Yesterday, we gave you our “Top 20 Alternative Christmas Songs“, featuring the likes of Liam Gallagher, Blossoms, Badly Drawn Boy, and Courteeners.
Today it’s Christmas Eve of course, and with one day to go we’re bringing you 10 more Christmas songs to delve into ahead of the big day.
This time we’re focusing on the best cover versions. From festive punk and fun, through to John Lewis adverts and iconic covers, we take you through the lot.
So here are our “Top 10 Christmas Song Covers”, starting with a northern music icon…
10) THE FALL – HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING
The genius of the late Mark E Smith lent itself to a number of festive efforts, but none more amusing than The Fall‘s take on classic Christmas carol, “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”. Not the traditional release you’d expect from Manchester post punk outfit, but somehow it worked. Sadly Mark passed away in 2018 but his extensive back catalogue of music lives on, so give it a play this Christmas! Listen here.
9) THE BIG MOON – CAROL OF THE BELLS
In December 2019, just before their incredible 2020 album, “Walking Like We Do”, criminally underrated indie band, The Big Moon put their unique spin on the classic “Carol of the Bells”. An ‘outside of the box’ choice to say the least, but it proved to be a perfect pairing. The cover even managed to land a spot on the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack! Listen here.
8) MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE – ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU
My Chemical Romance turn Mariah Carey’s modern classic into something entirely their own, swapping sparkling pop gloss for distorted guitars and Gerard Way’s dramatic, sneering-yet-sincere vocals. It keeps the song’s heart-on-sleeve romance, but adds a playful emo-punk urgency that feels both tongue-in-cheek and genuinely heartfelt. It’s the perfect version for anyone who loves Christmas but insists on wearing black while celebrating it. Listen here.
7) THE SHINS – WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME
The Shins’ take on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” is dreamier and more indie-pop than the original, softening the synth bounce into something warm and slightly hazy. James Mercer’s vocals give the song a wistful glow, landing somewhere between nostalgia and quiet joy. It’s less party anthem and more fireside reflection, making a familiar holiday staple feel refreshed and cozy. Listen here.
6) JAKE BUGG – HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER)
Now for an unreleased track, but a stellar effort nonetheless. Jake Bugg‘s live lounge Christmas cover approaches Lennon and Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” with stripped-back sincerity, letting his distinctive voice carry the emotional weight. Rather than reinventing the song, he leans into its message, highlighting the bittersweet mix of holiday hope and social conscience. The result feels intimate and earnest, something Bugg has mastered in his own craft over the years. Listen here.
5) ELBOW – GOLDEN SLUMBERS
Now time for a John Lewis Christmas advert soundtrack from Elbow. Guy Garvey‘s warm tones on this Beatles classic was the backdrop for Moz the Monster‘s short festive story in 2017, and instantly soared up the charts. Whose voice says settling around the living room fire at Christmas better than Guy Garvey, after all? He said, “This project was such a pleasure. The director Michel Gondry and The Beatles did all the work for us. We are really proud to be involved”. Listen here.
4) OASIS – MERRY XMAS EVERYBODY
Oasis covering Slade already feels like a natural fit. Take their “Cum On Feel The Noize” version for example, often played live. And their version of “Merry Xmas Everybody” leans into big, swaggering Britpop attitude. The track keeps the sing-along spirit of the original while layering in that unmistakable Gallagher bravado and wall-of-sound guitars. It plays like a raucous pub-Christmas moment — noisy, nostalgic, and impossible not to shout along with. Listen here.
3) LILY ALLEN – SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW
Lily Allen’s cover of Keane for the John Lewis advert was the cover we never knew we needed. The song itself has nothing to do with Christmas, however use it as the backdrop to one of John Lewis’s early festive creations in the shape of “The Bear and The Hare”, and you’ve got a hit. This was everywhere at the time and still sounds great 12 years on! Listen here.
2) BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
Now for one of the most famous Christmas covers out there. Bruce Springsteen’s live rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” has become legendary, bursting with energy and Springsteen’s playful charm. It transforms the children’s classic into a jubilant rock-and-roll celebration, complete with rasping vocals and E Street Band backing. It’s spirited, slightly mischievous, and feels like Christmas Eve excitement captured in song. Listen here.
1) SAM FENDER – WINTER SONG
Topping our list, Sam Fender returned following the success of his 2019 debut album Hypersonic Missiles with a haunting cover of Lindisfarne’s Winter Song. Again looking to avoid the stereotypical Christmas tracks, this was a nod to one of Sam’s heroes in Alan Hull, a popular figure in the North East. Sam also performed an excellent live version of the track at Sage Gateshead with the Royal Northern Sinfonia as part of a live Christmas YouTube stream. Watch the live version here.
So there are our Top 10 Christmas Covers! Have we missed any? Have your say!
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