Christmas is undoubtedly one of the more musical holidays on the calendar. Come to think of it, many holidays actually have an entire genre of music dedicated to them. While most Christmas carols are traditionally written, there are more than a few that either come straight from movies or have entire musical numbers dedicated to them.
There are several show-stopping moments in many favorite films and musicals, whether holiday-themed or not, that have been pounded into the Christmas consciousness. But whether they're beautiful yet brief or hardcore holiday hits, when Christmas takes the stage it really steals the show.
With a Thankful Heart (The Muppet Christmas Carol)
The Muppet Christmas Carol is certainly a bit of a cult favorite, and certainly one of the most memorable musicals to come from the Jim Henson Company since Bowie led viewers through the Labyrinth.
And while the film has no shortage of catchy numbers, "With a Thankful Heart" is definitely a warm and fuzzy sequence to carry out the message of the Christmas spirit. Michale Caine might not be the most musically gifted, but his performance is almost impossible to hate.
White Christmas (White Christmas/Holiday Inn)
Bing Crosby was no stranger to the movie musical, but if there's one thing the old groaner was known for in his career, it was his rendition of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."
Although the song first made its appearance and won an Oscar in the film, Holiday Inn, White Christmas seems to be the more popular of the two. But what else can you expect when one has the comedic chops of Danny Kaye?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Meet Me in St. Louis)
In the same vein of "White Christmas" "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Meet Me in St. Louis soon became one of the most covered Christmas songs in the history of the music industry.
Often imitated but never duplicated, Judy Garland's rendition of this festive ballad will always be the original classic. Although it might be overshadowed by "The Trolley Song," it never fails to get viewers in a sentimental mood.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside (Elf)
It might be just an honorable mention, but it's kind of hard not to admit that Will Ferrel and Zooey Deschanel singing together isn't a highly memorable moment in the film.
Not only that, but the two do get a brief musical accompaniment while doing the duet. A fully-cast musical number it might not be, but it absolutely is an iconic part in Buddy the Elf's journey to New York City.
We Need a Little Christmas (Mame)
If there was ever a Christmas tune that sounded like it was absolutely made for a Broadway stage, it's "We Need a Little Christmas" from Mame. While most viewers are probably unfamiliar with the song's origin, they definitely know the song with all the covers of it that air on the radio waves.
And although Lucile Ball might be the most familiar, it's Angela Lansbury's performance from the stage version that takes the cake.
Walking in the Air (The Snowman)
Not a musical, but The Snowman is home to perhaps the most hauntingly beautiful songs of the winter season. As the boy's frosty friend takes him flying through the sky on Christmas Eve, the viewers are treated to "Walking in the Air" as they sail over continents and oceans on their way to a North Pole Christmas party.
Reveling snowmen aside, the music is beyond beautiful and will no doubt linger with the viewer after the dream ends.
Hot Chocolate (The Polar Express)
One of the catchier numbers on the list, The Polar Express's "Hot Chocolate" is a big song-and-dance number that arrives practically out of nowhere and comes and goes in a flash of steam and table dancing.
The upbeat tempo, the repetition of the infectious rhythm, and the jazzy music and lyrics never fail to get all viewers in the mood for a big frothy mug of hot chocolate. Now if only they made those musical kettles.
Mr. Snow Miser/ Mr. Heat Miser (A Year Without a Santa Claus)
It's two for the price of one with this shared theme between two very different but very over-the-top characters. Snow Miser and Heat Miser are a pair of characters that practically demand a big musical number, and they certainly deliver.
Whether some like it hot or some like it cold, the vaudeville-style tune is a frequent fan favorite every year, regardless of the weather. Simply put, they're too much.
You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
While Jim Carrey definitely gave viewers a very comedic take on this classic villain song during his time as the Grinch, it's Thurl Ravenscroft that wins the spot with his original rendition of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
Right from the first four bass notes of the first verse, listeners will recognize exactly which resident of Who-Ville he's addressing. The special simply wouldn't be complete without it, and neither would a Christmas playlist.
Holly Jolly Christmas (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)
If there's one merry musical number everyone can recognize, everyone has seen, and everyone practically hears on repeat every Christmas season, it's "Holly Jolly Christmas."
This song, sung by the one and only Sam the Snowman of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, is practically the anthem of animated Christmas specials and has only gotten better with age. There are few Christmas numbers that so perfectly capture that warm and fuzzy sentimentality of the holidays better than this festive favorite, making it unquestionably perfect for a celebratory mood.