It’s still November, but Christmas has already taken over the music platforms. Olivia Rodrigo is releasing her first Christmas song, Sufjan Stevens is revisiting his festive world, Alanis Morissette is releasing her first Christmas album, and Elton John is joining the party. Here are the songs and albums that are starting to set the tone for Christmas 2026.
Mariah Carey still has a lot to say, but this year she won’t be alone. The 2026 Christmas music season has kicked off with an unexpected flood of new releases that go far beyond the usual Christmas carols.
There’s teen pop, melancholic indie, alternative rock, soul, and even reinterpretations of classics we’ve been listening to our whole lives.
The question is no longer when we’ll start listening to Christmas music, but which new songs will stick with us after December.
Olivia Rodrigo releases “Take Me Home (4 Christmas)”—it’s about love, commitment, and a Christmas with a hangover
The first big surprise comes from Olivia Rodrigo, who released “Take Me Home (4 Christmas),” her first Christmas song, on November 6.
Far from resorting to a sentimental ballad, Rodrigo opts for a lighthearted pop song, complete with a catchy beat, jingle bells, and a story all her own: wanting your partner to take you home for Christmas—not for a romantic night, but to officially meet their parents.
The music video turns that idea into a little Christmas comedy starring Cynthia Nixon, known for *Sex and the City*, and Ben Marshall from *Saturday Night Live*.
Produced by Dan Nigro and with a clear nod to ’80s pop, Olivia Rodrigo proves that it’s possible to write a Christmas song without losing your personality.
Sufjan Stevens Releases “Worst Christmas Ever!”—and Christmas Can Be Sad, Too
While Olivia Rodrigo embodies the most fun side of the holidays, Sufjan Stevens reminds us that Christmas isn’t always about happiness, lights, and perfect family gatherings.
On November 6, he released *Worst Christmas Ever!*, a 16-song album that revisits tracks from his extensive Christmas collections *Songs for Christmas * and *Silver & Gold*.
But there’s one particularly significant new addition: “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better),” his first new Christmas song in nearly fifteen years.
In it, Stevens once again explores emotions such as regret, vulnerability, and the need for forgiveness.
Because yes, there’s also a Christmas for those who feel nostalgic, miss someone, or just don’t really feel like celebrating anything.
And Sufjan Stevens has been composing its soundtrack for years.
Alanis Morissette joins the Christmas spirit with “Good Weather for Immaculate Conception”
Another of the big surprises of 2026 is Alanis Morissette.
The Canadian artist has released her first Christmas album, *Good Weather for Immaculate Conception*, a collection of 14 songs that combines classics, covers, and original compositions.
The album features such well-known songs as “Last Christmas” by Wham!, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and ” River” by Joni Mitchell.
The album also features collaborations with Brandi Carlile, Steve Martin, and Martin Short, among other guests.
A Christmas quite different from the one we imagined when we listened to *Jagged Little Pill*.
Elton John, CMAT, and Jalen Ngonda are classics who have reinvented themselves
It’s not all about releasing completely new songs.
Elton John and CMAT have released a new version of “Step Into Christmas,” the classic that the British singer originally released in 1973. The recording combines elements of that original performance with new arrangements and the Irish singer’s vocals.
Meanwhile, Jalen Ngonda revives “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” the anthem popularized by Darlene Love, with a rendition that fits perfectly with his soulful style.
Two examples of how a song can be more than half a century old and still find new life.
Hilary Duff, The Beaches, and Tegan and Sara also want their Christmas
The list of new releases keeps growing.
Hilary Duff has released the EP *Holiday Things*, featuring five songs, including originals and covers. One of her tracks bears the provocative title *All You Want For Christmas Is Me*.
The Canadian duo The Beaches have decided to put their own spin on “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” while Tegan and Sara are getting back into the Christmas spirit with “I Love Christmas ” and “A December to Remember.”
And for those who prefer something more intimate, Niia offers a Christmas filled with jazz and R&B in *Christmas With Niia*, including a cover of Paul McCartney’s ” Wonderful Christmastime.”
More Christmas music from 2026 featuring Brandi Carlile, Leon Thomas, and new artists
The season has also kicked off with collaborative projects.
The compilation album *Holiday Blend*, released on November 4, brings together Brandi Carlile, Coco Jones, Leon Thomas, The Womack Sisters, Magnus Ferrell, JYT, and TRÍADA for new renditions of holiday songs and an original composition.
And there are still more releases to come. Steven Page, former lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, is set to release *Steven’s Greetings* on November 13, while the artist aron! is preparing his EP *christmas dream* for that same date.
Christmas 2026 has just begun, and we already have enough material to update more than one playlist.
What will be the Christmas song of 2026?
The competition is on.
Olivia Rodrigo has youth, popularity, and a catchy chorus. Sufjan Stevens offers an alternative take on Christmas, perfect for those looking to avoid too much sugar. Alanis Morissette brings her own unique style, and Elton John proves that some classics are practically indestructible.
But it’s still too early to tell which of these new releases will stand the test of time.
Here at LoffMusic, we’re left with some good news: the musical Christmas of 2026 isn’t limited to listening to the same ten songs all over again.
And that—even though there are still weeks to go before we put up the tree—is already worth celebrating.
The releases and collaborations have been verified by NME, Official Charts, Stereogum, Billboard Canada, Sufjan Stevens’ official website, and the Holiday Blend ad. NME+5
