25 of the best Christmas songs released by Black artists

The legendary music group The Braxtons graced us all with their soulful rendition of the Christmas classic “Mary, Did You Know?” from their Braxton Family Christmas album in 2015. It’s the group’s last project to feature all five sisters before Traci’s unfortunate death in 2022. 

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” hit the airwaves in 1995 but didn’t hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart until 2019. Since then, Mariah has rebranded herself as “The Queen of Christmas.” 

Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight’s “Let It Snow” peaked at No. 32 on the Hot 100 after its late 1993 release. 

This 2007 cover of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas" blew up after a movie of the same name grossed nearly $50 million at the box office. 

Destiny’s Child’s “8 Days of Christmas” is a fun take on the carol “Twelve Days of Christmas.” The R&B track released in 2001 features Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle singing about diamond-belly rings and dirty denim jeans. 

“Last Christmas” is one of this season’s masterpieces. Initially released in 1984 by the British duo Wham!, other artists, including Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Leslie Odom Jr. from the original cast of Hamilton, have taken this song and made it their own. Odom’s version of this popular musical number hails from his second holiday project, The Christmas Album, released in 2020. 

Although this Mariah Christmas song didn’t have nearly the same amount of success as “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” it’s still a touching version of the 1855 classic that fills us with childlike wonder. 

There’s something about Coco Jones’ enchanting voice singing her hit “A Timeless Christmas” that makes us want to sit in front of a fireplace watching the snow fall. It was released in 2023 as a single for the Christmas comedy Candy Cane Lane starring Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross.  

The winter has the perfect weather for a sleigh ride together, and the popular girl group TLC knows all about that. Their single “Sleigh Ride” was released in 1992 and mixes the hip-hop sound they’re known for with a sample of the 1948 song by Leroy Anderson and Arthur Fiedler. 

Everybody knows the Jackson 5 song, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” It’s a Christmas staple featuring vocals from a young Michael Jackson and his brothers. 

Whitney Houston’s version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a powerhouse version of the original song from 1962. The singer showcases her impressive range, belting out notes higher than we could ever imagine. 

Even if this song came out nearly 20 years ago, it's one Disney classic that lives on year after year. However, we can’t say we’re too surprised — The Cheetah Girls have many hits.    

Every Christmas music playlist needs a song that teases the classic naughty or nice list and Santa’s trek across the globe in one night, and 3LW’s “Santa’s Coming” masters that perfectly. It’s one of 10 tracks from the group’s Christmas album, Naughty or Nice, and mixes both hip-hop and R&B elements seamlessly.  

Brandy is one of the music industry’s biggest and most versatile stars. She shows off her vocal abilities in her 2023 single, “Christmas Party for Two,” where she sings about falling back in love with her partner during one of the year’s most magical seasons.   

John Legend has the perfect voice for a holiday-inspired album, so we’re thankful for his 2018 project, A Legendary Christmas . His version of the song mixes more soulful elements with instruments like tambourines, trombones, trumpets, and the iconic Stevie Wonder. 

The Temptations and their velvet-like voices singing one of the most famous Christmas songs of all time on repeat is all we need for a joyous holiday season this year. When you listen, you’ll understand why. 

Luther Vandross’ version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is flawless. His voice is so calming that when he sings, “Our troubles will be out of sight,” we believe him.

Mario’s contribution was one of the best things to happen to The Best Man Holiday soundtrack. His voice is so flexible, making it a pleasing listen whenever he drops something new. The singer’s festive single, “Someday At Christmas,” is about hope and, one day, living in a world of peace. 

Kelly Rowland’s solo music isn’t appreciated enough, and we’re here to show some love to her 2019 single “Love You More Than Christmas Time.” It’s about savoring the sweet moments with your partner — the perfect message for this time of year. 

She’s a Braxton, so you know her Christmas album, Winter Loversland, would be full of enjoyable bops, but her performance of “Santa Baby” is the best. 

Maverick City Music’s “Here I Am To Worship” is a moving performance led by Ryan Ofei and the Mav City Gospel Choir that appears on the group’s holiday album, A Very Maverick Christmas. It’s a cover of the popular worship song of the same name.    

Giveon’s voice is a gift to all listeners. He’s wowed us since his breakthrough single, “Heartbreak Anniversary,” with his deep, silky, and soothing vocals, and now he’s taking us on a ride with his holiday-inspired track, “The First Noel.” 

Whitney Houston turned a simple tune like “Deck The Halls” into a fire track. It’s a beautiful rendition of the classic with crisp riffs, rich notes, and a beat you can’t help but dance along to. 

The Clark Sisters are gospel legends with world-class voices and songs like no other. Their take on the Christmas song “O Come Emmanuel” is entrancing. It features a four-part harmony sure to make any listener fall in love. 

Destiny’s Child’s holiday album is full of impressive tracks to stream during this time of year, but if there’s another that you could add to your Christmas playlist, it’s “Opera Of The Bells.” This song is an explosive rendition of the song “Carol of the Bells” and has been performed at The Blockbuster Parade and the Rockefeller Center in NYC.