Listen to Classic Holiday Movie Music on Cinemagic
Dive into classic holiday favorites.
It’s time to cozy up and immerse yourself in the beloved melodies from classic holiday films – including from “Home Alone,” “Elf, “and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – with “Cinemagic’s Holiday Movie Soundtracks” special. Listen to a festive mix of music and cherished film moments on the Xtra channel Cinemagic on the SiriusXM app.
Plus, check out 25 Christmas movie soundtracks (some of which, but not all, are included in the Cinemagic special) below. NOTE: the Cinemagic special and the list below include some different music).
25 Christmas Movie Soundtracks
25. The Polar Express (2004)
Composer: Alan Silvestri
This visually stunning film is accompanied by a soundtrack full of soaring orchestral music and seasonal classics. Alan Silvestri’s score, paired with the unforgettable vocals of Tom Hanks (who voices several characters in the film), creates an atmosphere of wonder and awe, making it a holiday favorite.
24. Love Actually (2003)
Composer: Craig Armstrong
Though not exclusively a Christmas movie, Love Actually uses its festive backdrop to tell a heartwarming, interconnected story of love and life. The soundtrack features an eclectic mix of classic Christmas songs and original scores, including tracks by Olivia Olson, Joni Mitchell, and a memorable rendition of “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys.
23. Christmas At Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1988)
The cult-favorite TV show, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, featured a star-studded group of guests to join Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) for his 1988 holiday special, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, Little Richard, Joan Rivers, Oprah Winfrey, and Cher.
22. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Composer: John Williams
The sequel to *Home Alone* once again features the legendary score of John Williams. The music complements the film’s blend of slapstick humor and holiday spirit, with the iconic “Somewhere in My Memory” bringing the warmth of Christmas to the forefront.
22. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Composer: Vince Guaraldi
This beloved animated special has one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy, soothing melodies, including the iconic “Christmas Time Is Here,” perfectly capture the gentle spirit of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters.
20. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Composer: Miles Goodman
The Muppets’ take on Charles Dickens’ classic has a soundtrack filled with classic tunes and heartfelt ballads. With songs like “Scrooge” and “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas,” the Muppets capture the magic and joy of the season with a lighthearted touch.
19. Elf (2003)
Composer: John Debney
Elf is a modern Christmas classic, and the soundtrack is full of festive charm. John Debney’s score is paired with a mix of classic holiday songs like “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Christmas Baby Please Come Home,” making it a great blend of new and old.
18. Gremlins (1984)
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Though Gremlins has its share of dark humor and creepy moments, Jerry Goldsmith’s score adds a festive element to the film. The mix of Christmas music with the film’s eerie overtones creates an interesting, memorable contrast that gives the film its unique flavor.
17. The Grinch (2018)
Composer: Danny Elfman
While not as beloved as the 1966 animated classic, The Grinch (2018) offers a fresh take on the holiday story with a soundtrack that features Danny Elfman’s distinctive score. The music adds an emotional depth, while tracks like “Your Mean One, Mr. Grinch” bring a new twist to the classic.
16. A Christmas Story (1983)
Composer: Carl Zittrer
This nostalgic favorite about a young boy’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun is accompanied by a delightful score that perfectly complements the quirky humor of the film. The soundtrack balances memorable melodies with moments of sentimentality, making it an essential part of any holiday playlist.
15. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Composer: Cyril J. Mockridge
This holiday classic, which tells the story of a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus, features a beautiful orchestral score by Cyril J. Mockridge. The music, with its lush strings and warm melodies, evokes the magic and innocence of Christmas.
14. The Holiday (2006)
Composer: Hans Zimmer
The soundtrack of The Holiday is a blend of heartwarming themes and emotional moments, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer. The score is intimate and stirring, setting the perfect tone for this romantic holiday film.
13. Bad Santa (2003)
Composer: David Kitay
A dark comedy with a heart of gold, Bad Santa has a soundtrack that mixes classic Christmas tunes with a bit of irreverence. From the opening track “Lil’ Drummer Boy” to the inclusion of songs like “Blue Christmas,” the music complements the film’s offbeat humor while still embracing the holiday spirit.
12. Die Hard (1988)
Composer: Michael Kamen
Widely debated as a Christmas movie, Die Hard definitely earns its spot on this list. Michael Kamen’s score, along with classic holiday songs like “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” and “Christmas in Hollis,” helps create an unlikely but memorable Christmas atmosphere for this action-packed film.
11. Scrooged (1988)
Composer: Danny Elfman
Bill Murray’s sardonic take on A Christmas Carol is complemented by an outstanding soundtrack from Danny Elfman. The music balances humor and sentiment, while songs like “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” perfectly encapsulate the film’s message of redemption.
10. White Christmas (1954)
Composer: Irving Berlin
No Christmas soundtrack list would be complete without the classic White Christmas. Featuring the iconic title song performed by Bing Crosby, this timeless soundtrack is the epitome of holiday cheer, with additional hits like “Blue Skies” and “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.”
9. The Santa Clause (1994)
Composer: Michael Convertino
This Disney classic about an ordinary man who becomes Santa Claus features a magical score by Michael Convertino. The soundtrack perfectly captures the humor and heart of the film, and tracks like “This Is a Job for Santa” will have you humming all holiday season long.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Composer: Johnny Marks
The classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion animation is filled with catchy tunes that have become Christmas staples, especially the iconic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The soundtrack’s playful and nostalgic vibe helps keep the spirit of the holiday alive.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Composer: Angelo Badalamenti
This holiday comedy about the Griswold family’s disastrous Christmas vacation is accompanied by a lighthearted and festive score. From the energetic opening theme to the humorous holiday tunes, the soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s slapstick humor and seasonal joy.
6. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Composer: Jack Rollins & Steve Nelson
The catchy theme song “Frosty the Snowman” is undoubtedly the most memorable track from this classic TV special. The classic score helps bring the magical world of Frosty to life and is perfect for sparking childhood nostalgia during the holiday season.
5. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Composer: David Newman
Jingle All the Way may not be a critical darling, but it certainly has one of the most fun Christmas soundtracks. With a mix of traditional holiday tunes and upbeat scores, the soundtrack sets the perfect tone for this chaotic holiday comedy.
4. Home Alone (1990)
Composer: John Williams
The soundtrack to Home Alone is nothing short of iconic, with John Williams composing some of the most memorable pieces in holiday film history. The heartwarming “Somewhere in My Memory” and the playful “Holiday Flight” have become synonymous with Christmas joy.
3. A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Composer: Danny Elfman
Though it was mentioned earlier, the haunting soundtrack deserves its own recognition. Danny Elfman’s music, from the eerie “This Is Halloween” to the longing “Sally’s Song,” perfectly captures the quirky charm of Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece.
2. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Composer: Friedrich Hollaender
This classic romantic comedy about a food writer and a war hero has a subtly enchanting soundtrack. Featuring lush orchestral arrangements and memorable holiday melodies, the film’s score remains one of the most overlooked treasures of Christmas cinema.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Composer: Dmitri Tiomkin
The soundtrack to It’s a Wonderful Life is perhaps the most evocative and emotional of all Christmas movie soundtracks. Dmitri Tiomkin’s score beautifully enhances
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