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, plus 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
7. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
8. It’s Not Christmas ‘Til You Come Home
9. Let It Snow! by Andiamo Duo
10. Jingle Bells by The Parma Violets
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 with Lee Mendelson
This version adds lyrics over the beautiful instrumental, giving the song a layer of human warmth and reflection. 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.
So there you have it, our definitive list of jazz Christmas classics! A perfect blend of old and new, all presented in the smooth tones of Jazz & Swing.
