10 Best Christmas Songs That Came Out in the 21st Century

10 Best Christmas Songs That Came Out in the 21st Century

Christmas music has a way of transporting us straight into the season, whether we’re ready or not.

Some songs feel like they’ve always been part of the holiday canon, but the 21st century has quietly gifted us a whole new batch of hits that can stand proudly beside the classics.

These aren’t just background tunes for cookie-baking.

They’re chart-toppers, cultural moments, and the soundtrack to countless December memories.

From powerhouse vocals to cozy acoustic vibes, modern artists have proven that Christmas magic isn’t limited to the past.

So if you’re putting together a playlist—or writing an article (hi!)—these songs deserve a spot at the top.

Let’s unwrap each one and see why they’ve become holiday must-haves.

1. “Underneath the Tree” — Kelly Clarkson (2013)

There’s something undeniably cheerful about this song from the moment it kicks off with that retro wall-of-sound energy.

Kelly Clarkson delivers vocals so bright and warm that the track instantly feels like a classic you’ve known forever.

Producer Greg Kurstin intentionally crafted it to echo the big, joyful production styles of the 1960s.

That’s probably why so many people compare it to Mariah Carey’s holiday dominance.

The song has charted every year since its release and consistently appears on top Christmas playlists.

It even hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart.

Few modern Christmas songs manage to capture both nostalgia and freshness like this one.

It’s upbeat, crisp, and festive in a way that makes decorating the tree feel like a movie montage.

Add it to any playlist and watch the mood immediately lift.

2. “Mistletoe” — Justin Bieber (2011)

Listeners who grew up in the early 2010s can practically hear this song just by seeing the title.

Justin Bieber released it at the height of “Bieber Fever,” and the world responded accordingly.

“Mistletoe” debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the highest-charting Christmas songs by a teen artist.

It blends pop and reggae influences, giving it a breezy, cozy vibe that stands out from traditional holiday music.

The music video has racked up hundreds of millions of views, proving that its popularity hasn’t faded.

Even people who swore they weren’t Bieber fans somehow know all the lyrics.

It’s charming without being cheesy and festive without feeling forced.

This is the type of modern holiday song that becomes a nostalgic favorite for an entire generation.

3. “Where Are You Christmas?” — Faith Hill (2000)

Movie lovers instantly associate this emotional ballad with How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Faith Hill’s version was released alongside the film and quickly became one of the standout holiday songs of the early 2000s.

The track was co-written by Mariah Carey, which explains why it has such soaring, dramatic vocal lines.

Carey wasn’t able to record it herself due to legal disputes at the time, so Hill stepped in and made it iconic.

The song captures the bittersweet feeling of growing up and realizing that holidays change with time.

It’s especially relatable for adults who miss the simplicity of childhood Christmases.

Every year, the song still charts on Billboard’s Holiday rankings.

It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and a beautiful reminder that holiday joy often evolves rather than disappears.

4. “Santa Tell Me” — Ariana Grande (2014)

Holiday playlists everywhere would feel incomplete without Ariana Grande’s sparkling, playful hit.

Released in 2014, it quickly climbed into the Top 40 and has returned to the charts every December since.

The song blends classic doo-wop influences with modern pop production, creating a sound that appeals across generations.

Fans especially love the clever twist: Ariana wants Santa to confirm her love life won’t fall apart after the holidays.

It’s fun, catchy, and just cheeky enough to stand out from more traditional Christmas tunes.

The music video—with matching pajamas and adorable choreography—made it even more iconic.

Gen Z has unofficially claimed it as their Mariah-Carey-style anthem.

It’s the kind of festive bop that gets stuck in your head in the best possible way.

You’ll find it looping on TikTok every winter without fail.

5. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” — Band Aid 20 (2004)

A new generation got to experience this legendary charity single when Band Aid re-recorded it in 2004.

The lineup included early-2000s icons like Chris Martin, Dido, Sugababes, and Robbie Williams.

This version marked the song’s 20th anniversary and aimed to raise money for famine relief efforts.

Just like the original, it debuted at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

While the lyrics have sparked conversation about cultural sensitivity, the song remains a significant moment in pop history.

It’s a reminder of how powerful collective music projects can be.

The 2004 version carried a more polished, modern sound that resonated with younger listeners.

Hearing so many recognizable voices together gives it an unmistakable early-millennial feel.

It’s a unique blend of nostalgia, charity, and holiday spirit all wrapped in one recording.

6. “Christmas Lights” — Coldplay (2010)

Coldplay fans instantly recognized the emotional depth in this soft, melancholy holiday release.

The song tells the story of someone struggling through the season while hoping for brighter days ahead.

It entered the UK charts within hours of its release and remains a December favorite.

Its music video, filmed along the River Thames, adds to the song’s sentimental charm.

The track has an understated beauty, using piano, violins, and Chris Martin’s delicate vocals.

Instead of jingling bells and playful lyrics, it captures the bittersweet side of Christmas.

That’s part of why so many people connect with it deeply.

Not every December is bright and cheerful, and this song offers a comforting alternative.

It’s perfect for late-night gift wrapping, quiet winter drives, or anyone craving a reflective moment.

7. “Oh Santa!” — Mariah Carey ft. Ariana Grande & Jennifer Hudson (2020 remix)

The original version of “Oh Santa!” premiered in 2010, but the 2020 remix completely reignited its popularity.

Mariah teamed up with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, creating a powerhouse trio of vocal acrobats.

Their harmonies—especially the viral whistle-note duet—sent social media spiraling.

The performance premiered during Mariah’s Apple TV+ Christmas special, giving it instant global attention.

Each singer brings her own vocal flavor, blending into a festive, high-energy track.

Fans praised how the remix bridges generations of pop divas.

It re-entered the charts and became a holiday streaming favorite.

The song feels like pure Christmas joy wrapped in glitter and vocal fireworks.

If any track proves that holiday music can evolve with time, this remix is it.

8. “Like It’s Christmas” — Jonas Brothers (2019)

Fans of the Jonas Brothers got an extra gift when this upbeat holiday track dropped during their comeback era.

The song blends classic Christmas cheer with the group’s signature feel-good pop sound.

It quickly gained traction on radio stations and became one of their most-streamed holiday songs.

The upbeat guitar and smooth harmonies make it instantly catchy.

It even topped Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, proving its wide appeal.

Listeners appreciate how it captures the giddy feeling of falling in love during the holidays.

The vibe is cheerful without feeling overly sugary.

It’s the perfect song for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or road trips to see family.

By the time the chorus hits, it’s almost impossible not to smile.

This track is proof the Jonas Brothers know how to deliver pure seasonal joy.

9. “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” — Dolly Parton & Michael Bublé (2020)

A collaboration between Dolly Parton and Michael Bublé feels like holiday comfort in musical form.

The song appears on Dolly’s 2020 album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

It blends her warm, country storytelling with Bublé’s smooth, jazzy charm.

The result is a duet that feels timeless, like something you’d hear in a classic Christmas film.

Fans appreciated the playful chemistry between the two singers.

The choreography-filled animated music video added to the song’s charm.

It charted on Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales and became a seasonal Spotify favorite.

Everything about it feels cozy—from the soft swing rhythm to the flirtatious lyrics.

This is the musical equivalent of curling up with hot cocoa on a snowy evening.

It’s sweet, warm, and irresistibly festive.

10. “Glittery” — Kacey Musgraves ft. Troye Sivan (2019)

Fans of dreamy, modern holiday music immediately connected with this soft, glimmering duet.

Released as part of The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show soundtrack, it became a standout track.

The song mixes indie-pop warmth with gentle holiday sparkle.

Musgraves and Troye Sivan deliver vocals that feel intimate and comforting.

It gained viral traction thanks to the charming performance in the Amazon Prime special.

The track doesn’t rely on traditional Christmas clichés, which makes it refreshing.

It’s romantic, understated, and perfect for quiet winter evenings.

Listeners often describe it as feeling like “falling in love in slow motion.”

It’s the type of Christmas song that feels modern while still radiating nostalgia.

The soft synths and shimmering production give it a cozy, candlelit glow.