The charm of Christmas is its magical ability to slow down time. These melodies are like winter’s glow, soft and enduring. Whether they are pop tracks or classic tunes, they remind us that music marks the warmth of the moment and embraces the symphony of new beginnings.
Explore VOGUE Hong Kong’s curated Christmas playlist for 2025!
Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do, Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s voice is sweet like icing on a Christmas cake. Santa Doesn’t Know You Like I Do uses its rhythm and melody to construct a breezy story. Her voice has a youthful and sincere quality, bringing vitality to the whole song. The joy of the season is hidden in every pause of breath and change of note.
Last Christmas, Taylor Swift
Of all the versions, Taylor Swift’s Last Christmas has a restrained gentleness. She sings of the season’s sentimentality, making the familiar melody more intimate and moving. The song sounds like a memory being replayed, and conjures quiet moments of reminiscing on a snowy night.
Miracles in December, EXO
Miracles in December is emblematic of the winter season. EXO’s clean vocals and nuanced emotions bring out feelings of longing and reunion. Piano notes fall softly like falling snow, leading people to believe that miracles do happen in December.
Santa Tell Me, Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s instantly recognisable voice transforms Santa Tell Me into an iconic pop tune. With an upbeat melody, cheeky lyrics, and tender anticipation, the song is like a love letter to Santa—it’s the song that resonates most during the end of the year!
Mistletoe, Justin Bieber
Mistletoe flows with a gentle, crystal-clear melody as Justin Bieber delivers a sweet, youthful infatuation through effortless rhythm and his natural voice. The guitar ripples like falling snow, and the lyrics paint crisp, luminous winter scenes. Its magic lies in pure simplicity—one smile beneath the mistletoe feels like it could warm an entire season.
Merry & Happy, TWICE
TWICE’s Merry & Happy brings holiday joy to life with its bright melody and light rhythm. From the first notes, the festive spirit awakens, and the girls’ vibrant vocals scatter like snowflakes in the winter night.
Dear Santa, Girls’ Generation
Dear Santa unfolds like a heartfelt letter, with Girls’ Generation weaving delicate, layered harmonies that capture pure holiday innocence. The melody shines bright and clean, the arrangement beautifully minimal, letting the song breathe like a wish slowly coming true. Their voices glide with tender warmth, evoking candlelight flickering in a snowy night and the quiet thrill of anticipation.
The First Snow, EXO
The First Snow by EXO is simply a winter staple. The gentle melody captures seasonal change with a nostalgic touch. Like a memory wrapped in time, it softly sings of the balance between love and distance. Each listen feels like welcoming back a long-awaited snowfall.
The Christmas Waltz, Laufey
Laufey’s The Christmas Waltz blends classical rhythm with modern sensibility. Her soft, deep voice, complemented by a clear children’s chorus, paints a vivid scene – like an afternoon by the fireplace, holding hot chocolate, reflecting on the year’s moments. The song invites listeners to slow down and embrace winter’s quiet warmth.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Coldplay
Coldplay’s rendition adds harmonious tranquillity to this classic. Chris Martin’s steady, soothing voice and gentle melody shine like a soft light in the night sky. Without grand flourishes, it offers a comforting warmth that gently calms the soul.
Snowman, Sia
Sia’s Snowman is a tale of companionship. Her slightly husky voice carries subtle emotional waves, while the slow melody mirrors falling snow. The song paints a vivid picture, reminiscent of silent, profound moments of held hands on winter nights.
All I Want for Christmas Is You, Gabrielle Aplin & Hannah Grace
Gabrielle Aplin and Hannah Grace reimagine this classic with gentle tones, trading intensity for warmth and detail. Their clear voices and relaxed rhythm create an atmosphere like afternoon sunlight spreading quietly through a room, bringing an inexplicable sense of peace.
On This Winter’s Night, Lady A
Lady A’s On This Winter’s Night is a subtle yet moving piece. Clean, soft opening notes flow into a slow, layered melody. The vocals drift like a winter night’s breeze, touching the heart. It’s calming and nostalgic – perfect for solitary late-night listening.
All I Want for Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
Like clockwork, Christmas queen Mariah Carey’s voice returns every year-end. All I Want for Christmas Is You has become a holiday icon. Carey’s powerful vocals and bright rhythm compose the season’s overture, illuminating winter with her joy.
