Best contemporary Christmas pop songs

Girl in red's 2020 indie-pop song is an intimate and unique contemporary Christmas track, subtly infused with festive production. It stands out for its tender portrayal of sapphic love during the holidays, resonating with a modern and diverse audience.

Sam Smith's 2023 enchanting Christmas love ballad offers a soulful and romantic contemporary take on holiday music. From a prominent pop artist, this track provides a beautiful and emotional depth, making it a significant addition to modern festive collections.

Despite being released in 2014, 'Santa Tell Me' has firmly established itself as a modern Christmas classic, frequently streamed and played. Its catchy, upbeat pop sound with R&B influences makes it an enduring and highly relevant contemporary holiday hit.

This vibrant 2023 track marked Cher's successful return to the Billboard Hot 100 after 22 years, proving its immense pop appeal. As the lead single from her Christmas album, its upbeat energy and iconic artist status make it a standout contemporary holiday hit.

The Jonas Brothers deliver a catchy and romantic holiday song in 2025, focusing on the theme of returning home for Christmas. Its straightforward seasonal love song structure, combined with musical quirks and tight vocals, makes it a relevant and appealing contemporary pop choice.

Sabrina Carpenter's 2023 release is a catchy and heartwarming pop song that quickly gained popularity during recent holiday seasons. Its fun beat and relatable lyrics make it a fresh and appealing addition to contemporary Christmas playlists, resonating with a younger audience.

Alicia Keys' 2022 lead single from her Christmas album, *Santa Baby*, is an instant feel-good classic with a soulful pop vibe. Its '70s Motown influence and infectious energy make it perfect for holiday parties and a standout contemporary Christmas track.

This song is a highly anticipated and celebratory anthem for the 2025 holiday season, featuring mainstream pop artist JVKE. It's praised for its fun and festive sound, reminiscent of popular Christmas pop favorites, making it a strong contender for contemporary playlists.

This original song from Kylie Minogue, released as an Amazon Music exclusive in 2025, marks a significant contemporary entry from a pop icon. Its recent release coincides with the 10-year anniversary of her *Christmas* album, solidifying its place as a fresh festive track.

Ed Sheeran's 2024 Christmas song is a significant entry from a major artist, ensuring its relevance and popularity in contemporary holiday music. His signature songwriting style brings a fresh and heartfelt perspective to the festive season, making it a must-have for modern Christmas playlists.

Tkay Maidza's 2022 release offers a cool, modern electronic pop sound, inspired by a dreamy New York City holiday trip. Its reverb-heavy, electronic-tinged bop stands out from traditional Christmas music, providing a fresh and unique contemporary festive experience.

Kelly Clarkson's 2021 original Christmas song is a powerful and emotional pop ballad, showcasing her incredible vocal range. As a new track from her holiday album, it offers a poignant and relatable perspective on love and loss during the festive season, making it a contemporary classic.

Released in 2013, this high-energy pop song with a big band feel is widely recognized as one of the most successful contemporary Christmas hits. Its powerful vocals and festive arrangement make it a staple on holiday playlists, maintaining strong relevance.

Leona Lewis's 2013 soulful pop song captures the excitement of the countdown to Christmas, making it an enduring and popular contemporary holiday track. Its upbeat energy and powerful vocals ensure its continued presence on festive playlists.