There’s only so much goopy seasonal music you can listen to, right? That’s where this list of Top 12 classic rock Christmas albums comes in. We’ve dug up the best song cycles from guys who set the old cardigan-wearing holiday-music model aflame.
You’ll find modern-era classics from the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Canned Heat and the Moody Blues, along with timeless favorites from the Beach Boys, Ventures and Elvis Presley. There are entries that frankly surprised us, for one reason or another, from Bob Dylan, Chicago and Twisted Sister, too.
What you won’t find here are compilations – great though they may be – like 1987’s A Very Special Christmas, 2003’s We Wish You a Hairy Christmas or 2008’s We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Head-banging New Year. Also, we were looking for full-length albums, so Jimi Hendrix‘s very cool EP didn’t make the cut either.
Ranking the Best Classic Rock Christmas Albums
We’re sad to report, however, that making Christmas music can apparently be hazardous to your recording career. Some Yuletide projects represent the final recorded output from a well-known rock outfit, including the Moody Blues with 2003’s December. Jethro Tull and Canned Heat also appeared to have finished their runs with a holiday album, only to come roaring back to life with 2022’s The Zealot Gene and 2024’s Finyl Vinyl, respectively.
READ MORE: The Worst Christmas Songs … Ever
The next great holiday record might still be just around the corner. As we wait for that – and for Santa, of course – here’s how UCR’s staff ranks the Top 12 classic rock Christmas albums of all time.
Top Classic Rock Christmas Albums
There’s only so much goopy seasonal music you can listen to, right?
Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso
