60 Religious Christian Christmas Songs Full of Holiday Spirit

If you’re not familiar with this 1992 tune from Grammy-award winning group Sounds of Blackness, you’ll want to add the funk-filled track to your holiday playlist ASAP.

Featured on Adams’ first Christmas album, “Born This Day” tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Originally released in 2000, the song still deserves its shine every holiday season.

“Glory to the Lamb” has been covered by a number of Christian artists, but Marvin Sapp’s live version proves why he’s so celebrated. The album, which was released in 2003, peaked at the number six spot on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart.

Previously covered by Odetta, Joan Baez & Bob Gibson, and the Staple Singers, “The Virgin Mary Had One Son,” is a well-known Christian song for the holidays. Another song about Jesus and his birth, Josh Garrels’ most recent cover of the track provides an unforgettable and somewhat soulful new spin to the glorious tune.

A song that references Jesus himself, Lauren Daigle’s version of “Light Of The World” is simply beautiful. The song was featured on her second studio album, Behold: A Christmas Collection (2016).

Composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847, the music of “Oh, Holy Night” was originally set to the lyrics of a French poem called “Minuit, chrétiens” (or “Midnight, Christians”). It wasn’t until 1855 that the song was translated into English and first sung with the lyrics we know and love today. Modern takes on the classic hymn include covers sung by the likes of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and — of course — Mariah Carey.

“Come All Ye Faithful” has been pegged to several different writers over the years, though CBN notes that it was likely written by John Francis Wade, who published it in 1760. It remains a Christmas favorite for its upbeat melody and jubilant lyrics, which act as a kind of rallying cry (“Oh come, all ye faithful / Joyful and triumphant…").

Songwriter Phillips Brooks was inspired to write this soothing hymn after traveling to the Holy Land during the 19th century. Upon his return, he wrote it in poem form and asked a church organist to set it to music before requesting that the children’s choir sing it at Christmas. It has remained a children’s classic for decades, reminding us all of the birthplace of Jesus and the hope His arrival brought to the world.

One of the lesser known Christmas hymns, this song dates back to the Middle Ages — 1328, to be exact — and is believed to have been a folk tune. The first version is credited to German mystic Heinrich Seuse, who claimed to have heard angels sing the lyrics before he put it to song.

This spiritual hymn has become a Christmas classic despite the fact that it doesn’t speak of God or even Jesus at all. Instead, it tells of singing angels “playing near the earth to touch their harps of gold” and wishes “peace on the earth, good will to men.” Still, its message of positivity and content has become synonymous with Christmastime, when we all wish for the greatest gift to come in the new year: peace.

Written by the sixth Poet Laureate Nahum Tate in the 1700s and later set to music, this classic hymn was based on Luke 2: 8-14. It talks of the shepherds who — quite literally — looked over their flocks of sheep the night Jesus was born, as “an angel of the Lord came down and glory shone around.”

Also known as "Tidings of Comfort and Joy," this tune is particularly traditional in England, where the carol hails from (probably around the 16th century). But leave it to a cappella group Pentatonix to give it a fresh spin.

The original author of "Go Tell It on The Mountain" remains unknown, but it was popularized by John Wesley Work Jr., the first African-American collector of spirituals. He published the song as part of a collection in 1907.

Originally written in 1862, “Angels We Have Heard On High” is a hymn based on the birth of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Gospel of Luke. Though many Christian performers have delivered their own rendition of the track, Charlotte, North Carolina worship group Elevation Worship’s version puts an updated spin on the timeless track.

This Christian Christmas song is a tear jerker but it's a classic in its own right. Just make sure you have some tissues nearby before listening.

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a relatively new tune, as far as Christmas songs go. Then-married couple Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne Baker wrote it in 1962.

Home Free's take on this tune makes it sound like a totally different song. And you'd never know it from the a cappella group's performance, but the original writers of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" wrote it about their fears of a nuclear missile during the Cold War.

This peaceful song was written in the 1860s by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest who felt inspired by a visit to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Nat King Cole's smooth voice makes this song about Jesus Christ's birthplace one you'll want to listen to on repeat this holiday season.

This contemporary Christian song is the first track on Chris Tomlin's second Christmas album (called "Adore"), which is full of praise and worship songs just like this one.

If you're already hooked on a cappella group Pentatonix's reimagined takes on Christmas songs, you'll be left speechless with this one. Pro tip: They have a Christmas album available and are going on tour this holiday season.

Mariah Carey, the queen of Christmas herself, has plenty of notable hits from her 1994 holiday album. Instead of jamming out to something like "All I Want for Christmas Is You," give this more meaningful song a play.

This all-female musical ensemble fuses traditional Irish song with contemporary notes in an effort to celebrate the colorful history of Ireland. Get into the Christmas spirit with their rendition of this jubilee that welcomes Jesus to life.

Mark Hall of Christian rock band Casting Crowns offers songs of praise for the Prince of Peace in this contemporary hit.

As one of the most renowned groups of choral tradition of all time, King's College Choir of Cambridge leaves their listeners in awe year after year with their live performance of Christmas hymns like "The First Noel."

If you want to listen to a more contemporary version of this classic, try Carrie Underwood's cover — released in 2007 as part of a special-edition version of her album "Carnival Ride."

Grab the tissues. Though Susan Boyle brings the wow factor almost every time she sings, the Britain's Got Talent Star's live performance of the hymn "Away in a Manger" is nothing short of magical.

Though the song is a classic, Kirk Franklin’s updated rendition of “We Three Kings” feels new. The song is based on the Biblical Magi — also known as the Three Wise Men — from Matthew 2:11 and was written by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857.

After being struck with a severe illness in 1865, insurance manager William Chatterton Dix had a spiritual revelation that compelled him to write several hymns, including "What Child Is This." Though this hymn is beautifully performed by church choirs all over the world, many are fans of Brad Paisley's version with country undertones.

Worship leader, songwriter, and pastor at Bethel Church, Jeremy Riddle, offers a contemporary live performance of "Joy to the World," a hymn that celebrates the coming of Jesus to Earth. The lyrics of this song, which is based on a psalm, were originally written by a minister named Isaac Watts.

Classically trained vocalist Peter Hollens hits every note in his rendition of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," a holiday song that'll surely get you in the right spirit for Christmas Day.

Not a traditionalist? Try this more modern take by Pentatonix. While the a cappella group's version sounds decidedly trendy, the song is anything but new — the translation actually stems from an ancient 9th century Latin hymn.

"Ave Maria" is the ultimate tribute to Mary of Nazareth, Mother of Jesus. What better vocalist to offer this musical form of praise than the internationally renowned Italian singer songwriter?

We spoke too soon: Michael Bublé might compete with best cover of this holiday song. The melody of "Ave Maria" was composed by Franz Schubert, but apparently the lyrics were only added when other artists (way before Michael!) recorded with it. The title is actually Latin for "Hail, Mary."

Another accolade to Mother Mary, "Mary Did You Know" sounds fresh and modern when performed a cappella. Thank you for sharing this composition with the world, Pentatonix.

Most people know this song as "O Come All Ye Faithful" rather than "Adeste Fideles," but the latter is the Latin name it was originally written as. This version's performed by none other than Canadian singer Celine Dion.

Christian music group Anthem Lights sings this moving mashup of "We Three Kings" (which was written in 1857) and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (one of the oldest Christmas carols on record, dating back to around the 16th century).

"Silent Night" was performed for the first time ever on Christmas Eve in 1818 — after that night, it became a Christmas carol staple that's been covered by plenty of artists, including the magical voice of Josh Groban.

Chris Tomlin does it again with his version of this Christmas classic. The Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader will have you out of your seat singing along to the lyrics — and maybe even dancing — with the family.

The album of the same name is the third release by Christian contemporary group Hillsong Worship. The instrumental banjo and catchy chorus make this tune a certified bop, while still weaving in historical facts to educate kids listening about the events of Jesus Christ's birth.

Grammy award-winner Matt Redman has released 16 albums as well as written eight books and help start three church locations. The English Christian singer-songwriter may just become a favorite in your household thanks to his soothing vocals. The instrumentals in the background make this song truly magical.

Originally recorded in 1951 by the Trapp Family, "Little Drummer Boy" has been sung by countless artists and groups over the decades. The a capella version by Pentaonix, though, is a particularly moving and emotional listen. Although, if we're being honest, "Little Drummer Boy" almost always brings listeners to tears regardless of who is singing.

Within their 2011 album We Have a Savior is "O Come Let Us Adore Him." The contemporary version sticks to the origin story of Christmas, calling to all those who are faithful to celebrate Jesus, but Hillsong Worship's smooth vocals draw the listener in.

Released in 2020 on his EP "Miracle Of Love: Christmas Songs of Worship", "Hope Of Israel" also celebrates everyone traveling near and wide to come to the city of Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Christ. Just like the song is about peac, Tomlin's voice has a comforting effect on your ears.

Tomlin and singer-songwriter Audrey Assad compliment each other beautifully in this 2009 song. Although Assad is no longer a practicing Christian, there is no denying her impact on the genre.

Part of their 2017 album The Peace Project, "Prince of Heaven" paints imagery of Jesus in his manger on the night he was born. The peaceful melodies almost rock you to sleep, making it a quieter Christmas song you could play the children as they snuggle in for the night.

Featuring the late Leslie Jordan and Christian singer Lauren Daigle, "A Christmas Alleluia" is another slow Christmas song that is full of emotion and heart.

The bluegrass band has a sibling and parent on every instrument, from the fiddle and piano to the guitar and harmonica, giving their Christian Christmas songs a unique sound that mixes genres and generations.

By now you're probably realizing how extensive Tomlin's recordings are — and how quickly he may become a household name during the holiday season. "Glory In The Highest" is on his 2006 album See the Morning. The slow beat makes it a mesmerizing hymn or carol to sing with the whole family.

The five-member Christian rock band is no longer together, but they were all the craze back in the '90s. For a little throwback soundtrack, "Born In Bethlehem" will remind older generations of their then favorite group and introduce the kids to the dynamic sound that is Christian rock.

The musical trio came together back in 2001 and have since grown in popularity. If you haven't already given them a listen, we recommend turning up the volume when "For All the World" pops up on your playlist.

Kari Jobe is a Christian singer-songwriter who, since releasing her first album in 2009, has been taking over the contemporary Christian music scene as both a worship leader and talented musician. If you are just listening to her music for the first time, her 2012 song "When Hope Came Down" is a great place to start.

"I Heard The Bells on Christmas" was originally written as a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow," but has since become adapted for song. Christian rock band Casting Crowns delivers a dynamic performance of Longfellow's original wrods.

Amy Grant, a.k.a. the Queen of Christian Pop, has been in the musical industry for decades — and she has the prestigious awards and vast collection of albums to prove it. When it comes to Christmas songs, though, her warm voice will wrap you in a cozy blanket.

This award-winning Christian band from Nashville delivers when it comes to contemporary Christmas songs. Lyrical genius combines historical accuracy with a melodious flow that all generations will enjoy (regardless of their music taste).

Winner of four Grammy Awards, Joy Williams has released a collection of albums and EPs since her musical debut. Her lyrics take storytelling to the next level, not to mention her beautiful voice which is simply majestic in "Here With Us."

Francesca Battistelli is an American Christian singer-songwriter who came onto scene in 2004 with her independent album, Just a Breath. "Messiah" appears on her Greatest Hits album and tells the story of the "baby born to save us all."

Michael Whitaker Smith has reached the top in both contemporary Christian and mainstream charts. His 1989 song "All Is Well" from his Christmas album is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Canadian Christian singer-songwriter Matt Maher's albums and songs have hit the Top 25 Christian Albums Billboard Chart and Top 25 Christian Songs chart. Listen to "Born On That Day" to hear Maher's retelling of the birth of Christ.

Jamie Cullum is a singer-songwriter who dabbles in jazz and pop. His vocals combined with melancholic piano notes make for a rich listen that would be perfect to have on the speaker while you pass around glasses of egg nog and mulled wine.

Your Christmas playlist wouldn't be complete without a cover by the one and only Dolly Parton. And her rendition of "We Three Kings" may just top "9 to 5."