As the season of cheer and merry-making approaches, unmistakable Motown magic brings back the warmth of Christmas past with a collection of classic holiday tracks. Each song is a timeless testimony to the genre’s ability to convey themes of love, family, and community.
With soulful renditions by the likes of The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and more, these Motown classics capture the essence of the holiday spirit with their effortless blend of gospel, R&B, and pop stylings.
From toe-tapping Christmas grooves to heartwarming ballads, these tracks promise to make your Yuletide celebrations unforgettable.
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” – The Jackson 5
The highly regarded Motown classic “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” exudes the holiday spirit with its joyous melody and upbeat rhythm. The enchanting vocals of The Jackson 5 coupled with the lively instrumentals make this song a timeless addition to any Christmas playlist. The soulful energy of this track will have you belting out the chorus and eagerly anticipating Santa’s arrival.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – The Temptations
The well-loved Christmas carol “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is given a unique spin by Motown legends, The Temptations, in this classic rendition. Their soulful harmonies and cheerful delivery are accompanied by a funky, upbeat instrumental that perfectly captures the festive spirit of the holiday season.
With its buoyant and energetic performance, listeners are sure to be uplifted and filled with Christmas cheer every time they hear it.
“What Christmas Means to Me” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “What Christmas Means to Me” is a quintessential Motown holiday tune, encapsulating the joyous spirit of the season with its upbeat tempo and jubilant vocals. The song’s soulful groove, punctuated by funky horns and stirring percussion, will have listeners tapping their toes and singing along.
A timeless classic, “What Christmas Means to Me” is a shining example of the enduring impact and influence of Motown music on the holiday season and beyond.
“Jingle Bells” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
One of Motown’s classic Christmas songs features the smooth crooning of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. Their rendition of “Jingle Bells” puts a soulful twist on the traditional holiday tune, with lively brass and funky rhythms. This upbeat and energetic track is a beloved addition to any Christmas playlist, showcasing Motown’s iconic sound and talents.
“Winter Wonderland” – Diana Ross & The Supremes
This classic Motown Christmas hit featuring the legendary Diana Ross and The Supremes is sure to bring joy and cheer to any holiday gathering. With perfectly harmonized vocals and catchy jingle bells, “Winter Wonderland” is a standout holiday tune that never fails to get listeners in the festive spirit.
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or bustling about with holiday preparations, this tune is an essential addition to any holiday playlist.
“White Christmas” – The Drifters
The charming and smooth rendition of “White Christmas” by The Drifters is a marvelous holiday classic that will set the festive tone of your Christmas celebration. With captivating harmonies and beautiful orchestration, this Motown hit will surely warm your heart and ignite the holiday spirit in all party guests.
Its charismatic melody and soulful notes will have everyone singing along and joyfully dancing to its timeless beat. If you haven’t heard it yet, you’re in for a treat.
“This Christmas” – Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” is a timeless Motown classic that exudes the essence of the holiday season. With its soulful melodies and vibrant trumpets, Hathaway masterfully blends gospel, blues, and R&B to create a festive anthem that’s bound to get your hips swaying and toes tapping.
Its catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation paired with Hathaway’s smooth, soulful vocals come together to ignite the Christmas spirit, making it the perfect addition to your holiday playlist.
“Joy to the World” – The Supremes
Coming in at number ten on our list of Motown classic Christmas songs is a delightful rendition of “Joy to the World” by The Supremes. This iconic trio delivers a harmonious performance that’s both soulful and jubilant, complete with uplifting orchestration and soaring vocals.
With its infectious rhythm and lyrics that celebrate the arrival of the Messiah, it’s no surprise that this timeless tune is still a beloved holiday favorite over five decades later.
“Silver Bells” – The Supremes
This yuletide tune from the esteemed Motown catalog sizzles with energy and groove, bringing the listener to a state of blissful euphoria. Blending traditional hymns with contemporary pop, this track features bright instrumentation and the soaring vocal performances of Motown’s finest, evoking a sense of joy and merriment that simply can’t be beat.
With its irresistible hooks and uplifting spirit, this Motown classic belongs on every holiday playlist.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – The Four Tops
This Motown Christmas classic from The Four Tops encapsulates the holiday spirit with smooth, soulful vocal harmonies doing justice to the poignant melancholy of the lyrics. With a driving rhythm section, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ manages to be both upbeat and wistful, expressing the spectrum of emotions the holiday season can evoke.
The group’s distinctive sound and musicality shine through in this timeless classic that will bring listeners of all ages together in a true moment of holiday cheer.
“Someday at Christmas” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas” is a evocative holiday track that captures the emotional complexity of the Yuletide season. Wonder employs his signature melodic and textual deftness to reflect on the tragedies and disparities that are still persistent during the December holiday.
Wistful but resilient, this Motown classic balances sorrow and hope, and reminds us that for many, “someday at Christmas” is still a far-off dream.
“Little Drummer Boy” – The Temptations
“The Little Drummer Boy” by The Temptations is a celebrated holiday classic from Motown’s Christmas music collection. This soulful rendition of the traditional Christmas carol features the group’s signature harmonies and is accompanied by a stirring percussion section.
The Temptations’ version of “The Little Drummer Boy” remains a beloved and timeless addition to any festive playlist, inspiring joy and holiday cheer among listeners of all ages.
“Deck the Halls/Bring a Torch” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
This track is a majestic medley of “Deck the Halls” and “Bring a Torch” by the iconic singing sensations, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. It’s a lively performance that evokes the wondrous feelings of holiday cheer and is sure to get people of all ages moving and grooving.
The group expertly blends their signature Motown sound with traditional Christmas melodies, producing an upbeat and captivating auditory experience. With its jolly rhythms and catchy lyrics, this holiday classic is sure to be a cherished addition to any festive playlist.
“Christmas Everyday” – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
“Christmas Everyday” is a radiant and buoyant tune, representing the unadulterated Motown sound. This seasonal cut has a jubilant and festive spirit with an upbeat tempo that’s hard to resist. The vocal harmonies powered by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles’ melodic tones, bring the track together.
This groovy tune offers everything you would expect from the finest in Motown classics, and embodies the unmistakable essence of the legendary record company.
“Christmas Here With You” – Four Tops
“Christmas Here With You” by the Four Tops is a heartwarming love song perfect for the holidays. The soulful melodies and rich harmonies create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the lyrics capture the essence of spending the festive season with your loved ones.
The song shines a light on the importance of creating special memories and building deeper connections during the Christmas season, making it a classic Motown hit that deserves a spot in your holiday playlist.
“Merry Christmas Baby” – Otis Redding
The timeless Christmas classic “Merry Christmas Baby” from the Motown era is a melodious and soulful track that beautifully captures the joy and warmth of the festive season. Its smooth vocals and groovy beats are sure to evoke pleasant memories of dancing, feasting, and spending quality time with loved ones during the holidays.
This song is a must-listen for anyone looking for a wholesome, family-friendly accompaniment to their Christmas celebrations.
“O Holy Night” – The Supremes
The Supremes’ soulful rendition of “O Holy Night” is a must-listen for any fan of Motown’s classic Christmas songs. The trio’s harmonious vocals, combined with the song’s lush instrumentation, create a truly moving listening experience. With its timeless resonance and emotive power, “O Holy Night” remains a beloved classic for generations to come.
“My Favorite Things” – The Supremes
“The Supremes deliver a jazzy, upbeat take on one of the most beloved holiday tunes in “My Favorite Things.” With Diana Ross’ smooth, sultry vocals and the group’s tight harmonies, the song exudes a sense of warmth and holiday cheer.
It’s a Motown classic that still captivates listeners today, inviting us to embrace the spirit of the season and all the joys it brings.”
“The First Noel”- The Supremes
“The First Noel” is a defining track from Motown’s classic Christmas song collection. The Supremes deliver an incredible performance that showcases their talent and brings the festive cheer. The song’s harmonizing vocal arrangement interwoven with the sounds of sleigh bells and other bells helps create a serene Christmas atmosphere.
If you’re looking for some Christmas tunes to celebrate the season, “The First Noel” should be on your list.
“Christmas Won’t Be the Same This Year” – The Jackson 5
The holiday classic “Christmas Won’t Be the Same This Year” brings the perfect blend of soulful vocal performances and Motown musical style instrumentation.
Sung by the legendary Jackson 5, the song reflects a bittersweet message of longing and nostalgia for loved ones during the holiday season. Its lush soundscapes and impeccable production values make it a standout amidst the genre of Motown’s Christmas collection.
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – The Jackson 5
The smooth, soulful sounds of this timeless Christmas classic are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. With its memorable melody and dynamic vocals, this track from The Jackson 5 is a must-listen for anyone who loves Motown music.
Whether you’re trimming the tree, wrapping presents, or enjoying time with loved ones, this catchy tune is the perfect soundtrack for all your seasonal festivities. So sit back, relax, and let the joyful rhythms of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” transport you to a world of holiday cheer and merriment.
