'Tis the season for warm mugs of cocoa, frolicking in the snow, and cranking up those Christmas carols as high as they can go. 2020 has been a tough year, but these holiday albums are sure to put you in a festive mood. So exactly who is releasing Christmas albums in 2020? As it turns out, several beloved artists have done the classic Christmas genre justice this year. This is exactly the new Christmas music 2020 needs.
There are quite a few standout country Christmas albums this year, including country queen Carrie Underwood's My Gift and the legendary Dolly Parton's A Holly Dolly Christmas. Pop singers JoJo and Meghan Trainor also delivered the goods with their catchy yet sincere records. If you're looking for something more on the spiritual side, for KING & COUNTRY and Tori Kelly have got you covered. Those celebrating Christmas from a sunnier climate will enjoy Shaggy's Christmas in the Islands, a collection of beachy, reggae-infused holiday tunes perfect for a hot Christmas day. Other artists who released Christmas albums include Mariah Carey, Pentatonix, and Andrew Bird.
Whether you're in the mood for a collection of old-school classics or a total reinvention of holiday favorites, this list has all the Christmas records you should be listening to this year. Here are the best Christmas albums 2020 has to offer.
Country queen Carrie Underwood has proved herself time and time again since her humble beginnings as a contestant on American Idol. On My Gift, Underwood delivers eight traditional songs and three originals, including "Hallelujah", a striking duet with John Legend. Putting an emphasis on family, Underwood even brought her oldest son Isaiah into the recording booth for a rendition of "Little Drummer Boy".
The first Christmas album from R&B rising star features soft vocals and smooth sounds perfect for the cuddle weather. With guest appearances from The Weeknd and Alicia Keys, Christmas Blues includes a variety of originals and covers of holiday classics.
Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Tori Kelly is a vocal powerhouse to be reckoned with. A Tori Kelly Christmas gives her the platform to deliver both strong vocals and a spiritual message. Her album is mainly made up of classic tunes, including a chill-inducing version of "Silent Night". This might be her first Christmas record, but here's hoping she makes many more.
If you loved Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special on Apple TV+, then you'll most likely be playing the soundtrack on repeat. Including new versions of classic favorites, her fourth Christmas album features collaborations with Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, and Snoop Dogg.
You know him best as Aaron Burr, the complicated antagonist in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical Hamilton, but Leslie Odom Jr. has a few more tricks up his sleeve. This year, he released a swanky, stylish collection of traditional Christmas picks. Keep an ear out for the stunning ballad "Heaven & Earth", where Odom Jr. lets his vocals shine.
There is never enough Dolly Parton! 30 years after Home for Christmas, the country music star's third Christmas album arrived just in time for the holidays. With guest appearances from Michael Bublé, Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, and more, A Holly Dolly Christmas features a cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and a duet with her brother Randy.
