It could just be me, but I think the best part of the holiday season is the music. These songs may consist of ones you’ve heard since you were a child and have been ingrained in your memory; those songs are my favorite. They’re only played for a few weeks surrounding the holiday season, but that only adds to my love of them. For this holiday season, I’ve compiled a list of the best holiday songs to ever be sung.

1. “Carol of the Bells” by Trans Siberian

A true classic, and the best Carol of the Bells is the more original version. I’m not saying the new ones are bad, but for this song, you just can’t beat the classic.

2. “Light of Christmas” by Owl City

I just recently listened to this song and instantly fell in love with it. It’s much more modern then I would listen to, but it caught my attention almost instantly.

3. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber

The original version of this song was released in 1994, but this version of the song, with its perfect mix of Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber’s voices, has always been a big hit and belongs on every holiday music playlist.

4. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

The original Santa Baby was sung by Eartha Kitt, and while it’s a great version, I have to admit to loving Ariana Grande’s version as well.

5. “I’ll be Home for Christmas” by Frank Sinatra

It may be an old one, but it’s a good one. If you’re looking for a relaxing classic holiday song, this one is perfect.

6. “God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen” by Pentatonix

Pentatonix, one of the leading acapella groups, can’t do a song wrong; however, this song is exceptional even by their standards.

7. “Last Christmas” by Ariana Grande

It’s new, modern, and pop, but it’s still a great holiday song.

8. “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber

Yes, I know. How could I? I mean come on, it’s Justin Bieber doing a holiday song. But even I have to admit this is a melodious, catchy, well done Christmas song.

9. “Shake up Christmas” by Train

It’s not your conventional holiday song, but it’s definitely worth listening to. I recently listened to it for the first time and fell in love with it. I’m big into the classics, but this song really captured the holiday spirit.

10. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry

You can’t get much more original than this song. We watched the movie as kids and sang the song every year ’round and during the holidays, making it a must have on any Christmas playlist.

10. “Jingle Bell Rock”

The mean girls version, obviously.

11. “Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry

Though it never actually refers to holidays, this song has been a classic since before I was born and it’s going to be around long after I leave.

12. “Up on the Housetop” by Benjamin Hanby

 I’m sure there are tons of great versions of this song, but the original was done in 1864 by Benjamin Hanby.

Now, I know this isn’t even close to all of the amazing songs that come along with the holiday season and everyone has a different taste for music, but you have to admit, there’s no going wrong with these top twelve.