20 Best Christmas Jazz Songs & Covers For 2026
Planning a Christmas do? There’s a lot of excellent festive music out there, but there’s also a lot of cheese. It can be hard to avoid some of the very overplayed Christmas tracks.
If you're searching for the best jazz Christmas songs or looking to hire a swing band for your Christmas party, this guide includes our top 20 festive jazz tracks, the best Christmas jazz albums, and live performance videos from FixTheMusic's most-booked jazz bands.
For something a little more sophisticated, we highly recommend the smooth tones of a swing or jazz band to ring in this festive season!
With many classic tracks reimagined as jazz standards, our jazz bands can deliver a really special performance for you.
The perfect choice for your work do or holiday party, jazz is a timeless choice for any and every event. You and your guests can simply sit back and soak up the effortlessly cool jazz tones while sipping on a piping-hot glass of mulled wine!
Also have a read of our blog post about Christmas Party bands for hire 🎄
From classic favourites Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to contemporary hard-hitters Michael Bublé and Norah Jones, this list of top jazz Christmas songs will leave you feeling festive and calm – no matter how crazy the Christmas season gets.
We’ll take you through some of our all-time favourite jazz and swing Christmas songs and some Christmas pop classics reimagined in a jazzy style. You’ll see our top-class jazz bands performing some of these classics too.
Here’s our list of the 20 best swing & jazz Christmas songs...
1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by The London Jazz Trio
A warm, elegant version of the classic, ideal for creating a cosy and refined atmosphere. The London Jazz Trio’s smooth piano-led sound makes it a favourite for drinks receptions and festive dinners.
2. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
A bright and upbeat take on this Christmas staple, filled with swing rhythms that bring instant festive cheer. It works perfectly for livening up a party or welcoming guests.
3. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
A playful duet with a timeless jazz feel. This song blends classic charm with a relaxed, romantic mood that suits winter gatherings beautifully.
4. Winter Wonderland by Jo & the Jazz
Jo & the Jazz deliver a vintage-inspired performance with crisp vocals and a light swing groove. It is a great choice for adding a touch of old-school glamour to your event.
5. White Christmas by The London Orleans Band
This rendition leans into New Orleans-style warmth and character. It brings a joyful, soulful energy that feels both traditional and refreshingly different.
6. Last Christmas
A jazz and swing reinterpretation of the Wham! classic, softening its pop edges into something more sophisticated and bittersweet. A crowd-pleaser that works well mid-set.
7. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
One of the most naturally suited Christmas songs to a jazz treatment, with its bright melody lending itself to playful swing arrangements and improvisational moments.
8. It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home
A lesser-known festive track that sits comfortably in the jazz vocal tradition. Its warmth and sincerity make it a good choice for quieter moments during a Christmas dinner.
9. Let It Snow! by Andiamo Duo
Andiamo Duo bring a warm acoustic charm to this perennial favourite. Their stripped-back approach lets the melody breathe, making it a lovely choice for a drinks reception or intimate gathering.
10. Jingle Bells by The Parma Violets
The Parma Violets put a vintage swing spin on the most recognisable of all Christmas songs. Their tight three-piece sound keeps it lively and fun without tipping into novelty territory.
11. Christmas Time Is Here — Vince Guaraldi Trio
A gentle melancholic classic from A Charlie Brown Christmas. This track embodies the wistful side of the season with soft chords and nostalgic melody. It’s perfect for quiet moments by the fire.
12. Silent Night — Laila Biali
Laila Biali offers a modern jazz-vocal interpretation of Silent Night. Her version emphasises warmth and subtle harmonic richness. It’s ideal for when you want something familiar but with a fresh twist.
13. Christmas Time Is Here (Vocal version) — Vince Guaraldi Trio
This version adds lyrics (written by Lee Mendelson) over the beautiful instrumental, sung by the children's chorus from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael. It's bittersweet and tender yet comforting.
14. O Come All Ye Faithful — Joey Alexander
Joey Alexander’s youthful piano interpretation brings new life to this traditional hymn. His touch is delicate yet confident and it feels like a modern voice in the Christmas jazz tradition.
15. This Holiday Season — Molly Johnson
A newer song that blends original material with jazz phrasing and holiday sentiment. Johnson’s voice feels contemporary, making this one of the less familiar but still festive options.
16. Little Jack Frost Get Lost — Norah Jones and Seth MacFarlane
An unusual title in the Christmas canon with big band swing arrangements and vintage vocal stylings. It brings theatricality and warmth while breaking from the usual holiday fare.
17. Six-String Santa — Joe Pass
A joyful guitar-led piece full of bright nimble playing and jazz chops. This instrumental offers a lighter moment in a set while still rich in personality.
18. Everyday Is Christmas — Jacky Cheung
A swing-infused big band number that brings international variety to a playlist often dominated by American and British artists. It’s beautifully produced and warmly delivered.
19. Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern) — Miles Davis
From the Jingle Bell Jazz compilation, this track provides a more experimental and socially conscious take on Christmas. Its edgy and reflective tone adds depth to a holiday jazz set.
20. Christmas Time Is Here — Stacey Kent
Stacey Kent’s version adds a gentle swing and vocal nuance to the Vince Guaraldi standard. Her elegant and soft delivery creates a perfectly balanced track for a Christmas playlist.
The best Christmas jazz albums
If you're putting together a festive playlist, these are the Christmas jazz albums worth adding to your rotation, from timeless classics to standout recent releases.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas — Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965)
The cornerstone of any Christmas jazz collection. Guaraldi's score for the beloved Peanuts special is by turns wistful, playful and deeply moving. If you only add one album to your festive rotation, make it this one.
2. Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas — Ella Fitzgerald (1960)
Ella at her most joyful, swinging through classics like "Jingle Bells" and "Sleigh Ride" with effortless grace. A 2025 deluxe vinyl reissue brings the original recordings to a new generation of listeners. It's upbeat without ever feeling forced. Pure Christmas cheer from the First Lady of Song.
3. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra — Frank Sinatra (1957)
Old Blue Eyes at his most festive, with lush orchestral arrangements and that unmistakable voice. Sinatra's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from this album remains the definitive version for many.
4. Christmas — Michael Bublé (2011)
The modern Christmas juggernaut. Bublé's album revived the Christmas jazz genre for a new generation and remains one of the best-selling holiday albums of all time. It's polished, crowd-pleasing and endlessly playable.
5. What a Night! A Christmas Album — Harry Connick Jr. (2008)
Connick brings his New Orleans roots to a mix of originals and standards, with a big band sound that's full of energy. A great choice if you want something lively for a party.
6. The Christmas Album — Emmaline (2025)
One of the standout new Christmas jazz albums of 2025. Emmaline's vintage-influenced vocals and lush arrangements blend retro swing with modern sensibility. Her take on "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (the album's closer and her viral signature moment) is a highlight, and the album as a whole has a warmth that suits a cosy Christmas evening.
7. Winter Songs Vol. 2 — April Varner (2025)
A bright, expressive vocal album that balances nostalgia with fresh arranging. Varner moves easily from Andrews Sisters-style harmonies on "Jingle Bells" to a layered, mystical rendition of "Hallelujah." One of the most joyful new Christmas jazz releases of the year.
8. A Christmas Cwtch — Amanda Whiting (2024)
A unique entry: a Christmas jazz album led by harp. Welsh musician Amanda Whiting reimagines Vince Guaraldi classics and Bill Evans-adjacent material in a dreamy, intimate setting. Released in late 2024 on First Word Records, it's had continued coverage into 2025 and remains a Christmas jazz favourite. The perfect soundtrack for a relaxed Christmas morning.
So there you have it, our definitive list of jazz Christmas songs and albums! A perfect blend of old and new, all presented in the smooth tones of jazz & swing.
If you're planning a Christmas party, hire a jazz band or start an enquiry and we'll match you with the perfect act.
