulling us back into old memories while making room for new ones. Every year, familiar melodies float back into our lives, but it’s the modern covers that often steal the spotlight. They come dressed in fresh rhythms, bold voices, and tiny surprises that make a classic feel newly unwrapped.
Some artists lean into glittery pop, others drift toward bluesy warmth, and a few push the limits with unexpected twists — a rap verse here, a rock riff there, even a full a cappella whirlwind. These reinterpretations show how holiday music keeps evolving without losing its heart. It’s the same story we’ve heard for generations, just told with new colors and new breath.
This list gathers the standout covers that shaped the 21st century — the ones that carried tradition forward while giving it a playful nudge. Each song here adds its own spark, keeping the season bright, cozy, and endlessly replayable.
Table of Contents
20. Justin Bieber, “Drummer Boy” feat. Busta Rhymes
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: Under the Mistletoe
- Year: 2011
- Original Artist: The Trapp Family
This playful cover blends hip-hop swagger and pop energy with a classic carol that traditionally tells of a humble drummer. Bieber and Busta Rhymes turn it into a rhythmic seasonal jam — unusual, bold, and memorable.
19. Twisted Sister, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: A Twisted Christmas
- Year: 2006
- Original Artist: Traditional carol
Heavy metal meets Christmas cheer in this gritty take on a timeless hymn. The band roars through the melody with electric guitars and bold vocals that make the carol feel like holiday rock theatre.
18. She & Him, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Courtesy of Music – Bandcamp
- Album: A Very She & Him Christmas
- Year: 2011
- Original Artists: Frank Loesser & Lynn Garland
This sassy, homespun duet puts a folky twist on a back-and-forth classic, pairing soft vocals with gentle acoustic charm that feels cozy and intimate.
17. Faith Hill, “Holly Jolly Christmas”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: Joy to the World
- Year: 2008
- Original Artist: The Quinto Sisters (made famous by Burl Ives)
Country warmth meets holiday spirit as Hill’s smooth voice wraps around the festive lyrics, making this cover a comforting seasonal staple.
16. Destiny’s Child, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: 8 Days of Christmas
- Year: 2001
- Original Artist: Gene Autry
This R&B take on the reindeer’s story gives the tale slick harmonies and a modern groove, turning a playful tune into a soulful holiday jam.
15. Glee Cast, “Last Christmas”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: Glee: The Music – The Christmas Album
- Year: 2010
- Original Artist: Wham!
A bittersweet and emotive version tied to the characters on the show, this rendition adds theatrical drama and vocal richness to the beloved ‘80s favorite.
14. Alicia Keys, “Christmas Time Is Here”
Courtesy of Vevo
- Album: Santa Baby
- Year: 2022
- Original Artist: Vince Guaraldi
Keys turns this gentle classic into a sultry, slow-burn jazz moment — piano and voice wrapped in twilight warmth that feels like a cool evening by the fire.
13. Kylie Minogue, “Santa Baby”
Courtesy of SoundCloud
- Album: Kylie Christmas
- Year: 2015
- Original Artist: Eartha Kitt
Playful and glam, Minogue brings bright pop flair and sparkle to this coquettish holiday number, turning it into a cheerful seasonal treat.
12. Olivia Olson, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Courtesy of Olivia Olson
- Album: Love Actually Soundtrack
- Year: 2003
- Original Artist: Mariah Carey
At just 10 years old, Olson delivers a tender, sweet take on one of the most modern holiday classics, capturing youthful charm and earnest cheer.
11. Kacey Musgraves, “Christmas Don’t Be Late”
Courtesy of Apple Music
- Album: A Very Kacey Christmas
- Year: 2016
- Original Artist: Alvin and the Chipmunks
This whimsical country cover adds twang and fiddle to the theme of seasonal impatience, giving the quirky favorite a cozy, back-porch vibe.
10. Kelly Clarkson, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: Wrapped in Red
- Year: 2013
- Original Artist: Judy Garland
Clarkson’s powerful vocals bring fresh heart and emotional depth to this classic, starting soft and swelling into a rich celebration of holiday sentiment.
9. Josh Groban, “O Holy Night”
Courtesy of SoundCloud
- Album: Noël
- Year: 2007
- Original Artist: Traditional carol
With his signature baritone and soaring delivery, this rendition turns sacred reverence into grand musical warmth, perfect for quiet moments and holiday mass alike.
8. Pentatonix, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
Courtesy of SoundCloud
- Album: A Pentatonix Christmas
- Year: 2017
- Original Artist: Traditional carol
A cappella brilliance takes this ancient tune and gives it rhythmic life — voices weaving and pulsing like bells in a winter breeze.
7. Lea Michele feat. Cynthia Erivo, “Angels We Have Heard on High”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: Christmas in the City
- Year: 2019
- Original Artist: Traditional carol
When two strong voices blend on a carol known for its joyful refrain, the result is lush, bright, and uplifting — a harmonious holiday highlight.
6. Sufjan Stevens, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Courtesy of Sufjan Stevens
- Album: Songs for Christmas
- Year: 2006
- Original Artist: Traditional hymn
Stevens strips this hymnal classic to a simple, tender arrangement that feels like a whispered wish on a cold December night.
5. Michael Bublé, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
Courtesy of Michael Bublé
Album: Christmas
Year: 2011
Original Artist: Perry Como
Bublé’s croon makes this tune feel like a warm stroll through twinkling lights — classic yet modern, with a voice perfectly suited for the season.
4. Jason & Travis Kelce with The Philly Specials, “Fairytale of Philadelphia”
Courtesy of Apple Music
- Album: A Philly Special Christmas Special
- Year: 2023
- Original Artist: The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
A raucous, heartfelt reinterpretation from unlikely collaborators — football stars injecting this beloved song with playful grit and big-hearted fun.
3. John Legend, “Silver Bells”
Courtesy of Spotify
- Album: A Legendary Christmas
- Year: 2018
- Original Artists: Bob Hope & Marilyn Maxwell
Legend’s smooth, big-band spin makes bells feel alive — jazzy, elegant, and brimming with festive glow. Topping many critic lists, it’s pure modern holiday sophistication.
2. Ariana Grande, “Santa Tell Me” (Acoustic Holiday Version)
Courtesy of Instagram
- Album: Christmas Kisses (Reissue Edition)
- Year: 2014
- Original Artist: Ariana Grande (reimagined acoustic cover of her own holiday hit)
Ariana’s acoustic take smooths out the pop shine and brings a soft, hand-crafted warmth to the song. With light guitar and gentle vocals, it feels like a quiet holiday moment by the tree. Playful, tender, and easy to replay, this version has become a cozy favorite for winter nights.
1. Kelly Clarkson, “Silent Night” feat. Reba McEntire & Trisha Yearwood
Courtesy of Rolling Stone
- Album: Wrapped in Red
- Year: 2013
- Original Artist: Traditional (Published 1816)
This trio version brings a rich, glowing harmony to the timeless carol. Kelly leads with steady warmth, while Reba and Trisha layer in smooth, country-style depth. The blend feels calm and candlelit, giving the classic a fresh 21st-century shine without losing its peaceful soul. It’s one of the most praised modern renditions of this beloved hymn.
FAQs
A modern take on classics or reinterpretations released in the 21st century that stand out for creativity, emotion, or popularity.
Yes — these covers were released on albums or soundtracks by established artists.
Some stay close; many reimagine the melody or genre, adding fresh rhythmic or vocal twists.
Most are on major streaming platforms, holiday albums, holiday specials, or seasonal playlists.
They reinvigorate beloved tunes with new emotion, style, and seasonal personality year after year.
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