Nice Christmas music that is not pop music?

[RabitWhole]

What does everyone listen to on Christmas Day/Boxing Day? I'm looking for something a bit different this year, rather than the usual Christmas pop music (which I do enjoy but it gets done to death by the day itself!) or even the classics like Bing and Frank etc.

Any suggestions?

Ingrid Michaelson 'songs for the season' - sweet swing style.

Another vote for Pentatonix and the Mediaeval Baebes.

Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You a Swinging Christmas is a jazzier take on the old standards and very special to me, although it'll be a tough listen this year as it's the first without my Dad who introduced me to her music.

I'm really looking forward to checking out some of these suggestions...especially Tom Waits and the Dap Kings!

We like the Country Christmas playlist on Amazon

All the trad carols* are my favourites - sung by proper choirs.

Among others (inc. of course King’s College) I have a Classic FM CD called The Nation’s Favourite Carols.

*Also love newer ones by John Rutter, and the Calypso and Cowboy ones, plus Little Donkey, Mary’s Boy Cild, etc.

Mediæval Bæbes album, and Neil Diamond!

Anything instrumental. The theme from Home Alone is absolutely magical.

We really like the Puppini sisters and She and Him. Also Robbie Williams and Michael Buble, although that’s purely a Christmas thing. Surprisingly we love Seth McFarlane (Family Guy). He has an amazing voice for Christmas songs.

The Carpenters 'Christmas Portrait' is gorgeous.

I like "Mindful Mix - a Winter Walk" on BBC Sounds. Lots of gentle Christmas music, interspersed with the sounds of feet crunching in snow, a fire crackling.

The Kings Singers also have several Christmas albums, which are free on Amazon music if you have Prime.

Forgot the link! The winter walk is here - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08xz5g2

There's also a Carol play list with Warlock, Taverner, Byrd and others here - www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07tykyd

We listen to "Christmas Jazz" whenever we have company over the festive period. I just find a playlist on YouTube/Amazon/Spotify called "Christmas Jazz".
Then on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I sneak in a bit of Carol's from Kings as it's what my mum always listens to.

Berlioz's Shepherd's Farewell.

Beautiful.

Britten's Ceremony of Carols

Yes, John Rutter too😊

Tim Chaplin

www.tomchaplinmusic.com/twelve-tales-of-christmas/

[quote NashvilleQueen]Tim Chaplin

www.tomchaplinmusic.com/twelve-tales-of-christmas/[/quote]
I can't believe I forgot this!

It's wonderful, and going to be played a lot today.

@Moonlaserbearwolf

John Rutter! It's hard to get more Christmassy - i challenge you to listen to Donkey carol and not want to trot round the room

I've just listened to it and I agree! Brilliant, I felt like I'd just fallen into an old school Christmas movie

@Minceandonions

We listen to "Christmas Jazz" whenever we have company over the festive period. I just find a playlist on YouTube/Amazon/Spotify called "Christmas Jazz". Then on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, I sneak in a bit of Carol's from Kings as it's what my mum always listens to.

I've found a great Christmas Jazz playlist on Spotify, right up my street. Didn't even think of jazz versions of Christmas songs, thanks for the recommendation!

@Figmentofimagination

I second The Pianoman At Christmas album by Jamie Cullum. I love it. Especially the songs The Pianoman At Christmas and Turn On The Lights.

Also, the Home Alone soundtrack. Makes me feel all festive.

Love Jamie Cullum, I've just had a quick listen to this, I think I'd quite enjoy it!

Yes The Carol of the Bells from the Home Alone soundtrack is a good version of the old Eastern European carol.

Another vote for Pentatonix here. Their version of Carol Of The Bells is beautiful as is Mary, Did You Know? and Come All Ye Faithful. Christmas isnt Christmas without a bit of Pentatonix in my view!

Tudor carols anything historical I love the older music.