It’s official, the holidays are here and whether you’re a reluctant scrooge or a merry little elf, we have just the soundtrack for you! From melancholic ballad to straight-up festive bangers, there’s something for everyone in this special annual playlist.
Our Christmas queen Ava Della Pietra has returned this year not only with a song, but a whole festive EP, It’s Giving Christmas. At the helm of this cosy and captivating seasonal experience is the nostalgic single ‘You Make It Christmas’. This track is an acoustic, mature update of her 2019 debut, beautifully showcasing her heartfelt vocals and clever storytelling. It exudes warmth and closeness, providing an instant classic holiday feeling. Complemented by the playful ‘Reindeer Rebellion’, which features witty lyrics and whimsical energy, the EP highlights Ava’s range and musical sincerity. Ava has well and truly give us a joyful and sophisticated soundtrack for the holiday season.
Follow Ava Della Pietra on Instagram.
‘On My List’ glows with the warmth of a modern R&B Christmas classic. Travis Finlay blends silky vocals, tender lyricism, and lush harmonies into a track that feels both intimate and festive. The production is smooth and soulful, driven by gently pulsing rhythms and a cozy holiday shimmer that never feels overdone. Travis’ tone is effortless and comforting yet vibrant enough to soundtrack any seasonal celebration. Romantic without being cliché, the song captures the quiet magic of wanting someone special during the holidays. ‘On My List’ is a standout addition to our Home for the Holidays playlist.
Follow Travis Finlay on Instagram.
Written after losing the love of his life before the holidays, Jay Denton’s ‘New Year’s Without You’ is a beautifully aching indie-folk single born from real heartbreak. The track feels raw and unfiltered, capturing that quiet New Year’s Eve that this artist spent alone by a fire. Because he wrote, produced, and performed every element, the song carries an intimate weight and emotional precision. Soft acoustic textures and restrained percussion frame Jay Denton’s honest vocals, blending indie pop clarity with folk warmth. It’s a reflective, cinematic piece that lingers long after it ends. It’s a haunting reminder of love’s impact and the silence that follows its absence.
Follow Jay Denton on Instagram.
In collaboration with Donnie Lyle, Dee Roze delivers a genuinely joyful and groovy holiday anthem in ‘Santa’s Sleigh’. The track is designed to make you move, featuring Donnie’s signature Chicago Steppers sound, lending it a smooth, rhythmic foundation perfect for holiday gatherings. It cleverly merges a warm, classic 70s melodic sensibility with a clean, contemporary 00s lyrical style, making it feel both fresh and timeless. Dee Roze’s powerful and versatile vocals lead the charge on this vibrant production, successfully creating an anthem for celebration. ‘Santa’s Sleigh’ is poised to become a cherished, repeat-play Christmas classic.
Follow Dee Roze on Instagram.
In her latest single ‘Gift From You to Me’, Sofia Eleni proves she is a festive force to be reckoned with. Drawing clear inspiration from the vocal prowess of Mariah Carey, Sofia elevates this contemporary R&B-pop track with effortless whistle tones and a sophisticated, soulful warmth. Having cut her teeth on Broadway in School of Rock, her professional polish shines through a melody that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a rare holiday gem that balances 90s R&B sensibilities with modern dance-pop energy, making it an essential addition to any seasonal playlist. Sofia Eleni is truly a rising star.
Follow Sofia Eleni on Instagram.
From Victoria Blade’s seasonal EP, Songs for the Holidays, Vol. 1, we’ve been drawn to ‘Warm December’ which shimmers with the homey intimacy that defines the festive period. Written during a strangely warm Chicago winter and tracked live in Silverlake, it’s packed with the tender nostalgia of snow angels, hot cocoa and childhood wonder. The song feels organic and present, lifted by Victoria’s effortless vocals and indie folk meets americana warmth. Her playful melodies and soulful phrasing give the season a dreamy, cinematic shimmer, fitting alongside her rising profile in Amazon Studios’ holiday romcom Merv. ‘Warm December’ is soft, sincere and beautifully human.
Follow Victoria Blade on Instagram.
Alyssa Caroline puts her own stamp Mariah Carey’s iconic ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by stripping back the original’s energetic pop production to a more nostalgic and intimate tone. Her velvety vocal delivery, marked by a palpable vulnerability, gives the classic a romantic and soulful edge, aligning perfectly with her signature authentic style. Modern arrangements and a subtle contemporary R&B feel create a fresh, less-is-more rendition that feels both delicate and enveloping. It’s an effective reinterpretation that breathes new, personal life into a holiday staple.
Follow Alyssa Caroline on Instagram.
Harlem-based vocalist Myles Nuzzi delivers a breath of fresh holiday air with his original single ‘I Want a Turtle for Christmas This Year’. Eschewing seasonal clichés for genuine vulnerability, Myles uses his jazz-trained sensibilities to craft a modern soft-pop ballad for the lonely-hearted. The track is a lush, chamber-pop gem featuring velvety vocals and a whimsical arrangement of glockenspiel, piano, and soaring cellos. Backed by an angelic choir, Myles Nuzzi captures the quiet ache of being single during the festivities. It’s a hopeful, endearing plea for companionship that feels both timeless and deeply personal. A must-listen for your winter playlist.
Follow Myles Nuzzi on Instagram.
Brighton-based rapper and spoken word artist dom champ delivers a cheerfully cynical counterpoint to holiday cheer with his single ‘Buck This‘. Trading tinsel for sharp, witty bars, the track is a lyrical anti-Christmas sentiment wrapped in an undeniably catchy package. The production creates a vibrant, indie-pop soundscape that completely contradicts the song’s negative message. This juxtaposition creates a genuinely fun, head-nodding experience. With a memorable chorus and backing that demands repeat listens, ‘Buck This’ is the perfect, necessary palate cleanser for anyone tired of saccharine seasonal staples. It’s a good, fun song for the miserable festive season.
Follow dom champ on Instagram.
Eliane Delage’s motown edit of her 2017 single ‘White Christmas Guitar‘ drapes the holiday classic in warm, retro-soul velvet. The production leans into that vintage pulse of grooving bass, crisp handclapsand buttery horn shade, while Eliane’s guitar remains the emotional anchor, singing with lyrical phrasing and subtle Brazilian flair. The arrangement feels both nostalgic and new, capturing motown’s rhythmic swagger without losing the intimacy of the original. It’s a clever, charming reinvention that celebrates tradition through stylish reinterpretation. Seasonal without the sugar rush, this edit offers a soulful holiday mood that invites repeat spins long after December fades.
Follow Eliane Delage on Instagram.
PURPLE MELON 