The ultimate Christmas dinner playlist: 3 moods

Christmas dinner wonderfully ties together good food, conversation, and the people we love most — so why not give the evening the soundtrack it deserves? Whether you’re hosting a cozy family meal, welcoming a house full of guests, or simply trying to keep the holiday chaos feeling peaceful and joyful, the right music can set the tone.

We built three Christmas dinner playlists — each with its own mood — so you can simply press play and enjoy the day. Want a refined, vintage vibe? Prefer traditional hymns that lift the heart? Maybe a modern, lively soundtrack the whole family will love? Done, done, and done.

Use these playlists as-is or mix and match to create your own “ultimate” playlist. However you celebrate, consider this your stress-free guide to curating a joyful Christmas ambience.

Playlist 1: Traditional carols and hymns

For a dinner rooted in peace, reverence, and true Christmas joy.

These songs center the evening around the sacred beauty of Christmas. Perfect for Christmas Eve dinner, family gatherings after Mass, or moments when you want the joy of Christ’s birth to fill your home with calm and wonder.

Highlights:

“Caro Gesù Bambino” – Friar Alessandro

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” – Scythian

“Adeste Fidelis” – Il Volo

“Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” – The Hillbilly Thomists

“Wexford Carol” – Celtic Women

“Gabriel’s Message” – Matt Maher 

Playlist 2: Classic, jazzy, vintage 

For dinners filled with warmth, elegance, and a touch of nostalgia.

This playlist channels classy hotel-lobby Christmas vibes – with velvet-voiced crooners, jazz orchestra magic, and timeless instrumentals. It’s perfect for candlelit meals, slow-paced gatherings, or any moment when you want Christmas to feel classic.

Highlights: 

“Overture” (the Nutcracker Suite) – Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

“White Christmas” – Bing Crosby 

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” – Michael Bublé 

“Good King Wenceslaus” – Glenn Miller Orchestra 

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong 

Playlist 3: Fun, popular, and contemporary 

For a lively table full of fun, laughter, and festive energy.

This playlist keeps things upbeat and jolly – mixing modern classics with contemporary artists and holiday pop favorites. Perfect for Christmas afternoon, dessert hour, or anytime you want to keep the energy bright and cheerful.

Highlights: 

“Little Saint Nick” – the Beach Boys

“Run, run, Rudolph” – Chuck Berry

“Mr. Grinch” – Thurl Ravenscroft

“Last Christmas” – Wham

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey 

“The 12 Days of Christmas” – John Denver and The Muppets

A final note

Whatever this year’s Christmas dinner mood, may your home be filled with warmth, laughter, and the wonder of Christ’s birth. Here’s to good music that helps your celebration feel a little more merry!

Missing your favorite? We’d love to hear your top Christmas music picks in the comments!