NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — It's time to turn on some brand new holiday music. The best way to celebrate is to sing along Christmas classic new and old. But don't know where to press play? We've got your back.
In honor of the most wonderful time of year, here are some of the best holiday releases for the 2025 season. So, grab your loved one a cup of eggnog and start listening.
For a cappella lovers, there's no better news than another holiday album. from Pentatonix. The 18-track “Christmas in the City” celebrates the magic of cosmopolitan life during the holidays and showcases the band's vocal athleticism. Listen as they reimagine the songs you know and love, plus introduce some original songs. Start with Snow in Paris, which features R&B-pop star JoJo, and ends with “I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”, a never-before-heard recording Frank Sinatra classic featuring Ol' Blue Eyes himself.
It's hard to believe, but 60 years ago, the Peanuts classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on television and became an almost instant sensation. Part of its charm, of course, comes from jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi's quirky score. To celebrate this grand anniversary, Craft Recordings is re-releasing the soundtrack—the perfect excuse to revisit these favorite songs.
Before the Christmas tour country icon LeAnn Rimes released “Greatest Hits Christmas”. It's exactly what it sounds like: a mix of classics and some of her most famous songs from her past holiday albums. There are also new collaborations like Aloe Blacc on “That Christmas Spirit” and Gavin DeGraw on “Celebrate Me Home.”
Some things make sense together: peanut butter and jelly, coffee and donuts, Brad Paisley and his touring band gathered in Nashville to record a charming Christmas album. “Snow Globe Town” boasts eight originals and eight covers—exactly what the heart desires this holiday season. However, it is the former collection that truly unites; There's real charm to be found in “Lit”, “That Crazy Elf” and the title track.
Country singer Trisha Yearwood the voice sounds like a homecoming; making her the perfect talent for the new holiday collection. “Christmastime” is filled with familiar melodies and perhaps best features “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” a duet with her husband. Garth Brooks. Blast it at your party and there won't be a dry eye in the house.
The world lost a giant in February when Roberta Flack The Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist has died at the age of 88. Perhaps best known for her timeless approach to music. “Killing me tenderly with your song” The Christmas season provides another reason to celebrate her. The new release, “Holidays,” like many others on this list, features originals and covers, as well as a selection of songs from Flack's classic “Christmas Album.” This year it has special meaning.
Country power station Mickey Guyton feels like Christmas, and once you get into these eight tracks, you will too. From her rendition of “Oh Holy Night” to her masterful rendition of “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Disney's Frozen (sorry, parents!) there's a lot to love here.
R&B-band singer Eric Benet's first holiday album, It's Christmas, is full of warmth; Consider it the sonic equivalent of curling up next to a roaring fireplace on a snowy winter evening. Don't believe us? Well, just listening to his version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” or “Oh Holy Night” will make you a believer. Or, better yet, there's “Christmas Morning” featuring Benet's youngest daughters Lucia and Luna. Napkins, you might want to grab a few.
Sometimes a collection is just what you need at a holiday party. Chess Records has the answer. The Chess Records Christmas Album features an impressive collection of veteran talent. The issue features everything from Chuck Berry “Run Rudolph Run” and “Hey Santa Claus” by The Moonglows, “Little Drummer Boy” by Lenox Avenue and “Merry Christmas to You” by The Salem Travelers.
Hunter Hayes is a newer name on the country scene than several of the artists listed here, but that just means he has a new voice to discover. His “Evergreen Christmas Sessions” is a brief introduction – just four covers of holiday standards – but it's a charming romp. Start with “Winter Wonderland” and “Have Yourself a Little Christmas,” and leave “Run Run Rudolph” and “Silent Night.”
