You’ve been given the enormous responsibility of planning the annual office holiday party. In addition to making plans for food, decoration, and venue, you also need to focus on the music! It’s one of the key elements that sets the tone for any memorable Christmas event, and it’s worth the time to sit down and select the tunes you most want to play. Compile your holiday party soundtrack with these options that range from classic to contemporary.
Play the Christmas Classics
They’re the songs everyone knows and loves, and they’ve been a part of the collective holiday soundtrack of millions for decades. There’s a reason these tunes have remained timeless and appealing — they’re catchy, fun, and downright festive. Isn’t that precisely the spirit you want to evoke at the office holiday party? Here are a few that will have everyone making merry and decking the halls.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
Anything sung by Ol’ Blue Eyes is worthy of your office Christmas party songs list, but this is a highlight everyone will know and love.
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole
A true classic beloved by people of all ages for generations, this beautiful tune is sometimes subtitled “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” You know you know it!
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
As the best-selling single in the entire world, “White Christmas” is surely worthy of a place on your holiday songs list.
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
There are so many artists who have covered this lively track that it’s impossible to select just one. Take your pick from the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Jackson 5, Michael Bublé, and Chris Isaak, among hundreds of others.
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry
What would any Christmas be without a mention of Rudolph? Celebrate the reindeer in all his red-nosed glory by spinning this track during the festivities.
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Another one that’s been recorded by dozens of artists, this tune is a longtime favorite that you can find in all genres, from country to soul, thanks to artists like Whitney Houston, Kate Smith, Andy Williams, Anne Murray, and Martina McBride.
“Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
This playful song provides just the right soundtrack for a festive party full of eggnog drinking, Secret Santa gifting, and general merriment. Kitt’s version is the most famous, but Madonna and Kylie Minogue have also covered it.
Queue Up the Christmas Contemporaries
If you want to mix up your list of office Christmas party songs, you’ll find hundreds of energizing modern tracks to include. Think of these as modern classics — they’ve been around for a few decades, but they’ve become just as much a part of the national fabric of holiday music as any of the older tunes. Here are some that will delight everyone at the party.
“Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
This joyous tune may have been released in 1979, but it didn’t actually chart on Billboard’s Hot 100 until 2018! The song enjoys continuous rotation throughout the holiday season.
“Last Christmas” by Wham!
The classic 1980s tune has taken on particular poignance since George Michael’s passing on Christmas Day in 2016. It’s as catchy as it is emotional, and no one can deny its place on a holiday party playlist.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Known for its slow-building intro that eventually unfolds to reveal a peppy, bright, and vibrant song, it’s the ultimate modern-day classic.
“Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC
One of the few commercially successful hip-hop holiday hits, this ‘80s favorite is unmistakable for its wholesome appeal and timeless music.
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Weezer
Known recently for their impressive cover tunes, Weezer also made a grand statement when they produced their version of this old-school classic.
“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
This rousing instrumental medley celebrates the energy that only rock opera can deliver.
“Joy to the World” by Pentatonix
The Acappella performances produced by this group are unforgettable, including their rendition of this uplifting holiday tune.
Our Top Office Holiday Party Music Playlists for
Whether you have Spotify or Apple Music, we’ve picked out the Christmas Hits top playlist for both platforms!
You can bet everyone at the office holiday party will have a wonderful time no matter what they receive from the White Elephant game and these festive tunes will undoubtedly contribute to the merriest moods!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
