10 underrated Christmas albums that deserve a spot on your dinner party playlist

A Very Kacey Christmas sees Kacey Musgraves applying her retro country-pop sensibilities to a mix of classic holiday songs and original material. The album features steel guitar, subtle Hawaiian-inspired instrumentation and guest vocals from Leon Bridges and Willie Nelson, adding texture and variety to the arrangements. Its straightforward production and warm, melodic performances create an easygoing atmosphere, perfect for welcoming guests.

Jones’s first holiday release glides between originals and classics, anchored by her usual restraint and smoky phrasing. The understated production—piano, soft brass, brushed drums—feels tailor-made for December evenings that favour subtlety over spectacle.

Zooey Deschanel and M Ward deliver pared-down arrangements that recall mid-century vinyl finds. Their version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” captures the duo’s hallmark blend of cool detachment and genuine warmth.

Recorded to benefit the Nebraska Aids Project, this lo-fi release sees Conor Oberst and friends reinterpreting carols with acoustic melancholy. Sparse and intimate, it remains one of the most distinctive Christmas albums of the early 2000s.

Released in 1997 at the height of Hanson’s early pop success, Snowed In combines traditional Christmas songs with original compositions, showcasing the band’s vocal harmonies and musicianship. Its mix of originals and covers gives the album variety, while the arrangements highlight the band’s signature pop-rock sound, helping it remain a distinctive and enduring entry among holiday releases.

Technically an EP, So Much Wine continues Phoebe Bridgers’s annual tradition of releasing winter covers, compiling them into a single, cohesive collection. The arrangements are sparse, often centred on piano or acoustic guitar, allowing her voice to convey nuance and intimacy. The songs explore the quieter, reflective side of the season, blending melancholy and beauty in a way that feels heartfelt and genuine.

A Very Laufey Holiday showcases Laufey’s jazz-influenced style, blending her classical training with 20th-century pop sensibilities. Her smooth, expressive vocals carry both originals and reimagined standards, while the minimalist arrangements—often piano-driven with subtle strings or horns—highlight the melodies without overwhelming them. The result is a refined, intimate take on holiday music.

Stay Warm by Canadian trio The O’Pears blends original compositions with traditional Christmas songs, frequently performed a cappella. The group’s tight harmonies and precise vocal arrangements create a warm, intimate sound, enhanced by subtle instrumentation on select tracks. The album’s restrained production and focus on melody give it a cosy, fireside quality.

Bird’s whistling, violin and folk sensibilities make for a thoughtful take on the season. Mixing originals with carols, it’s contemplative without feeling heavy, ending the list on a note of understated craftsmanship.

In a market saturated with predictability, these ten Christmas albums offer distinct moods for December listening—less glitter, more depth and a reminder that subtlety can sound festive too.

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