The Definitive Guide to Christmas Music That Doesn't Suck

If I hear another rendition of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” on my local radio station—or worse yet: “Santa Baby“—I think I’ll go nuts. Seriously.

Here are some albums that feature songs that are a little different than the ones overplayed at the mall or over-sung by carolers. Several of these are Christmas music released in 2015, so if you’re throwing a party, treat your guests to some tunes that they haven’t heard a million times over. Between six trips to the mall and schlepping your kids through the snow to make sure they catch a glimpse of the Holiday Parade, you deserve to hear some Christmas music that doesn’t suck.

What songs don’t drive you crazy during the holidays?

More Holiday Party Ideas:

Christmas Music That Doesn't Suck

Mad Men Christmas (Music from and Inspired By the Hit TV Series on AMC)

This album includes classic renditions of holiday favorites (White Christmas by Rosemary Clooney and Christmas Time is Here by the Vince Guaraldi Trio) but even better, it mixes in a few Mad Men-only faves including Jessica Pare's unforgettable Zou Bisou Bisou...which...ok...isn't completely a Christmas song, but cheerfully appropriate for the season.

Get it on iTunes: Mad Men Christmas
The Beach Boys' Christmas Album

The biopic Love & Mercy out this past year renewed my interest in The Beach Boys, and their Christmas album doesn't disappoint. Their most-know Christmas classics like "Little Saint Nick" are here, along with versions of Christmas classics like "White Christmas" that get much less radio play, but will equally transport you to a sunny Southern California Beach.

Get it on iTunes: The Beach Boys' Christmas Album
The Snowman by Howard Blake

My kids grew up watching this little wordless (mostly) film based on Raymond Briggs's book The Snowman. You can buy a narrated version of the story on an album with all of the music from the film, including the beautiful song "Walking in the Air."

Get it on iTunes: The Snowman
The Home Alone soundtrack

I discovered this as a wonderful Christmas album when I was still in high school. It is packed with some of my favorite songs, including "Carol of the Bells" and "O Holy Night," both sung by a children's choir, as well as the original version of "Somewhere in My Memory," a Christmas carol written by John Williams for the film.

Get it on iTunes: Home Alone soundtrack
Carols of the Nativity by The Cambridge Singers and John Rutter

The mixed-voice chamber choir from England will transport you to another time with this album of less well known carols. It features songs like "In Dulci Jubilo" and "In the Bleak Midwinter," along with newer carols written by the conductor, such as "Candlelight Carol."

Get it on iTunes: Carols of the Nativity
Creole Christmas by Etienne Charles

Etienne Charles puts a Jazzy twist on Christmas favorites that at times you'll have to listen closely to recognize. This is one of those albums that if you play it at a holiday fete, guests will be guaranteed to ask you who the artist is. Christmas win.

Get it on iTunes: Creole Christmas by Etienne Charles
Wrapped in White

If you are looking for a completely different sound, you may want to try this instrumental holiday album. John Doan, the famous harp guitarist, plays nearly twenty heavenly songs for the season, such as "Jesu Joy" and "Auld Lang Syne."

Get it on iTunes: Wrapped in White "Visions of Christmas Past"
Glee: The Music - The Christmas Album (the original) & Volume 2

For anyone who hasn't discovered these yet, you're in for a real treat, whether you're Glee fans or not. These holiday songs are mostly old favorites with fresh new spins. My favorites: "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Joni Mitchell's "River," and "Deck the Rooftop---" a fun arrangement of "Deck the Halls" and "Up on the Housetop."

Get it on iTunes: Glee: The Music - The Christmas Album (the original) & Volume 2
Silent Night - 25 Carols of Peace and Tranquility

This album features music from Choir of King's College, Choir of Clare's College, and Choir of Winchester Cathedral, among others. Perhaps my favorite piece is "Suo Gân," the Welsh lullaby, which is the same piece of music that Christian Bale's character sings in Empire of the Sun.

Get it on iTunes: Silent Night - 25 Carols of Peace and Tranquility