If there's a thing that remained consistent throughout all six seasons of Glee, even when the writing and overall quality of the show declined, it's the singing. The entire cast was truly talented beyond words, and they all consistently delivered when performing their covers.
The cast put out three Christmas albums, practically covering every classic holiday tune and putting the classic Glee spin on them. Not all of them made it to the actual show, but they all contributed to the success of their respective albums. And as the cast changed with every new season, new voices got to be showcased on each album, perfectly representing the diversity and inclusivity Glee always strived to showcase.
Merry Christmas Darling
Rachel's solos in Glee were always a guarantee of quality. The character was always divisive, but her undeniable talent had even her detractors in awe. Ballads were her specialty, with her soft, Broadway-trained voice a perfect fit for them.
After she cheats on Finn in season 2, Rachel tries to get him back and sings several love songs to express her feelings. "Merry Christmas Darling" showcases the best parts of her distinctive style; she delivers an emotional and tender ballad about Christmas heartbreak that might sound out of place amid a celebration but fits perfectly for those feeling the blues.
We Need A Little Christmas
Poor New Directions. They were incredibly talented, and their covers were lively and cheerful. And yet, everyone at school hated them and treated them like trash, booing them during their performances and throwing slushies at their faces in the hallways.
During season 2's "A Very Glee Christmas," the club performs carols at school, but no one seems interested in the holiday cheer. Their fellow students don't even let them finish their rendition of "We Need a Little Christmas," booing them out of the classroom. It's a shame, because this particular song is one of Glee's best covers, capturing all the happiness fans expect from their carols.
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Decorating the choir room for Christmas was always the perfect opportunity for the New Directions to see some good, old-fashioned carols. Season 2 sees them singing "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," one of their best and most balanced group numbers.
Many characters have solos, and the scene is adorable and fun. The constant mentions of "misfits" might be overkill, considering the New Directions' status at school, but it isn't enough to make this performance any less enjoyable. It's comforting and sweet, the song equivalent of a blanket and a hot cup of cocoa.
You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Sue did many awful things in Glee, but she always remained hilarious. During the season 2 episode, she decides to "steal" McKinley's Christmas and goes so far as to dress as the Grinch, green face and all. It's a hilariously ridiculous scene, but Jane Lynch's is a hoot to watch.
k.d. lang is also an inspired choice to perform the classic "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Her husky voice is a natural fit with the song's tone, and although she doesn't need Matthew Morrison to help her, the combination of their voices is ultimately quite pleasing.
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Rachel had many solos on Glee, more than any other character. However, not all of them made it to the show, including her sentimental rendition of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." However, the song was included in Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 3.
"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is among the most bittersweet Christmas carols, and Rachel was the perfect choice to perform it. Her version is equal parts sorrowful and beautiful, and her emotional voice enhances the song's lyrics. It's a shame the song didn't make it to the show, although the performance would've been quite sad, so perhaps it was for the best.
Let It Snow
Kurt and Blaine were one of Glee's most popular relationships, and their duets never disappointed. Chris Colfer and Darren Criss' voices complemented each other perfectly, often creating unique covers that stood out in their own right.
For Season 3's Christmas hour, which features an in-episode holiday special in the vein of The Star Wars Holiday Special and The Judy Garland Christmas Special, Kurt and Blaine play the hosts and open the whole thing with their cheerful, perfectly synchronized take on "Let It Snow." Like all their duets, it's filled with energy, charisma, and an overflow charm.
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Glee went off the rails several times, but season 5's bizarre Christmas episode, "Previously Unaired Christmas," might be one of its lowest moments. However, the music was good, including this great cover of Brenda Lee's 1958 classic. It features the members of the New Directions nonchalantly decorating their Christmas Tree to the tune of the 60s staple.
With solos from Artie, Jake, Kitty, Marley, and even Will, it's a fun and relaxed number where the kids sing out of pure pleasure for both music and the holidays. It's the sort of simple number that first made Glee such an entertaining show to watch.
Here Comes Santa Claus
Another number from "Previously Unaired Christmas," "Here Comes Santa Claus" showcases three of the best voices in the show's impressive ensemble. Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of seasons 4 and 5 was the unexpected friendship between Kurt, Rachel, and Santana. They were pretty great together, and it's a shame they didn't get that many songs as a trio.
Working as Santa's elves in an NYC mall, and after the actor hired to play Santa is too drunk to go out, all three are forced to improvise something to calm the rioting children. And because they're performers, they burst out in a rendition of "Here Comes Santa Claus." It's a song and dance number that soars thanks to how great their voices go together.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
The closing act for season 4's episode, "Glee, Actually," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a big group number that takes place simultaneously in different locations. The Judy Garland staple features solos from old and new New Direction members.
A wholesome and tender number, it perfectly captures the essence of Christmas. It's all about coming together and celebrating with loved ones. Like all the best Glee numbers, this one succeeds because it allows the tune and lyrics of the song to take over, which is only enhanced by the voices of the undoubtedly talented cast. They did create something truly magical.
Do They Know It's Christmas?
Another number that serves as the closing of its respective episode, "Do They Know It's Christmas" is sung in the closing moments of season 3's previously mentioned "Extraordinary Merry Christmas."
At first, when they were asked to sing at the homeless shelter, the New Directions ditched that and instead chose to do their Christmas Special for the local PBS station. However, once realizing how selfish they have been, they arrive at the shelter at the last minute, carrying more food and presents. They then sing their rendition of "Do They Know It's Christmas" with more than enough heart.
All I Want For Christmas Is You
The Mariah Carey classic also got the Glee treatment, and who better to do it justice than the talented Amber Riley herself? One of the most accomplished voices in the show, Riley knocks it out of the park, filling the song with copious amounts of heart and joy.
Serving as the opening number of the "Extraordinary Merry Christmas" episode, it is sung by Mercedes while the Glee club has fun decorating their tree. Everyone acts as her backup, allowing Mercedes to claim the spotlight she absolutely deserves. Glee had many surprisingly wholesome moments, but the Christmas episodes always took the cake.
Santa Baby
The cut rendition of "Santa Baby" was sung during a trip to the jewelry store. Wearing a fabulous white coat and black-and-white dress, the notoriously savage Santana helps Finn choose a Christmas present for Rachel. When Finn can't afford it, she bursts out in song to convince the salesman to lower the price.
Originally sung by the legendary Eartha Kitt, the song suits the late Naya Rivera's voice like a glove. And Rivera enjoys every second of it, making the performance both playful and alluring.
White Christmas
Another popular Klaine duet was season 4's song "White Christmas," in which Kurt and Blaine sang while they were broken up.
Sung rather surreally at Rockefeller Center, Blaine and Kurt opt for the Michael Bublé and Shania Twain version. Criss and Colfer playfully skate around each other, making the number all the more charming. And while they weren't back together by the time the song stopped, it was clear it wouldn't be long before they found their way back to each other.
O Holy Night
Rachel may have been one of Glee's most cringeworthy characters, but boy, could she sing. At the NYADA Winter Showcase, Rachel is asked to do an encore after her rendition of "Being Good Isn't Good Enough" blows everyone's socks away. Rachel then bets out a glorious rendition of the Christmas classic, and if the audience wasn't already under her spell, they certainly had been after.
The song was initially released as part of the first Glee Christmas album, but it wasn't featured on the show until the Season 4 episode, "Swan Song."
Last Christmas
The very first Christmas cover that Glee ever released, "Last Christmas," perfectly captures the melancholic aura that made George Michael's original a classic in the first place.
Sung primarily as a duet between Finn and Rachel, with some fabulous late-minute participation by Mercedes, "Last Christmas" is performed in the show during the season 2 episode "A Very Glee Christmas." It never attempts to lose the original's sorrow, but it still successfully fills it with the very distinctive Glee vibe, making it the obvious choice to crown the show's holiday efforts.