It's that time of year when the shops overflow with Christmas gifts, and the jingles of Christmases past are ringing in your ears. We’ve collected our favourite selection of songs from around the world that will have you humming along, or better yet, singing along in the language you’re learning!
1. Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano
Unsurprisingly our favourite Spanish Christmas song has to be - Feliz Navidad by José Feliciano a song that is famous worldwide for adding a splash of Hispanic sunshine to the cold December days! It was first written in 1970 but has stood the test of time to be a family favourite year after year!
2. Campanas de Belen by Villancicos
Next, there’s Campanas de Belen Song by Villancicos which translates to ‘The Bells of Bethlehem' a traditional carol sung by choirs and church groups around the country. Even families that aren’t deeply religious enjoy singing this song in Spanish at Christmastime.
3. Los Peces en el Río by Unknown
Lastly, we have - Los Peces en el Río. This very popular Christmas carol has no known author but is known throughout Spanish-speaking countries. It has been covered by many artists such as Manolo Escobar and Pandora.
1. White Christmas by Irving Berlin
Our list wouldn't be complete without Bing Crosby’s version of "White Christmas". Not only is this song the most popular Christmas song in America, but it's also the most popular worldwide, selling over 50 million copies! It was written by Irving Berlin and was first released in 1942 for the film Holiday Inn but has been covered many times since. The most noticeable covers are Bing Crosby and Micheal Bublè.
2. Jingle bell rock by Bobby Helms
If you want all the Christmasy feels then Jingle bell rock by Bobby Helms is definitely the song for you. With its unmistakable melody, you’ll be having a swell time tapping along all day!
3. All I want for Christmas is you by Maria Carey
And last but most definitely not least we have All I want for Christmas is you by Maria Carey. Released In 1994, it is one of the most recognisable songs in the world, but it didn’t reach the top of the Billboard charts until 2019 when it had its first number one!
1. Le noël des petits santons by René Sarvil
Our favourite French Christmas song has to be Le noël des petits santons. This song was first released all the way back in 1935! It was written by René Sarvil and orchestrated by Hippolyte Ackermans. If you are looking for a traditional song that sounds just like a Disney film this is the one for you!
2. Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes by Unknown
Next up is Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes, which is the oldest song on our list! First released in 1846 this carol has been featured in churches and choirs throughout France since!
Korea is known worldwide for its incredible K-pop genre so our guide wouldn’t be complete without a few of their most popular songs!
1. December 2014 (The Winter’s Tale) by EXO
First up we have “December 2014 (The Winter’s Tale)” by EXO. It peaked at 14 on the Billboard charts and is known for being one of Korea's most popular modern Christmas songs!
2. Dear Santa by Girls’ Generation TTS
Next, we have “Dear Santa” by Girls’ Generation-TTS. This all-female trio can hit notes to rival Maria Carey and have harmonies that really make it feel like Christmas!
Lastly, we have “Lately” – INFINITE definitely a modern K-pop twist to the traditional Christmas songs and we love it!
If you enjoyed these songs, check out our Holiday Spotify playlist to to listen along to more Holiday songs from around the world as you continue language learning during the festive season.
Enjoyed this blog and want some more? Try our Holiday Movie quiz!
Daisy Jones is the Social Media coordinator at Drops. She hails from the Bristol area, and has a Doodle named Stanley and a Staffy named Hank.
