The best new holiday music releases for 2025
[November 25, 2025]
By MARIA SHERMAN
NEW YORK (AP) — ‘Tis the season to put on some brand-new holiday music.
The best way to get festive is to sing along to Christmas classics new
and old. But don’t know what to press play on? We've got you covered.
In honor of the most wonderful time of the year, here are some of the
best new holiday releases for the 2025 season. So, grab a loved one, a
cup of eggnog and get to listening.
“Christmas in The City,” Pentatonix
For the a cappella fan, there is no better news than yet another holiday
album from Pentatonix. Across 18 tracks, “Christmas in the City”
celebrates the magic of cosmopolitan life around the holidays and
showcases the group's vocal athletics. Hear them reimagine the songs you
know and love as well as introduce a few originals. Start with “Snowing
in Paris,” which features the R&B-pop star JoJo, and end with “I’ve Got
My Love to Keep Me Warm,” a never-before-heard recording of the Frank
Sinatra classic featuring Ol' Blue Eyes himself.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Vince Guaraldi
It's hard to believe, but 60 years ago, the “Peanuts” gang's classic “A
Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on television for the first time and
become an almost-instant sensation. Part of its charms, of course, must
be credited to its whimsical score by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. To
celebrate such a huge anniversary, Craft Recordings is reissuing its
soundtrack — as good a reason as any to revisit these beloved songs.
“Greatest Hits Christmas,” LeAnn Rimes
Just ahead of her Christmas tour, the country icon LeAnn Rimes released
“Greatest Hits Christmas.” It's exactly what it sounds like: a mesh of
classics and some of her best-known songs from her past holiday albums.
There are also new collaborations, like Aloe Blacc on “That Spirit of
Christmas” and Gavin DeGraw on “Celebrate Me Home.”
“Snow Globe Town,” Brad Paisley
Some things just make sense together: peanut butter and jelly, coffee
and doughnuts, Brad Paisley and his touring band sitting down in
Nashville to record a charming Christmas album. “Snow Globe Town” boasts
of eight originals and eight covers — exactly what the heart wants this
holiday season. It's the former collection that will really connect,
though; there are real charms to be found in “Lit,” “That Crazy Elf” and
the title track.
“Christmastime,” Trisha Yearwood
Country singer Trisha Yearwood's voice sounds like coming home; it makes
her the ideal talent for a new holiday collection. “Christmastime” is
stacked with familiar tunes and perhaps, best of all, features “Merry
Christmas, Valentine,” a duet with her husband Garth Brooks. Blast that
one at your get-together and there won't be a dry eye in the house.
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This combination of cover images shows "It's Christmas" by Eric
Benet, top row from left, "Snow Globe Town" by Brad Paisley,
"Christmas in the City" by Pentatonix, "A Charlie Brown Christmas,"
"Feels Like Christmas" by Mickey Guyton, and "The Chess Records
Christmas Album." (JBR Records/Mercury Nashville/Republic
Records/Craft Recordings/MCA Nashville/Chess Records via AP)
 “Holidays,” Roberta Flack
The world lost a giant in February when Roberta Flack, the
Grammy-winning singer and pianist, died at 88. Perhaps best known
for her timeless take on “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” the
Christmas season brings up another reason to celebrate her. A new
release, “Holidays,” like many on this list, features originals and
covers — and a selection of songs from Flack’s classic “The
Christmas Album.” It holds a special meaning this year.
“Feels Like Christmas,” Mickey Guyton
The country powerhouse Mickey Guyton feels like Christmas and once
you dive into these eight tracks, you will, too. From her rendition
of “O Holy Night” to her masterful take on “Do You Want to Build a
Snowman?” from Disney's “Frozen” (sorry, parents!) there's a lot to
love here.
“It’s Christmas,” Eric Benét
R&B singer Eric Benét's first holiday album, “It's Christmas,” is
filled with warmth; consider it the sonic equivalent of curling up
to a roaring fireplace on a snowy winter's evening. Don't believe
us? Well, one listen to his take on “Please Come Home for Christmas”
or “Oh Holy Night” will make you a believer. Or better yet, there's
“Christmas Morning,” featuring Benét’s youngest daughters Lucia and
Luna. Tissues, you might want to grab a few.
“The Chess Records Christmas Album,” various artists
Sometimes a compilation album is what a holiday party needs. Chess
Records has the answer. “The Chess Records Christmas Album” is an
impressive collection of veteran talent. The release features
everything from Chuck Berry's “Run Rudolph Run” and The Moonglows'
“Hey Santa Claus” to Lenox Avenue's “Little Drummer Boy” and The
Salem Travelers' “Merry Christmas to You.”
“Evergreen Christmas Sessions,” Hunter Hayes
Hunter Hayes is a newer name on the country scene than a few of the
artists listed here, but that simply means he's a fresh voice to
discover. His “Evergreen Christmas Sessions” is a brief introduction
— just four covers of holiday standards — but it's a charming romp.
Start with “Winter Wonderland” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas,” stay for “Run Run Rudolph” and “Silent Night.”
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