Creating a Perfect Christmas Playlist

Christmas music has a way of bringing warmth and togetherness, turning car rides into singalongs and calming even the busiest gatherings. A playlist everyone enjoys isn’t easy, but here’s our take on keeping both the peace and the festive spirit alive.

General Tips

• The Flow - a perfect playlist isn’t just about what you include, it’s about when you include it.Think of the playlist as a journey
• Length - Long enough to forget it’s there, the best compliment a Christmas playlist can receive is that no one asks to change it. Aim for 1-2 hours
• Build and test it together - If you’re really struggling, get some friends and family involved, build a Shaker group and start building your playlist collaboratively

1. The Foundation: Timeless Classics

Every great Christmas playlist starts with tradition. These timeless classics are the musical equivalent of the tree and the decorations, familiar, comforting and instantly festive. They anchor the playlist in the season and give everyone that unmistakable “it’s Christmas” feeling.

Examples:

• Bing Crosby - White Christmas
• Wham! - Last Christmas
• Frank Sinatra - Santa Claus is Coming to Town
   

2. The Crowd-Pleasers: Feel-Good Festive Pop

Once the classics have set the tone, festive pop songs help lift the energy. Upbeat and joyful, they bring a sense of fun that’s perfect for cooking, decorating, or post-dinner lounging. The key is moderation, just enough to add sparkle without overpowering the room.

Examples:

• Mariah Carey - All I want for Christmas
• Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me
• Sam Smith - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

3. The Bridge: Songs That Cross Generations

Some Christmas songs seem to belong to everyone, crossing generations with ease. Whether they’re older tracks that have stood the test of time or newer songs with a classic feel, these are the songs that get everyone humming along at once.

Why they matter:

• Michael Bublé - White Christmas
• Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
• Chris Rea - Driving Home for Christmas
   

4. The Wild Cards: Personal & Unexpected Choices

This is where the playlist becomes truly yours. A few unexpected tracks, perhaps from a film you watch together every year or the song that always plays while presents are opened. These tracks add personality and shared meaning, quirky, sentimental, or slightly unconventional, these are the songs that turn a good playlist into your playlist.

Examples:

• Muppet Christmas Carol - Thankful Heart
• Danny Elfman - What's This? (from The Nightmare Before Christmas)
   

In the End, It’s About Togetherness

The perfect Christmas playlist isn’t about musical perfection. It’s about creating a shared soundtrack for moments that matter. The “perfect” playlist is full of music that brings everyone into the same room, and keeps them there.

“What’s your must-have song for the perfect Christmas playlist?”