‘Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly and fill the air with the sweet sounds of Christmas! But let’s face it, sometimes you need a break from Mariah Carey belting out “All I Want for Christmas Is You” for the millionth time. That’s where instrumental Christmas albums come in, offering a magical, wordless winter wonderland for your ears.
We’ve scoured the charts, polled the experts, and even consulted a few elves to bring you the crème de la crème of instrumental holiday tunes. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and let’s dive into the top 20 instrumental Christmas albums that’ll have you rockin’ around the Christmas tree in no time!
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965) This jazz trio’s iconic album has become synonymous with Christmas itself. From the twinkling piano notes of “Linus and Lucy” to the gentle sway of “Christmas Time Is Here,” Guaraldi’s music captures the essence of childhood wonder during the holidays.
- “Christmas with the Vienna Boys Choir” – Vienna Boys Choir (1959) Angelic voices soar in this timeless collection of carols performed by one of the world’s most renowned choirs. It’s like having a heavenly host right in your living room!
- “White Christmas” – Mantovani and His Orchestra (1963) Mantovani’s lush string arrangements turn familiar carols into a sumptuous sonic feast. It’s the musical equivalent of wrapping yourself in a velvet blanket on a snowy evening.
- “December” – George Winston (1982) Winston’s solo piano interpretations of holiday classics and winter-themed originals paint a serene picture of a quiet, snowy landscape. It’s perfect for those contemplative moments during the busy season.
- “Christmas Portrait” – The Carpenters (1978) While not entirely instrumental, this album features stunning orchestral arrangements that stand on their own. The overture alone is a festive journey through beloved carols.
- “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1996) Buckle up for a high-energy sleigh ride! TSO’s rock opera approach to Christmas music blends classical themes with electric guitars for an unforgettable holiday experience.
- “The Nutcracker” – London Symphony Orchestra (1972) No Christmas is complete without Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet suite. This recording captures all the whimsy and grandeur of the holiday classic.
- “Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album” – Tony Bennett (1968) Bennett’s velvety voice takes a backseat on several tracks, allowing Ralph Sharon’s orchestral arrangements to shine. It’s like strolling through a winter wonderland.
- “Christmas with Waldo de los Rios” – Waldo de los Rios (1973) This Argentine composer gives classical Christmas pieces a groovy ’70s makeover. It’s what Santa might listen to if he traded his sleigh for a disco ball.
- “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” – The Philadelphia Orchestra (1965) Eugene Ormandy leads this renowned orchestra through a collection of traditional carols with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a world-class ensemble.
- “Christmas with the Academy” – Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (1984) This chamber orchestra brings a touch of Baroque elegance to holiday favorites. It’s like attending a royal Christmas ball without leaving your couch!
- “A Festival of Carols in Brass” – The Philadelphia Brass Ensemble (1967) Polished brass instruments herald the arrival of Christmas with regal fanfare. You’ll feel like you’re part of a grand holiday procession.
- “Christmas with Boney M.” – Boney M. (1981) While known for their vocals, this disco group’s instrumental tracks are a funky, Caribbean-tinged take on Christmas classics. Get ready to do the “Jingle Bell Rock” – literally!
- “Christmas Guitar” – John Fahey (1968) Fahey’s fingerpicking style brings a folksy, Americana feel to traditional carols. It’s like gathering around a crackling fireplace with your favorite guitar-playing uncle.
- “A Canadian Brass Christmas” – Canadian Brass (1985) This quintet’s playful arrangements add a touch of whimsy to holiday standards. Their “Twelve Days of Christmas” medley is a particular standout.
- “Christmas with the Chipmunks” – The Chipmunks (1962) Don’t let the squeaky voices fool you – the instrumental backing tracks on this album are pure ’60s pop perfection. It’s nostalgic fun for the whole family!
- “Christmas Interpretations” – Boyz II Men (1993) While primarily a vocal album, the lush R&B instrumentals stand on their own, offering a soulful backdrop to your holiday celebrations.
- “Merry Christmas” – Johnny Mathis (1958) Mathis’s smooth vocals are complemented by Percy Faith’s masterful orchestrations, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for trimming the tree.
- “Christmas with Chet Atkins” – Chet Atkins (1961) The legendary guitarist brings his distinctive fingerpicking style to holiday favorites, adding a touch of Nashville to your Christmas playlist.
- “Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker” – Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (1985) Herbert von Karajan conducts this definitive recording of the complete Nutcracker ballet. It’s a Christmas classic that never goes out of style.
There you have it, folks – a musical sleigh ride through the best instrumental Christmas albums of all time! From jazz and classical to rock and disco, these albums prove that you don’t always need words to capture the magic of the season.
So whether you’re hosting a holiday party, wrapping presents, or just enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, let these instrumental gems be the soundtrack to your perfect Christmas.
Remember, the best thing about instrumental music is that you can hum along without worrying about forgetting the lyrics. So crank up the volume, and let the spirit of Christmas fill your home with these timeless melodies. Happy listening, and Merry Christmas to all!
Also See: 50 Great Instrumental Christmas Albums
