7 Days of Christmas Jazz Music

There are many traditions during the Christmas season that bring the holiday to life: lights and decorations sprinkled around your community, gift wrap and candies piled high in your local store, and, of course, your favorite holiday jazz music. With so many wonderful Christmas songs to choose from by multiple famous jazz players, where should you even begin? Here are some of our favorites to get you started this season.

#7: It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Featured on their 2019 album Christmas in the Dog House, The Bill Cunliffe Trio takes this holiday classic to new heights with a swinging instrumental arrangement. And who can go the entire month of December without hearing Andy Williams’ 1963 version from The Andy Williams Christmas Album? 

#6: Frosty The Snowman

One of the winter season’s most beloved characters, Frosty the Snowman truly comes to life in Ella Fitzgerald’s version from her album Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas. “Who’s debonair with the tall silk hat? Muffler of wool and a tummy that’s fat?” (hint: his name is in the title)

#5: What Child Is This?

While Josh Groban’s interpretation might be the best known today, there are some jazz arrangements that should also be added to your playlist. The soothing Night is Alive All-Stars adaptation from Night is Alive’s First Christmas and Vanessa Williams’ crooning rendition from her album Star Bright will leave a lasting impression this holiday season and surely remain part of your playlist for Christmases yet to come.

#4: Here Comes Santa Claus

It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without the spirit of Santa Claus to spread joy and cheer around the world! Add this 1949 classic by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters to your playlist while wrapping presents for your family.

#3: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

This Christmas carol first appeared in 1739 in the collection “Hymns and Sacred Poems” and was intended to become a classic Christmas hymn. The Bill Cunliffe Trio’s jazz arrangement on their new album Christmas in the Dog House maintains the melody’s splendor while guiding it effortlessly into the 21st century.

#2: I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Originally recorded by Bing Crosby in 1943, this tune is easily one of America’s most popular holiday songs. Not in the mood for a slow ballad? Vocalist Christie Dushiell and the Night is Alive All-Stars present a more upbeat arrangement in their new album Night is Alive’s First Christmas.

#1: Linus and Lucy

A timeless classic from the heartwarming movie A Charlie Brown Christmas, this upbeat instrumental tune can also be heard on the radio and in department stores during the holiday season. If you are looking for a fresh take on the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s esteemed arrangement, Grammy award-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe’s adaptation on new album Christmas in the Dog House will not disappoint.

There are countless other notable Christmas jazz tunes you should add to your playlist to this Christmas, but there are a few to help you scratch the surface. Merry Christmas and Happy Listening!