It’s been a little over two years since I last made a mini compilation showcasing some of the playlists I was listening to non-stop for any one specific season/occasion, and given the swiftly approaching holidays within the next two weeks, I wanted to link to some of the music that were not only providing quite a festive soundtrack for me when working from home, tidying or decorating my apartment, etc., – but that I’ve also been using as background music when I host family and friends for the season!
These playlists are all from Spotify, with a couple curated by users who I personally think knocked it out of the park with great and unique selections.
And as always, I’ve provided links so you can listen to them yourself!
Cozy Christmas Jazz – I love this playlist, clocking in at just under four hours, for when it’s time to have company over. Filled with strictly instrumental, calming holiday songs, this makes any party or dinner feel festive and cozy without distracting vocals that can interrupt the conversations happening at any given point.
And this one is also super calming when working from home! I had it on a couple of weeks ago while it was snowing like crazy outside my apartment windows, and it really set the scene and mood.
[ LISTEN HERE ]
an actual happy christmas playlist – Firstly, I love the name of this playlist by user nostalgiaspara – because you absolutely need to specify what mood you’re going for when it comes to the holiday music. This super fun playlist, featuring original tracks and great covers by Peach Pit, Julian Casablancas, Beach Bunny, Fiona Apple and so much more – clocks in at well over four hours – meaning you can decorate your entire tree, kitchen, and hang your exterior lights before it ends.
Also, so many of the songs featured have found their way onto my recent ‘She’s With The Band’ episodes these past few weeks!
[ LISTEN HERE ]
Vintage Jazz for Winter – I’ve featured vintage soundtracks by user bellilou in the past, who is really good at curating long forgotten gems from a gone by era, but I think this Winter playlist – which has over nine hours of old fashioned instrumental, jazz, big band, etc., is one of my favorites. This playlist works great before and after the holidays, as well – because not all of the songs are specifically about Christmastime.
I love listening to this one at home when I’m curled up in bed and reading, writing or simply just relaxing. It’s such a great compilation I return to year after year!
[ LISTEN HERE ]
pretentious indie christmas – The names of some of these playlists absolutely crack me up, including this one – which has just under three hours of both new indie/folk holiday releases and some old classics from Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell peppered in throughout, as well. It’s a great variety of songs and vibes courtesy of user Aimee Gillespie.
This is a good one to soundtrack any of those long drives you have to make to finish holiday shopping, attend holiday parties/dinners, or anything that you may need some extra joy to hear in order to motivate yourself.
[ LISTEN HERE ]
Christmas Classics – And finally, the must-have, go-to holiday playlist since it features all of the greats and all of the most beloved songs ever by artists like Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Curated by Spotify and with a little over three hours of music to enjoy, this is one of my favorites to listen to this time of year, regardless of what I’m doing. It takes me back to my childhood every single time.
I love putting this one on when I take my mom and Oliver to look at the light displays in her surrounding neighborhoods every Christmas Eve. It’s perfect!
[ LISTEN HERE ]
And there we have it! Five incredible, festive, and long-lasting playlists to get you from now through New Year’s Eve! As always, if you know of any merry playlists I should check out this time of year, feel free to reach out or drop a comment. I’m all ears!
Next week, I’ll have my last “Local Loves” installment of 2025, as well as one more holiday-inspired recipe and a look at all of my favorite things from this past month. I can’t believe we’re so close to Christmas!
’til then – have a great weekend!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 