The best modern covers of classic Christmas songs to get you in the Christmas spirit

If you've ever worked in retail or, let's face it, been to a mall during the height of the holiday season, you've heard the same old Christmas songs on repeat. While they're all classics for a reason, listening to them over and over can make you want to hole up for a long hibernation rather than get in the spirit of decking the halls.

The holiday season is all about getting into the holiday spirit, so we've rounded up our favorite Christmas covers to freshen up your Christmas playlists this year. (And to make it easier for you, we've created a Spotify playlist with them all in one place.) We think some of them are even better than the originals, but we'll leave the judgement up to you!

Dolly Parton's cover of “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

It's hard to compete with Mariah Carey's classic, but if anyone can, it's Parton. She gets a little help from Jimmy Fallon (and some banjos) to do a country version of everyone's favorite Christmas song. Happy Dolly Christmas to you all!

Mariah Carey's cover of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”

This is one of those cases where the cover really rivals the original. Of course, Darlene Love's original version is great, but there's something about Carey's powerful vocals that really takes this song to the next level.

Kacey Musgraves' cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

Just call her Sleigh-cy Musgraves, because this country star wrote “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — originally sung by none other than Judy Garland in 1944 We meet in St. Louis — her own, as she did during The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show.

Cover of “What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?” by Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

“Here comes the jackpot question:” Is there anything cuter than the 500 Days of Summer Which co-stars collaborated on this sweet and festive tune?

John Legend's cover of “What Christmas Means to Me”

Legend's soulful vocals fit the Stevie Wonder song perfectly. Plus, Wonder personally accompanied the singer on harmonica for his 2018 Christmas special, so you know it has his stamp of approval.

Justin Bieber's cover of “Little Drummer Boy”

Bieber's rendition proves that Busta Rhymes can really rap about anything.

Bruce Springsteen's cover of “Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.”

When the boss says, “For heaven's sake, you better be a good boy,” you know he means it. Against all logic, Springsteen's raspy vocals somehow fit perfectly with this festive tune. And don't forget the saxophone!

Carly Rae Jepsen's cover of “Last Christmas”

It's hard to improve on a song like “Last Christmas,” but Jepsen takes Wham!'s holiday classic and turns it into a poppy bop that, frankly, doesn't have to be limited to the holiday season.

Ne-Yo's cover of “The Christmas Song”

The R&B singer covered a stripped-down a cappella version of Nat King Cole's “The Christmas Song,” and Ne-Yo's version is as delightful and cozy as a Christmas fire.

Kylie Minogue's cover of “Santa Baby”

“Santa Baby” is probably the only song in Christmas history that can be described as sexy. It's another one of those songs that you hear throughout the entire holiday season. While we'll always love Eartha Kitt's version, Minogue's seductive cover stays close to the original, which is perhaps what makes it so great.

Gwen Stefani's cover of “Jingle Bells”

We all know “Jingle Bells,” but this bouncy Stefani cover is jazzy and features plenty of brass, somehow making the classic sound even more classic, if that's even possible.

Miley Cyrus & Mark Ronson's Cover of “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)”

Stylistically, it doesn't stray too far from the original, but Cyrus' powerful vocals and a modern rock vibe make this John Lennon song a worthy addition to your playlist. Plus, it features none other than Lennon's son, Sean Ono Lennon.

Spice Girls cover of “Christmas Wrapping”

The 1981 pop song was originally sung by The Waitresses and received a double dose of girl power when the Spice Girls covered it in 1998.

Sufjan Stevens' cover of “Joy to the World”

Stevens' voice is practically made to lull you to sleep with a crackling fire.

Destiny Childs cover of “Silent Night”

We have three words for you about Destiny's Child's Christmas cover: Three-part harmony.

Bright Eyes cover of “Blue Christmas”

This cover of “Blue Christmas” was originally performed by Elvis Presley and tends towards rock'n'roll, with Presley's sad song being given a happier twist.

Fun.'s cover of “Sleigh Ride”

A “sleigh ride with you” sounds fun, doesn’t it?!

Diana Ross' cover of “Wonderful Christmastime”

Ross' version of the Beatles' Christmas classic, which is played over and over again in the shopping malls over the Christmas season, elevates the tune to a more classic Christmas song with her beautiful vocals.

Michael Bublé's cover of “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”

You didn't think a Bublé cover wouldn't make the list, did you? There are plenty to choose from, but we love this cover of Bing Crosby's classic “It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” which features Bublé lending his soulful vocals.

Want them all in one place? Check out our Spotify playlist below.

Enjoy listening and Merry Christmas to you all!