Get in the Holiday Mood with These 2025 Christmas Releases

Norah Jones & Leon Bridges "This Christmas I'm Coming Home"

Leon Bridges revisits the spirit of his 2015 hit "Coming Home" by teaming up with Norah Jones for a heartfelt Christmas duet. The song finds Jones, 46, and Bridges, 36, swapping verses about returning home for the holidays. I wanna leave the world behind for now / And forget about the trouble on my mind, they sing. This track is one of two holiday singles from Bridges, alongside "A Merry Black Christmas", released on November 14.

David Archuleta My Only Wish

David Archuleta captures playful holiday romance on his new EP, My Only Wish. Featuring original tracks like "Wish at the Top of My List," his first collaboration with Jordin Sparks, as well as "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas in California," Archuleta, 34, wanted the music to feel fun, flirty, and uplifting. The project emphasizes warmth and camaraderie behind its creation.

Elizabeth Chan Christmas Unhinged

Elizabeth Chan explores the complexities of being newly single during the holidays on her 15th studio album, Christmas Unhinged. Departing from her tradition of perfect holiday tunes, Chan delves into navigating new traditions, dating, and family dynamics after a 20-year marriage. The album celebrates embracing change and authenticity in the festive season.

Meghan Trainor "Gifts for Me"

Meghan Trainor brings her signature pop cheer with "Gifts for Me," released on November 21. The upbeat track encourages self-care and joy, reflecting Trainors love for festive celebrations. She collaborated with Emily Bear and Nicole KOLE Cohen to deliver a song brimming with holiday warmth and sparkle.

Gwen Stefani You Make It Feel Like Christmas (Deluxe Edition)

Gwen Stefani introduces two fresh tracks, "Hot Cocoa" and "Shake the Snow Globe," on the deluxe edition of her holiday album. "Shake the Snow Globe" accompanies the Amazon MGM Studios film Oh. What. Fun., while "Hot Cocoa" serves as a metaphor for love. Both songs blend seamlessly into the festive album originally released in 2017.

Thala "SANTA (Crush On You / Tengo Un Crush Contigo)"

Latin pop icon Thala returns with a playful holiday single, "SANTA (Crush On You / Tengo Un Crush Contigo)," out in English and Spanish. The upbeat track focuses on seeking love rather than gifts, combining festive rhythms with her signature pop flair. The song continues her dedication to creating heartfelt, joyous music for fans.

Ryan Castro "Mi Fortuna"

Colombian singer Ryan Castro adopts his alter ego, Richy, for "Mi Fortuna," a festive collaboration with SOG celebrating abundance and aspiration. Released on December 1, the song highlights barrio culture and features a cameo from J Balvin in the music video, embodying the fun and energy of the holiday season.

Coco Jones "Skip My House"

Coco Jones expresses gratitude in her new holiday single, "Skip My House," released on November 7. Reflecting on having all she needs, Jones playfully tells Santa to bypass her home this year. The song follows her 2024 EP, Coco By the Fireplace, and delivers soulful, festive vibes.

Luke Bryan Luke Bryan Christmas

Country star Luke Bryan released a three-song holiday EP featuring collaborations with Ella Langley. Including "Winter Wonderland," "Holy Night," and "Run Rudolph Run," the project pairs with a black-and-white performance video, creating a classic yet contemporary holiday experience.

Liamani "Christmas I Wont Forget"

Liamani debuts her first holiday single with an accompanying self-directed music video. The song and video celebrate nostalgic Christmas memories and friendship, with her Camp Rock 3 co-stars joining to create a warm, festive atmosphere.

Toby Gad Piano Diaries Christmas

Grammy-winning songwriter Toby Gad releases Piano Diaries Christmas, featuring artists from American Idol, The Voice, X-Factor, and Eurovision sharing personal holiday stories. The album aims to be a timeless, heartfelt soundtrack capturing the emotional essence of the season.

Natalie Jane wishlist

Natalie Janes five-song holiday EP, wishlist, blends original tracks with classic holiday tunes. Jane has also performed live at festive tree lighting events, spreading warmth and seasonal cheer through her music.

Quality Control Music A GC Christmas

Quality Control Music offers A GC Christmas, a holiday EP featuring soulful and pop-infused takes on seasonal classics. EJ Jones, Syamali, and BoykinZ contribute unique performances that combine tradition with contemporary flair.

Brad Paisley Snow Globe Town

Brad Paisley returns with Snow Globe Town, his first full holiday album in years. Featuring 16 tracks and a collaboration with Kelleigh Bannen, Paisley focuses on nostalgic and genuine holiday moments, sharing music that captures both sentiment and joy.

Blessing Offor To All a Good Night

Blessing Offors holiday EP, To All a Good Night, includes eight tracks and collaborations with Nathan Wallace, Andrew Skib, John Thomas Roach, and Steven Colyer. The album offers soulful interpretations of classics and original songs, celebrating family and festive togetherness.

Little Big Town "The Innkeeper"

Country quartet Little Big Town adds to the holiday spirit with "The Innkeeper," a new ballad featured on their 2024 album The Christmas Record. The track reflects the joy of creating seasonal music and continues their tradition of sharing heartfelt holiday stories.

Commentary on the 2024 Holiday Music Releases

The 2024 holiday music season has brought a mix of fresh sounds and heartfelt offerings from a range of artists, each capturing their own take on the festive spirit. Among the most anticipated releases, Norah Jones and Leon Bridges' collaboration, "This Christmas I'm Coming Home," stands out. The duet reflects the personal connection many feel towards the holiday season, offering a blend of nostalgia and warmth. This track is especially poignant given Bridges' return to the theme of "coming home," which he first explored in his 2015 hit, setting a nostalgic tone for the holidays.

Similarly, David Archuleta’s My Only Wish captures a light-hearted, romantic vibe, a welcome escape from the stresses that often accompany the season. His partnership with Jordin Sparks on "Wish at the Top of My List" infuses the EP with a playful energy that aligns well with the spirit of holiday fun and cheer. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Chan’s Christmas Unhinged explores a more complex side of the holidays, focusing on the challenges of being newly single during this festive time. Her album speaks to those navigating change, offering both a reflective and uplifting perspective on embracing new traditions.

Gwen Stefani's deluxe edition of You Make It Feel Like Christmas adds new tracks like "Hot Cocoa" and "Shake the Snow Globe," expanding on the joyful, festive vibes she first introduced in 2017. Her ability to blend classic holiday sounds with modern pop elements has helped her maintain her relevance in the crowded holiday music market. Similarly, Meghan Trainor’s "Gifts for Me" continues her tradition of upbeat, self-care themed songs, making it a fitting anthem for those seeking moments of personal joy amid the holiday rush.

In contrast, Thalía's bilingual holiday track, "SANTA (Crush On You / Tengo Un Crush Contigo)," presents a light, flirty approach to the season, leaning into her Latin pop roots. This track, like Ryan Castro's "Mi Fortuna," highlights a festive energy that brings a fresh, vibrant rhythm to the typical holiday music landscape. Castro’s collaboration with J Balvin adds a layer of cultural influence that reflects the growing global appeal of holiday music, crossing boundaries with its fun, celebratory tone.

Looking ahead, the diversity of this year's releases—ranging from the soulful "Piano Diaries Christmas" by Toby Gad to the nostalgic charm of Brad Paisley's "Snow Globe Town"—shows that the holiday music genre is as dynamic as ever. Each artist offers something unique, whether it's the warmth of familiar melodies, new interpretations, or entirely original songs. What stands out is the shared theme of togetherness, making 2024 a year for reconnecting with both tradition and personal expression through music.

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• Get Into the Holiday Spirit with These 2025 Christmas Releases