22 Best Gospel Christmas Songs to Celebrate the Season of Joy (2024)

If you're looking to listen to some fun religious Christmas songs, hit play on this upbeat medley of "Joy to the World," "Hark the Herald Angels," and "Go Tell It on the Mountain." And the best part is, they're coming from EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, which means she's garnered an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Get ready to be blown away by the smooth vocal harmonies of Howard University's gospel choir. You can watch the HUGC's virtual 2020 Christmas concert, featuring the university's vocal jazz ensemble Afro Blue, in full on Facebook or YouTube.

Though this song has been covered by many artists over the years, American a cappella gospel sextet Take 6’s 1991 rendition is arguably the most beautiful version.

It’s no secret that Marvin Sapp is one of the most celebrated gospel artists around and this song from his 2003 album Diary of a Psalmist proves just why.

If you’re looking for Christmas songs for your kids, this version of the classic “Silent Night” by Cedarmont Kids is perfect. It's just the song to spread the holiday spirit when celebrating the day Jesus was born.

Released in 1996, this song — led by actress and songstress Tamela Mann — is all about the birth of Jesus Christ. Have family members who can sing their hearts out? This song will have them belting the Lord's word.

Mariah Carey may not be known as a gospel or Christian artist, but that doesn’t mean she’s not equipped to tackle the genres. Trying her hand at the popular Christmas carol sung by the likes of Smokie Norful, Nat King Cole, Mahalia Jackson and more, the “Queen of Christmas” featured this rendition of the classic "O Holy Night" on her record-breaking 1994 album, Merry Christmas.

If you’re a fan of the legendary Mahalia Jackson, then you should be familiar with this song that tells the story of peace. Long hailed as “The Queen of Gospel,” this song was found on one of the last albums she released before passing in 1971.

A very popular Christmas carol straight out of the 1800s, legendary iconic vocalist Nat King Cole — who is widely known for his jazz offerings — took this song and made it his own. A soothing and peaceful rendition, you can’t help but want to play this during Christmastime.

If you're looking for a more uptempo version of the classic carol “Joy To The World," then Charles Taylor’s version will definitely give you what you’re looking for. It also has soothing jazz vibes.

"I'll be there to celebrate our Savior's birth, and we will pray for peace on Earth,” TobyMac sings out on the catchy Christmas single about the lovable season. This pop song will liven up the occasion.

Released in 2016, “Unto Us” features Matthew West belting about the birth of baby Jesus and the love that God has given us through him. It's definitely a worship tune worth knowing if you're not already familiar.

A song that provides a warm, gracious, and seasonal feelings, this song by Lauren Diagle — who released her first Christmas album in 2016 — is a filling listen about our Savior. It's the ultimate tune of devotion.

Surely you've heard this rock song on the radio before during Christmastime. Brandon Heath’s “The Night Before Christmas” is a perfect explanation of what life before and after Jesus was like with lyrics like “Empty manger, perfect stranger. About to be born into darkness, sadness, desperate madness creation so torn.”

Kari Jobe’s “Messiah” is a sweet sounding story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Found on the Christmas edition of her Where I Find You album, the singer’s angelic vocals make the song more lovable upon every listen.

Dove Award recipient Matt Maher released this beautiful song in 2017, and it’s still worth a listen now — both during the Christmas season and seasons that follow. You'll be in awe of Maher's guitar play, as well as his vocals.

“Christmas is coming. The bells are ringing. Hope comes alive as music fills the air,” are the perfect lyrics to start this glorious song. Awakening the joyous spirit inside all who listen, “Christmas Is Coming” is a fun-filled Gospel song for the season.

Talented vocalist Jamie Gray gave fans a special gift with the release of “Born Tonight." Like many of the other songs on this list, the song focuses on the birth of Jesus and mentions the “fight for freedom” that came with his arrival.

Lifted from the Christmas With Yolanda Adams album, “Born This Day” is another Gospel Christmas song that you should have on your list. And while it may seem that there aren’t many ways to sing about the birth of Jesus Christ, the celebrated artist does an amazing job and proving that notion incorrect. Adams' vocals are also heaven-sent.

“We Three Kings” is not a new song at all, but Kirk Franklin’s hip rendition for the soundtrack to The Star makes it feel as if it is. The song is about the Biblical Magi — also known as the Three Wise Men — from Matthew 2:11. Feel free to groove along.