It’s always either Jose Mari Chan or Mariah Carey whose voices cue the start of the Christmas holiday season in the Philippines. They’re very much welcome, but don’t you think shopping malls and radio stations need a major Christmas playlist overhaul?
If you want a break from those overly redundant Christmas carols, check out these K-pop songs that will perk up your holiday spirit as you wrap Christmas gifts or prepare a Korean food feast.
Dear Santa – Girls’ Generation-TTS
Dear Santa is a special Christmas EP by the Girs’ Generation-TTS sub-unit composed of Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun. Ever since its release in 2015, it has been a staple in shopping hotspots in South Korea every Christmas.
White Confession (Lately) – INFINITE
Every December, like clockwork, this song from the kings of knife-sharp dance moves INFINITE enters the South Korean music charts, proving its timelessness. Unlike the high-octane songs in the group’s 10-year discography, White Confession is a rather mellow track filled with warmth and holiday cheer.
Santa U Are The One – SMTOWN
An oldie but still a goodie, Santa U Are The One brought together SMTOWN artists such as TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, and Girls’ Generation in 2011 for the perfect Christmas carol with a K-Pop twist!
Christmassy! – The Boyz
A new release from The Boyz, Christmassy! is a treat to their fans that’s peppered with heart-fluttering lines in the lyrics. Not to mention, the prom-themed music video adds to the swoon-worthy factor of the song.
This Christmas – Taeyeon
This dreamy, reflective song by Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation will remind you of the importance of family and being together during important occasions and holidays. Don’t forget to hug your folks this Christmas!
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Let It Go (Frozen) – Hyolyn
Frozen soundtrack Let It Go is not a song about Christmas but remains to be one of the most listened-to songs during the season. And Hyolyn’s version of it will give you goosebumps just as much as the original.
Merry & Happy – TWICE
This Christmas song by TWICE released in 2017 has easily become a holiday favorite with its merry and heartwarming vibe.
The Best Thing I Ever DId – TWICE
Meanwhile, this other song by TWICE gives you the holiday vibe in laidback form. It inspires retrospection and gratitude, which Christmas is the perfect time for.
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The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole Cover) – Rosé of Blackpink
Blackpink’s Rosé revived a Christmas classic by Nat King Cole with her sweet, lulling voice that makes you go sentimental.
Lonely Christmas – Monsta X
Monsta X’s Lonely Christmas is a little upbeat for a lonely song. It’s a nice consolation that’s not too depressing for those spending Christmas alone or without a romantic partner.
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December, 2014 (The Winter’s Tale) – EXO
EXO’s December, 2014 is a hidden gem among the group’s many winter tracks. December, 2014 is a finger-snapping ballad that showcases the soft and sweet voices of D.O., Baekhyun, and Chen.
What I Want for Christmas – EXO
Another song perfect for an uplifting holiday playlist is What I Want for Christmas, featuring the serenading vocals of EXO. It makes you want to spend more time with the people you cherish.
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Miracles In December – EXO
It’s virtually impossible to not include Miracles In December on any Christmas K-Pop playlist. This track has a distinct sentimental vibe that tugs at heartstrings.
Joy – NCT Dream
If you’re feeling extra festive, Joy should definitely be on your playlist. The joyful Christmas spirit is strong, and it offers a pop and R&B rendition of Christmas classics Joy to the World and Jingle Bells.
Starry Night – BoA feat. Crush
Starry Night is one of BoA’s latest songs released in December 2019. It’s a sentimental, groovy R&B song that sounds like it could be a soundtrack for a feel-good South Korean drama.
Wish Tree – Red Velvet
Wish Tree is a melodic song about wishing for happiness and always being together. But it also has a deeper message: sometimes, other people’s happiness is more important than yours. The music video also caught a lot of people’s attention with its unique concept. Watch it until the end!
Christmas Time – Starship Planet
Christmas Time, released in 2018, is the latest of Starship’s (almost) yearly tradition of bringing their artists together for a Christmas song. All of the songs are fun and lighthearted, which can add positivity to your holidays.
All I Want – Hello Venus, ASTRO, Weki Meki
As a special project, Fantagio released a special digital single in 2018 featuring its top music acts Hello Venus, ASTRO, and Weki Meki just in time for the yuletide season.
Christmas Day (Justin Bieber – Mistletoe Cover) – Jimin & Jungkook of BTS
In 2014, BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook made a Korean version of Justin Bieber’s Mistletoe and totally owned it. It resulted in a soothing Christmas song perfect for listening to while wrapped in a blanket under the Christmas tree with your loved ones.
Dynamite – BTS
Although it’s not about Christmas, Dynamite is the perfect song to get you funky and optimistic as you celebrate the holidays in the last month of 2020.
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Words by Rei Leano
Featured image via SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Fantagio Music
