Holiday Playlist Ambiance Guide

Picking a snazzy outfit or menu to go with your holiday party extravaganza is one thing, but have you ever tried making the perfect holiday music playlist? That’s a challenge more difficult than going the whole season without eating cookie dough.

Everyone at a holiday party has different tastes. How can you pick classic holiday music that doesn’t put your guests to sleep? We have come up with a few ideas to help you curate a playlist fit for the atmosphere you are trying to create.

Energetic from one to 92
If you are lucky enough to have your extended family around, you might have a wide age gap of people to entertain. Choose some of the more timeless holiday tunes, but pick arrangements that are spirited and high-energy. The kids will be able to dance and entertain themselves, and the grandparents will recognize the classic lyrics. Think songs like Rocking Around the Christmas Treeby Brenda Lee and Step into Christmas by Elton John.

Cocoa and Kisses
Looking to meet your special someone under the mistletoe? We recommend pairing your twinkling lights with songs that are familiar to most and swayable, with just a touch of romantic nostalgia. Let the music do the talking with songs like Please Come Home for Christmas by The Eagles and Last Christmas by Wham.

Mainstream Grinch’s
Perhaps your guest list includes some of your less traditionally festive friends who don’t like to sing along to carols or embrace the tacky holiday sweater look. Christmas songs span all genres, and you can find great music that is less on the nose, but still has that deck the halls feel. Give a listen to Merry Christmas (I don’t Want to Fight) by the Ramones and Just Like Christmas by Low.

Dancing Sugar Plums
Forget about the hustle and bustle and dance it out! This is the time for you to embrace all the Mariah Carey Christmas you can and maybe even a little bit of the N’SYNC Christmas album to boot. Make sure to make this a lengthy playlist to keep the party moving all night long. Think pop classics like My Only Wish (This Year) by Brittany Spears and Underneath The Tree by Kelly Clarkson.

Folk with Friends
If your idea of a good time is a warm mug and playing holiday games in socked feet, then a folk-style playlist is the one for you. Set the vibe with songs like O Holy Night by Sufjan Stevens and The Oh Hellos’ Family Christmas album. With a playlist this cozy, all you need is a fire or a fresh loaf of sourdough to make all of your folk holiday dreams come to life.

All Is Calm
If your party is a preparation to head to a midnight service or a family tradition story time by the tree, a little bit of velvety background music is just the thing to set a tone of reverence. This is the time to enjoy the crackles and pops of an old Nat King Cole holiday album on the record player. Songs like Silent Night by Elvis and O Little Town of Bethlehem by Dolly Parton make for great tools to create a truly peaceful experience for your guests.

No matter what kind of holiday party you’re participating in this year, we hope that this list of playlist jumpstarts helps you set the tone for the memories you are hoping to make. In between laughing around a charcuterie board or lingering under the mistletoe, we know that the best thing you can set to music is the sound of being together.