The great traditional Christmas hymns, sung by choirs in their classic versions. A Spotify playlist for church, for Christmas Eve or for a quiet moment of reflection with the people you love.
Why sing Christmas hymns?
For centuries the church has sung about the birth of the Savior. On the night in Bethlehem, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God for this very event (Luke 2:13-14). Hymns take up the same praise and hand it down from one generation to the next.
Their words are often rich in doctrine: they say who Jesus is, why he came and what his name means (Matthew 1:21). To sing a hymn is also to learn your faith by heart.
How to use this playlist
At your Christmas service, hymns have one great advantage: most people know them, from the youngest to the oldest, so the whole congregation can sing together. Use them to prepare a candlelight service or to accompany a reading of Scripture.
At home, play them in the background during the Christmas Eve meal or while you decorate. In the car, they make a lovely soundtrack for the drive to the grandparents. And on Christmas night, a quiet listen brings you back to what matters.
Going further
Explore the other Christmas pages on the site too: Bible verses for Christmas, a prayer for Christmas and our guide to preparing a Christmas service.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best-known classic Christmas hymns?
They are the traditional songs churches have sung for a long time, often in harmony, and that choirs perform every year. They tell of the birth of Jesus, the news to the shepherds and the worship of the child. This playlist offers a selection in classic versions.
How do I listen to the playlist?
Use the Spotify player built into this page and press play, free of charge. With a Spotify account, even a free one, you can also save the playlist to your library so you can find it easily before church or during Christmas Eve.
Can we use these hymns in church services?
Yes, hymns are made to be sung together. The playlist helps you pick the ones your congregation knows. If you project the lyrics or photocopy song sheets, check that your church holds the license needed to cover copyright.