Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, fantastic music! While solemn carols have their place, sometimes you need to inject some serious energy into your holiday festivities. If you’re on the hunt for Upbeat Christmas Songs to get you moving and grooving, you’ve come to the right place. Forget the slow and sentimental – we’re diving into a world of happy, peppy, and energetic Christmas tunes that will rock your holiday season.
This curated playlist is packed with upbeat Christmas songs, drawing inspiration from a vibrant online community seeking the same high-energy holiday vibe. We’ve sifted through a treasure trove of recommendations to bring you a definitive list that spans genres and generations, guaranteeing to lift your spirits and get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re hosting a festive bash, decorating the tree, or just need a boost of holiday cheer, these tracks are your perfect soundtrack.
Funky and Soulful Christmas Beats
Inject some funk into your festive season with these soulful and upbeat Christmas songs. Guaranteed to get you and your guests on the dance floor, these tracks bring a vibrant energy to classic holiday themes.
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James Brown – “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto”: The Godfather of Soul delivers a Christmas track with his signature funky rhythm. This song is pure energy, blending Christmas cheer with a powerful groove that’s impossible to resist.
Alt text: James Brown performing live in a vibrant red suit, embodying the energetic spirit of funky Christmas music.
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Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – “White Christmas”: This rendition transforms the classic “White Christmas” into a soul explosion. Sharon Jones’s powerful vocals combined with the Dap-Kings’ infectious rhythm section make this a truly upbeat Christmas song.
Alt text: Album cover of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings “It’s a Holiday Soul Party”, showcasing a retro soul aesthetic perfect for upbeat Christmas playlists.
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Carla Thomas – “Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas”: A vintage gem from the Queen of Soul, this track is pure, unadulterated Christmas joy. Its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics capture the excitement of the holiday season with a classic soul sound.
Big Band and Jazz Infused Christmas
For a sophisticated yet upbeat Christmas atmosphere, look no further than big band and jazz interpretations of holiday classics. These songs bring a swingin’ energy that’s perfect for festive gatherings.
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Benny Goodman – “Jingle Bells”: Take a classic Christmas carol and infuse it with the infectious energy of Benny Goodman’s swing orchestra, and you get a truly upbeat Christmas song. This version of “Jingle Bells” is guaranteed to get your toes tapping.
Alt text: Black and white photo of the Benny Goodman orchestra performing energetically on stage, capturing the big band sound of upbeat Christmas jazz.
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Duke Ellington – “Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy)”: Duke Ellington’s jazz reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite is a masterclass in upbeat Christmas arrangements. “Sugar Rum Cherry” is a particularly energetic and playful take on a classic theme.
Alt text: Duke Ellington playing piano with focused energy, highlighting the jazz influence on upbeat Christmas music.
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Harry Connick Jr. – “It Must’ve Been Ol’ Santa Claus”: Harry Connick Jr. brings his signature New Orleans jazz flair to Christmas music. “It Must’ve Been Ol’ Santa Claus” is a swinging, upbeat Christmas song with a playful, narrative style.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (and Beyond!)
If you want to turn up the volume this Christmas, these rock and roll-infused upbeat Christmas songs are your perfect choice. From classic rock to punk and metal twists, these tracks bring a high-energy edge to your holiday playlist.
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Twisted Sister – “O Come All Ye Faithful”: Twisted Sister puts a heavy metal spin on the traditional carol “O Come All Ye Faithful,” transforming it into an unexpected upbeat Christmas song perfect for those who like their holidays loud.
Alt text: Twisted Sister performing on stage with high energy, embodying the rock and roll spirit of upbeat Christmas covers.
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The Kinks – “Father Christmas”: This is a rock anthem with a Christmas message. “Father Christmas” by The Kinks is an upbeat Christmas song that blends social commentary with a driving rock rhythm, making it both thought-provoking and energetic.
Alt text: The Kinks in a black and white promotional photo, representing the classic rock era of upbeat and energetic Christmas songs.
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Run-DMC – “Christmas in Hollis”: A groundbreaking track that brought hip-hop to the Christmas playlist, “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC is undeniably upbeat. Its iconic beat and festive lyrics make it a timeless holiday party anthem.
Alt text: Run-DMC performing with their signature style, symbolizing the hip-hop energy in upbeat Christmas music.
Pop and Dance Christmas Anthems
For mainstream appeal and guaranteed sing-alongs, these pop and dance upbeat Christmas songs are essential. Perfect for family gatherings and parties, these tracks are universally loved and bring pure, unadulterated festive fun.
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Mariah Carey – “All I Want For Christmas Is You”: An undisputed queen of Christmas pop, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the epitome of an upbeat Christmas song. Its infectious melody and joyous vocals make it a holiday staple that gets everyone singing along.
Alt text: Mariah Carey in a festive red dress, embodying the pop icon status associated with upbeat Christmas anthems.
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Wham! – “Last Christmas” (Upbeat Covers): While the original might have a hint of melancholy, many covers of “Last Christmas” transform it into a decidedly upbeat Christmas song. Search for versions that amp up the tempo and instrumentation for a more energetic take.
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Boney M. – “Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord”: This medley by Boney M. blends Caribbean rhythms with Christmas themes, creating a uniquely upbeat Christmas song. Its disco-infused energy is perfect for getting everyone in a party mood.
Quirky and Unique Upbeat Christmas Finds
Looking for something a little different? These quirky and unique upbeat Christmas songs offer a fresh and fun take on holiday music, perfect for adding personality to your playlist.
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Bob Dylan – “Must Be Santa”: Bob Dylan’s foray into Christmas music is as quirky and unique as you’d expect. “Must Be Santa” is a polka-infused, sing-along upbeat Christmas song with a chaotic and fun energy.
Alt text: Bob Dylan performing with lively expressions, representing the quirky and unique style of upbeat Christmas songs.
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Relient K – “12 Days of Christmas”: Relient K puts a pop-punk spin on “The 12 Days of Christmas,” turning it into a fast-paced, humorous, and undeniably upbeat Christmas song. Its playful lyrics and energetic delivery make it a standout track.
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Squirrel Nut Zippers – “Santa Claus is Smoking Reefer”: For a vintage swing vibe with a humorous twist, Squirrel Nut Zippers’ “Santa Claus is Smoking Reefer” is an unexpected upbeat Christmas song. Its retro sound and tongue-in-cheek lyrics make it a memorable addition to any playlist.
Get Your Festive Groove On!
This playlist is just the beginning of your journey into the world of upbeat Christmas songs. Explore these artists and songs further, and you’re sure to discover even more hidden gems that will bring energy and joy to your holiday season. Create your own ultimate upbeat Christmas songs playlist and get ready to rock around the Christmas tree!
