‘Tis the season for hot chocolate and stocking stuffing! To celebrate everyone’s favorite family holiday, The Root has gathered some of the many iconic Black Christmas songs to make your 2025 Christmas extra special.
Suggested Reading
From hits dating back as far as the 1950s all the way to now, Black folks sure do know how to put our own twist on the holiday classics. Take a look and listen to just a few of the best Christmas songs perfect for every year.
What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? – The Emotions
This one goes out to all the lovers! Whether you’re spending the holiday with your special someone or not, this soul classic is definitely one to get you all in your feelings.
I Can Hardly Wait ‘Til Christmas – The O’Jays
This song is the perfect embodiment of the night before Christmas. Just imagine sitting by the fire on Christmas Eve with your loved ones while The O’Jays play in the background.
Soul Holidays – Sounds Of Blackness
Despite this being a Blackity-Black holiday song, “Soul Holiday” has the potential to be played at any family function…no matter the season.
Let it Snow – Boyz II Men ft. Brain McKnight
This 1993 classic is the perfect song to play while cozying up near a warm fire.
Give Love On Christmas Day – Jackson 5
For the record, The Jackson 5 has one of the best Christmas albums of all time, but if we had to pick just one song to represent, it has to be this one!
Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt
The legendary Eartha Kitt doesn’t get enough credit for giving the people this classic Christmas bop.
Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto – James Brown
This Christmas classic made all the Black kids feel seen and heard!
All I Want For Christmas Is You- Mariah Carey
Is it even really Christmas is you haven’t heard this song play at least 30 times?
Someday at Christmas – Stevie Wonder
This song just screams nostalgia.
The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole
No matter your age, this is one of those songs you just can’t help but to sing along.
This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
Regardless if you prefer the original or the Chris Brown version, we all know “This Christmas” is one of the greatest Christmas songs ever!
Silent Night – The Temptations
What’s Christmas without this one?
Christmas In Hollis – RUN DMC
We can all thank that one scene in “Die Hard” for making this song a Christmas classic.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Luther Vandross
Any Luther Vandross rendition is arguably the best version.
What You Want For Christmas – The 69 Boyz
If you grew up in the South, then you know you couldn’t turn on the radio during holiday season without hearing “12 Ghetto Days of Christmas.”
Christmas Ain’t Christmas (Without The One You Love) – Aretha Franklin
“Can I, can I, can I, can I, can I, can I, can I get a witness??”
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Some Christmas songs are just meant to be played all year long.
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season – Kirk Franklin
This classic Kirk Franklin song is a great throwback Christmas jam!
Straight From 
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