Jingle bells, carolers, and the distant strains of “Silent Night” – the festive season’s magic is amplified by the joyous melodies of Christmas music. This blog post will unwrap the Christmas music package, exploring its seasonal commencement, some of the most loved tunes, and where to find them on the radio.
When Does Christmas Music Start?
There’s always a buzz of excitement when the first notes of Christmas music begin to filter through our radios, malls, and homes. While there’s no fixed rule for when Christmas music should officially start, it’s common to hear these beloved tunes as early as November, right after Thanksgiving in the United States. Some radio stations start their Christmas music earlier in November, while others wait until late in the month. For some enthusiasts, Christmas music season begins even earlier; for others, it starts in December and is in full swing.
The Most Famous Christmas Songs
The heart of Christmas music lies in its classic tunes, songs that have been sung and played for generations, sparking nostalgia and festive joy. Here are a few universally beloved Christmas songs:
- “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby: This timeless classic, with its dreamy lyrics and soothing melody, has been a staple of Christmas music since it was first recorded in 1942.
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey: An instant hit upon its release in 1994, Mariah Carey’s catchy and upbeat holiday tune is now one of the most popular Christmas songs.
- “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms: With its fun, infectious rhythm, this song is a holiday favorite, guaranteed to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
- “Last Christmas” by Wham!: This 80s pop classic combines heartbreak with holiday cheer, offering a catchy beat and sing-along chorus that many love.
- “Silent Night”: Originally a German hymn, “Silent Night” is one of the most famous and frequently recorded Christmas carols. Its peaceful melody captures the tranquillity of the Christmas season.
Radio Stations that Play Christmas Music
Radio has been an enduring medium for sharing the festive spirit, with numerous stations across the globe playing non-stop Christmas music throughout the holiday season. Here are a few stations where you can tune in:
- SiriusXM: The satellite radio provider offers multiple dedicated Christmas channels, including “Holly,” featuring contemporary holiday hits, and “Holiday Traditions,” offering classics from the ’40s to ’60s.
- iHeartRadio: This digital service has a wide range of Christmas music stations, such as “iHeartChristmas,” “North Pole Radio,” and “iHeartChristmas Classics.”
- Heart (UK): During the holiday season, Heart, one of the UK’s biggest radio stations, transforms into “Heart Xmas,” playing non-stop Christmas music.
- Pandora (Internet Radio): Pandora offers personalized Christmas stations based on your favorite artists or songs.
- Local FM Stations: Many local FM stations switch to a 24/7 Christmas music format during the holiday season. The start dates and end dates vary by station and location.
With its distinctive tunes and universal appeal, Christmas music is an integral part of our holiday celebrations. Whether you start your Christmas music season in November or December or prefer Bing Crosby or Mariah Carey, one thing is clear: Christmas music has the power to unite us, uplift us, and encapsulate the joy and warmth of the festive season. So, turn on the radio, let the music fill your home, and allow the holiday spirit to dance in your heart.