40 Holiday Love Songs That Will Have You Searching For the Nearest Mistletoe

By Tara Block

Updated on 12/7/2022 at 10:45 AM

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Mariah Carey sings during a pre-tape performance for NBC's Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center on November 27, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/FilmMagic)
Getty | James Devaney
Getty | James Devaney

While it's true that the month of December may be known for holiday decorations, thoughtful gift ideas, snowman pajamas, and winter cocktail recipes, none of the above matters without some holiday-themed music. Because the truth is, the holidays aren't really the holidays without the romantic songs we've all come to know and love.

Whether you're into the '90s romantic hits like Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and "I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas" by *NSYNC, the classics by Tony Bennett and The Ronettes, or the new pop and country hits by Kacey Musgraves, John Legend, and Meghan Trainor, it's likely you have some favorites.

But if you need help curating the perfect playlist for all your holiday festivities this month, don't worry. Whether you are in charge of DJing your couples' Secret Santa party or want something to play in the car on your way to the in-laws', we've got you covered. Below, enjoy the 40 best Christmas love songs that will definitely have you looking for the nearest mistletoe.

(That said, if you want a more general holiday playlist because you're in your "I hate love" feels or healing era, you can check out this list of the 75 best Christmas songs of all time or this list of the best Christmas pop songs.)

  1. "All I Want For Christmas Is You," Mariah Carey
  2. "Santa Baby," Eartha Kitt
  3. "Last Christmas," Wham!
  4. "My Only Wish (This Year)," Britney Spears
  5. "I Never Knew the Meaning of Christmas," *NSYNC
  6. "Please Come Home For Christmas," Kelly Clarkson
  7. "I Want to Come Home For Christmas," Marvin Gaye
  8. "Fa La La," Justin Bieber and Boyz II Men
  9. "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," The Ronettes
  10. "Winter Wonderland," Tony Bennett
  11. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Frank Sinatra
  12. "This Gift," 98 Degrees
  13. "Mistletoe," Justin Bieber
  14. "You're Not Alone," Boyz II Men
  15. "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," Neil Diamond
  16. "Snowflakes of Love," Toni Braxton
  17. "Wrapped in Red," Kelly Clarkson
  18. "In Love on Christmas," *NSYNC
  19. "Love Is Christmas," Sara Bareilles
  20. "Christmas Through Your Eyes," Gloria Estefan
  21. "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," Dean Martin
  22. "Merry Christmas Darling," The Carpenters
  23. "Christmas Eve," Céline Dion
  24. "Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love You," Billy Squier
  25. "This Christmas," Mary J. Blige
  26. "Christmas Without You," OneRepublic
  27. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," Stevie Wonder
  28. "Miss You Most (at Christmas Time)," Mariah Carey
  29. "Baby It's Cold Outside," John Legend Feat. Kelly Clarkson
  30. "Present Without a Bow," Kacey Musgraves Feat. Leon Bridges
  31. "Santa Tell Me," Ariana Grande
  32. "Naughty List," Liam Payne Feat. Dixie
  33. "Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas," Dolly Parton Feat. Michael Bublé
  34. "Holidays," Meghan Trainor Feat. Earth, Wind & Fire
  35. "Christmas Without You," Ava Max
  36. "Kissin' in the Cold," JP Saxe Feat. Julia Michaels
  37. "Heaven & Earth," Leslie Odom Jr.
  38. "Merry Christmas Baby," Otis Redding
  39. "Sleigh Ride," The Ronettes
  40. "Mr. Christmas," Brett Eldredge

To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app:

— Additional reporting by Lisette Mejia and Taylor Andrews