Christmas is a beautiful time to meditate on the mystery of the Incarnation through song. Below is a carefully chosen list of 25 beloved Christmas carols, each with a recommended YouTube link in choir or traditional style where possible.​

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1–10: Core Nativity Carols

1. Silent Night

A gentle, contemplative carol recalling the peace and holiness of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem.
YouTube: Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pY3LlB7Pxc

2. O Come, All Ye Faithful

A triumphant invitation to come and adore Christ the Lord, born in Bethlehem.
YouTube: The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSYP2dqKFzs

3. O Holy Night

A powerful carol reflecting on the night of the Saviour’s birth and the hope He brings.
YouTube (playlist position – traditional style): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=37m25s

4. Joy to the World

A joyful proclamation that the Lord has come, inviting all creation to receive the King.
YouTube (opening track of playlist): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME

5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

A rich theological carol announcing the birth of the “newborn King” and the gift of peace.
YouTube (2nd track in playlist): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=1m54s

6. Angels We Have Heard on High

A carol echoing the song of the angels, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” over the hills of Bethlehem.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=18m4s

7. The First Noel

A narrative carol retelling the announcement of Christ’s birth to the shepherds.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=24m6s

8. O Little Town of Bethlehem

A gentle meditation on the mystery of God’s work in the humble town of Bethlehem.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=56m29s

9. Away in a Manger

A simple and tender cradle song focusing on the Child Jesus lying in the manger.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=8m17s

10. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

An Advent–Christmas carol crying out for the coming of Emmanuel, “God-with-us.”
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=53m11s

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11–18: Scriptural and Theological Carols

11. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

A carol closely following the Gospel narrative of the angels’ message to the shepherds.
YouTube: included in “Christmas Carols” traditional collection​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASuIJMBQH4

12. Angels from the Realms of Glory

A call for angels, shepherds, sages and all creation to worship Christ the King.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=1h3m9s

13. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

Reflects on the angelic message of peace amid the struggles and sorrows of the world.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=49m43s

14. Ding Dong! Merrily on High

A joyful, bell-like carol celebrating Christmas with lively “Gloria” refrains.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=35m36s

15. We Three Kings

Meditates on the journey of the Magi and the meaning of their gifts to the Christ Child.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=21m7s

16. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

A missionary carol urging believers to proclaim that “Jesus Christ is born.”
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=28m54s

17. Mary’s Boy Child

A narrative song reflecting on the birth of Jesus to Mary and its saving meaning.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=31m38s

18. Little Drummer Boy

Tells the story of a poor boy who offers his simple gift of drumming to the Infant Jesus.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=10m13s

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19–25: Congregational and Festive Favourites

19. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

A joyful song of blessing and goodwill often used to conclude carol services.
YouTube: popular lyric version (Love to Sing style)​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-OF7KGyDis

20. Jingle Bells

A lively winter song, often sung with children and youth during Christmas gatherings.
YouTube: children’s/carol-style version​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CWJNqyub3o

21. O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)

A traditional song using the evergreen tree as a sign of faithfulness and hope.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=1h12m40s

22. Auld Lang Syne

Sung at the turn of the year, it fits naturally with the Christmas–New Year season.
YouTube (playlist track): “Top Traditional Christmas Carols”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=1h14m30s

23. Deck the Halls

A cheerful carol encouraging hearts to “deck the halls” and rejoice during Christmas time.
YouTube: traditional-style mix including this carol​​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M51fAus2Vnc

24. O Christmas Tree (Alternative Version)

Another traditional rendition of “O Christmas Tree” suitable for playlists and gatherings.
YouTube (same traditional playlist position)​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZStXLuEMME&t=1h12m40s

25. Continuous Top 25 Christmas Songs Video

A long continuous video that includes many of the classic carols listed above, ideal as background music.
YouTube: “Top 25 Christmas Song of All Time”​
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuvuV2VAnHs