As the holiday season rolls in with its festive cheer, rock and metal bands have consistently infused their signature sounds into Christmas classics, creating a unique blend of holiday spirit and hard-hitting music. At Rock Documented, we’ve ranked our top 25 Rock & Metal Christmas Songs that stand out for their popularity and unique spins by some of the most notable artists in the genre.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Wizards in Winter”: Known for its electrifying live shows and a blend of progressive rock with classical music, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Wizards in Winter” has become synonymous with holiday light shows and festive celebrations.
- Small Town Titans – “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”: This rock trio from York, Pennsylvania, went viral with their gritty and heavy rendition of the Grinch’s theme song, transforming it into a rock anthem.
- Any Given Sin – “Nothing For Christmas”: Maryland-based rock band Any Given Sin’s track stands out with its heavy rock sound and a rebellious view of the holiday season.
- August Burns Red – “Carol of the Bells”: The metalcore band’s instrumental version is known for its complex guitar work and heavy sound, adding a unique intensity to the classic carol.
- From Ashes to New – “All I Want For Christmas Is You”: This rock band’s spirited cover of Mariah Carey’s iconic track adds a minor feel to the major song, complete with big guitars and screaming vocals.
- Halestorm – “Mistress For Christmas”: Pennsylvania’s own Halestorm adds a hard rock flair to AC/DC’s “Mistress For Christmas,” with Lzzy Hale’s powerful vocals bringing a new intensity to the song.
- Corey Taylor – “XM@$”: Slipknot and Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor’s solo Christmas song stands out for its explicit lyrics and heavy sound, offering a satirical and cynical view of the holiday season.
- Jet – “Back Door Santa”: Australian rock band Jet’s lively rock rendition of the funk-style Christmas classic adds a unique twist to the holiday season.
- Twisted Sister – “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”: Glam metal band Twisted Sister’s high-energy style is on full display in their rendition of this carol, which has become one of their best-known songs since their 1980s heyday.
- Bruce Springsteen – “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”: The Boss’s energetic and joyful rendition of this Christmas classic has become a staple in many holiday playlists, featuring his distinctive raspy vocals and the E Street Band’s rock instrumentation.
- Blink-182 – “I Won’t Be Home For Christmas”: Known for its rebellious lyrics and catchy melody, Blink-182’s alternative Christmas song has become a classic in its own right, resonating with fans of the band and the holiday season.
- Bad Wolves – “Carol of the Bells”: Bad Wolves’ cover is known for its heavy sound and dark vibe, transforming the classic holiday tune into a rock anthem.
- Boston – “God Rest Ye Metal Gentlemen”: Classic rock band Boston’s hard rock take on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” combines the band’s signature guitar sound with the spirit of the holiday season.
- The Darkness – “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)”: With its playful lyrics and Justin Hawkins’ signature falsettos, The Darkness delivers a Christmas rock anthem that has become a seasonal favorite and topped the 2003 year-end Rock & Metal chart.
- Greg Lake – “I Believe in Father Christmas”: Greg Lake’s poignant protest against the commercialization of Christmas, with its melancholic melody and thought-provoking lyrics, reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming a beloved classic.
- Def Leppard – “We All Need Christmas”: British rock legends Def Leppard released their heartwarming festive song, which includes a promo video featuring fan submissions and Christmas-themed outfits.
- The Greedies – “A Merry Jingle”: This supergroup’s lively rock ‘n’ roll medley combines “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” capturing the energy of Thin Lizzy and the punk edge of the Sex Pistols.
- Lacuna Coil – “Naughty Christmas”: Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil’s dark and heavy take on the holiday season introduces the folklore creature Krampus, with a blend of intense and melodic vocals.
- Rise Against – “Making Christmas”: Punk rock band Rise Against covers “Making Christmas” from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” infusing it with their signature punk rock intensity.
- Otherwise – “Run, Rudolph, Run”: Otherwise’s cover of Chuck Berry’s classic adds a modern twist and hard rock sound to the perennial holiday favorite.
- Alice Cooper – “Santa Claws Is Coming To Town”: Alice Cooper’s shock rock style brings a playful and sinister twist to “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” featuring his distinctive raspy vocals and heavy instrumentation.
- Pearl Jam – “Let Me Sleep (It’s Christmas Time)”: Pearl Jam’s nostalgic song conveys a longing for the magic of childhood Christmases, becoming a beloved track among fans during the holiday season.
- Bob Rivers – “I Am Santa Claus”: Bob Rivers’ parody of “Iron Man” humorously depicts Santa Claus as a superhero-like figure, becoming a classic for its clever lyrics and rock sound.
- Thousand Foot Krutch – “Jingle Bell Rock”: Canadian Christian rock band Thousand Foot Krutch adds their own rock sound to the classic holiday tune, known for its catchy melody and festive lyrics.
- The Black Pumas – “Christmas Will Really Be Christmas”: The Grammy-nominated band’s soulful rendition of Lou Rawls’ holiday classic emphasizes peace and happiness for everyone during Christmas.
These songs bring a rock, metal, and touch of blues edge to the holiday season, offering a different kind of Christmas cheer for fans of the genres. Whether you’re looking for a heavy riff to accompany your eggnog or a headbanging tune to rock around the Christmas tree, this playlist has got you covered.
