The Tuesday Tracks crew has been listening to all the holiday music sent to us this fall—more than 200 songs and nearly 20 holiday albums in all genres from gospel to ska—and picked our 12 favorites (11 for your holiday party and one for when you’re fuming after the inevitable fight). Check out these covers and originals by Josh Groban and The War and Treaty, a trio of Philadelphia Eagles with rival Travis Kelce and Boyz II Men; Ben Folds, Dawes and more!

Dawes, “Christmas Tree in the Window” — A Dawes Christmas song is a welcome surprise this holiday season. It’s a quintessential Dawes song, featuring Taylor Goldsmith’s distinct voice alongside slow piano, drumming and guitar. The introspective lyrics tell the story of a burglar who stops what he’s doing when he sees a Christmas tree in the window. Instead of proceeding with his plans, he pauses to call his family. It’s an unexpected yet heartwarming addition to the holiday music rotation. — Peter Knezevich

***

Emile Mosseri and Julianna Barwick, “snowpool” – This original song was born of Emile Mosseri and Julianna Barwick jamming together in Los Angeles. Barwick came up with the melody and Mosseri the chords, and the result is this dreamy, melancholic, almost eerie tune. The choir-like harmonies are reminiscent of the songs from the soundtrack of the classic “Charlie Brown Christmas Special,” and the music brings to mind U.K. band Portishead. — Rachel Alm

The Philly Specials, Travis Kelce and Boyz II Men, “It’s Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)” — All of the best of the holidays is featured on this gem of a Christmas song featuring the beautiful harmonies of Boyz II Men and The Philly Specials, a trio of Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and Jason Kelce—along with special guest Travis Kelce.

This song reminisces about the Kelce brothers’ Ohio hometown, Cleveland Heights. You can smell the holiday pies and see the mistletoe and holly lined up among the Christmas lights and snow-covered ground. This track spreads the holiday cheer and nostalgic flair in a slow jam where Shawn Stockman, Nathan Morris and Wanyá Morris add credence to the footballers.  — Mel Bowman

***

Kurt Vile and his daughters, “Some Kind of Christmas” — If you’re a parent, Christmas is about your kids. Kurt Vile gets it and then gets his children into the mix on this charming lo-fi cover of a Bob Dylan tune. Oh, by the way: This publication’s publisher picked the original as one of the worst Christmas songs of all time. But you know what that one was missing? Kids. Also, it was missing this version’s delightfully off-kilter and slightly out of tune singing. OK, so he technically recorded this song for Christmas last year, but most people missed it. It’s paired with an equally charming video with Vile playing around with his daughters in festive attire and then making his way around Philadelphia with Santa himself. — Roman Gokhman

Ben Folds, “The Christmas Song” — Folds leans into a tender and intimate approach, as though he’s performing by a quiet fireplace late on a December evening. His spare, jazz-tinged piano voicings and gentle vocal delivery create a cozy, lived-in atmosphere, while the unexpected addition of harmonica in the second half enriches the song without breaking the spell. The result is a relaxed and understated take on a holiday classic. — Sery Morales.

***

The Boy Detective, “I Renounce Verdukianism!” — While this song isn’t quite the same vibe as the rest, it does include important parts of Christmas that some leave out: Deep resentment, crippling depression, threats, frostbite and ska. Named after a “30 Rock” episode, this extremely over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek message to a hopefully recent ex may not make a great choice if you go out caroling, but I’m sure it will resonate with some of you. — Daniel J. Willis.

David Shaw of the Revivalists, “Christmas!” — This one’s also a cover… sort of. More like a parody, but it’s so earnest that the label doesn’t really work. Set to George Michael’s “Freedom,” this funky song calls back to what the holidays were like to those of us coming of age in the ’90s (“Watching ‘Home Alone on the TV…”) while keeping the original’s uplifting vibes. “This is the Christmas song for people who don’t like Christmas music,” the Revivalists frontman has said. Fair enough, but he sure sounds like someone who loves holiday music and that’s A-OK. — Roman Gokhman.

Lyn Lapid, “old fashioned christmas” — Lapid sets a bittersweet, nostalgic tone from the start with warm strings and a gentle swell of sound. Her classically trained vocals shine against this backdrop, blending effortlessly with the track’s fresh, modern lyrics—like wishing for “someone with a pulse who texts back in a day” and preferring “presents, not messages unread.” While the melody feels traditional at its core, the chorus introduces a surprisingly groovy, almost tropical twist. Her whole Christmas EP, Winter Wishes, is worth a listen. — Sery Morales

Josh Groban and The War and Treaty, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” – Probably the most famous version of this song was sung by Whitney Houston on the first Very Special Christmas Album. That’s a tough act to follow unless you’ve got the amazing voices of Josh Groban, Tanya Trotter and Michael Trotter, Jr. They do a really beautiful version of this song.  — Rachel Alm

***

Yächtley Crëw, “It’s Christmastime” — Yacht rock meets Christmas in the most epic way on this super-upbeat track. Upbeat guitar riffs are matched with lyrics that invoke all of the flavors of the holiday, from roasting chestnuts by fire to presents under the tree and mistletoe. A jazzy guitar solo at the bridge make way for a euphoric end where both the key and energy is uplifted. The campy video features the crew in captain’s hats and jazzy red sequins jackets rocking out poolside. Very “yacht rock” indeed. – Mel Bowman

Jonathan McReynolds, “White Christmas” — Gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds’  Christmas EP, Red & Green, opens with the soft and reflective “White Christmas.” Gentle guitar strums set the tone, creating a cozy atmosphere alongside the heartfelt vocals. The lyrics emphasize that the most important gifts are not the ones under the tree. A tasteful guitar solo takes the lead before handing off the reigns to the keys. — Peter Knezevich

Fantastic Cat, “Holiday Road” – No one brings the fun like Fantastic Cat, and you already love Lindsay Buckingham’s original from National Lampoon, right? (Everyone does; that chorus is irresistible.) This version is extra merry, with sleigh bells ringing throughout. For a band comprised of four singer-songwriters, Fantastic Cat has a real way with covers. The band also released a rocking cover of “Feliz Navidad” with members of Mariachi Corazon De Mexico this holiday season. — Rachel Alm.

Follow RIFF on BlueSky.