Tired of the same old holiday tunes? Are “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night” starting to sound like a broken record? This year, ditch the predictable and crank up the comedy with some Funny Christmas Songs! After navigating another year of, well, life, a dose of laughter is exactly what your holiday season needs.
For decades, comedians and musicians have been brilliantly lampooning the festive season – from Santa’s stress to family squabbles and all the absurdities in between. Forget sugar-plum fairies; we’re diving headfirst into yuletide yuks! Get ready to deck the halls with hilarity as we present 15 of the funniest Christmas songs to add to your playlist. Prepare for some serious ho-ho-hos!
1. “The 12 Pains of Christmas” – Bob Rivers
Often hailed as one of the funniest Christmas songs ever created, Bob Rivers’ 1997 masterpiece, “The 12 Pains of Christmas,” remains criminally underrated. This comedic gem perfectly captures the relatable frustrations of the holiday season. From battling tangled Christmas lights and burnt-out bulbs to enduring awkward family gatherings, Rivers turns festive annoyances into comedic gold. With its witty lyrics and spot-on delivery, this song is guaranteed to be a quotable highlight at any holiday gathering and a true testament to funny christmas songs.
2. “Santa’s Lament” – Father Guido Sarducci
Even Santa Claus experiences holiday stress! Father Guido Sarducci, the comedic persona of Don Novello, offers a hilarious glimpse into Santa’s seasonal woes with “Santa’s Lament.” This quirky track injects some much-needed silliness into your Christmas playlist, reminding us that even the jolliest of figures can feel overwhelmed by the demands of December. Just remember Sarducci’s advice: hold the Jell-O under the Christmas tree this year! This song is a lighter, more absurd take on funny christmas songs.
3. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” – Elmo & Patsy
A cautionary tale wrapped in a catchy tune, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by the duo Elmo & Patsy is a beloved holiday staple with a darkly comedic twist. This song serves as a hilarious warning to anyone who might overindulge in eggnog during the festive season. Originally released in 1979, it has since spawned a cartoon and TV series, solidifying its place in the pantheon of funny Christmas songs. Interestingly, songwriter Randall Brooks drew inspiration from a surprisingly un-funny true story, proving that sometimes truth is stranger – and funnier – than fiction.
4. “Dominick the Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey)” – Lou Monte
“Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte might not be side-splittingly funny in its lyrics alone, but its comedic value lies in its infectious absurdity and audience participation. This novelty song, celebrating an Italian Christmas donkey, becomes truly hilarious when you witness everyone around you enthusiastically breaking out into “hee-haw” mule sounds whenever it plays. It’s a guaranteed way to inject some lighthearted, interactive fun into any gathering and a unique addition to the genre of funny christmas songs.
5. “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” – Melissa Lynn
For any child who’s experienced the gap-toothed grin of lost baby teeth during the holiday season, Melissa Lynn’s “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” is instantly relatable and undeniably charming. Even for adults with a full set of pearly whites, the song’s cheerful lisping and innocent plea for dental restoration during Christmas is pure comedic delight. This classic captures the simple, often humorous, desires of childhood Christmases and remains a lighthearted example of funny christmas songs.
6. “The Chanukah Song” – Adam Sandler
Arguably the most famous Hanukkah song that isn’t about dreidels, Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song” is a comedic masterpiece that transcends religious boundaries. Debuted on SNL in 1994, this song has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its inclusive humor and catchy tune. Even the cool Haim sisters recently put their spin on this funny holiday song as part of their “Haimukkah” celebrations, proving its enduring appeal and cross-generational humor.
7. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – Gayla Peevey
Gayla Peevey’s novelty hit, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” perfectly encapsulates the sometimes outlandish Christmas wish lists of children. The song’s humor stems from the sheer absurdity of a child requesting a hippopotamus for Christmas, sparking the question: why a hippo? Beyond the ridiculous request, Peevey’s impressive vocal delivery and clever rhyming (fitting in “rhinoceroses,” no less!) make this song a consistently entertaining and funny Christmas song year after year.
8. “Christmas Infiltration” – Community
While Community‘s “Baby Boomer Santa” is a popular choice, the Troy and Abed rap, “Christmas Infiltration,” offers a unique brand of funny holiday music from the beloved sitcom. In this hilarious track, Abed convinces Troy, a Jehovah’s Witness, to “celebrate” Christmas, leading to a rap battle filled with witty lines and pop culture references. Featuring bars worthy of Childish Gambino (Donald Glover’s musical persona), this song is a must-add for fans of the show and anyone seeking a dose of clever, contemporary Christmas comedy. Get ready to make this December the December of your December!
9. “Very First Christmas” – Spongebob Squarepants
Dive into an undersea Christmas with the adorably funny Christmas song “Very First Christmas” from Spongebob Squarepants. The song’s humor is amplified by the antics of Spongebob and Patrick as they playfully bother Squidward. However, the true comedic highlights are the bizarre “la la la” musical interlude and Mr. Krabs’ surprisingly high-pitched vocal performance. This track is a perfect blend of cartoonish chaos and holiday cheer, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
10. “Ringing of the Bells” – The Muppets
No list of funny Christmas songs is complete without The Muppets! “Ringing of the Bells” showcases the chaotic comedic brilliance of Beaker, the Swedish Chef, and Animal. This carol is pure visual and auditory humor, relying on the Muppets’ signature slapstick and nonsensical sounds rather than complex lyrics. Watching Animal hilariously attempt to master his “ding dong” bit is guaranteed to elicit laughs from audiences of all ages.
11. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” – Dr. Seuss
Did you know the iconic “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” was penned by Dr. Seuss himself? Composed by Albert Hague and brought to life with the booming vocals of Thurl Ravenscroft, this classic holiday tune is a masterclass in humorous character assassination. The song’s witty insults and vivid descriptions of the Grinch’s unpleasantness are both comical and captivating. Tyler, the Creator even put his unique spin on this funny Christmas song with a cover for the animated movie The Grinch, further cementing its legacy as a source of holiday humor.
12. “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” – The Killers & Ryan Pardey
For those with a taste for warped, dark humor, “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” by The Killers and Ryan Pardey offers a delightfully twisted take on funny christmas songs. Released in 2007, this song tells the story of a delinquent child facing a rather unorthodox Christmas Eve judgment from Santa Claus himself. While the song’s themes are undeniably naughty, The Killers’ intentions were nice: proceeds from “Don’t Shoot Me Santa” were donated to AIDS charities through Bono’s Red Campaign.
13. “Give the Jew Girl Toys” – Sarah Silverman
Looking for another funny Hanukkah song beyond Adam Sandler’s classic? Sarah Silverman’s “Give the Jew Girl Toys” is a hilariously irreverent option from her 2006 album Jesus Is Magic. Known for her boundary-pushing comedy, Silverman delivers sharp wit and controversial humor in this track. The standout lyric, “You have a list, well Schindler did too / Liam Neison played him, Tim Allen played you,” exemplifies her comedic style. Bonus points for the music video featuring Zach Galifianakis as a rather unconventional Santa!
14. “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” – Alvin and the Chipmunks
“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” by Alvin and the Chipmunks is a family-friendly classic that’s been making listeners giggle for over 60 years. This undeniably silly jingle is guaranteed to inspire impersonations of the chipmunks’ iconic high-pitched voices. The song’s simple wish for a hula hoop from Santa and the chipmunks’ frantic energy makes it a timelessly funny Christmas song for generations.
15. “Reggie Watts’ Holiday Song” – The Late Late Show with James Corden
Closing out our list is the all-inclusive and brilliantly absurd “Reggie Watts’ Holiday Song” from The Late Late Show with James Corden. Performed during Harry Styles’ guest hosting stint in 2017, this song is a masterclass in improvisational comedy and vocal talent. Reggie Watts’ hilarious lyrics encompass a wide range of year-end celebrations, culminating in the unforgettable “Kwanzaahanu-chanukkahramadanchanukwanzaaka” and a “Harry Styles Christmas.” Just remember Reggie’s sage advice: don’t eat too much chocolate (constipation!). This is a truly unique and funny holiday song to round out your playlist.
READ NEXT: Top 10 Lesser-Known Christmas Songs, Top 10 Holiday Songs of The 2010s
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Article Image: A joyful family with their dog laughing at a laptop in a festively decorated home. (HayDmitry via DepositPhotos.)
