As many of you are still reeling from Spotify Wrapped calling you queer in cheeky ways, I feel a little bit bad for adding some festive fuel to the fire. However, it is that time of year when I try to make your Christmas, and your playlists, merry and gay. That’s right. It is time for my annual queer Christmas playlist made up of some of the best festive songs!

‘O Holy Night’ – Tracy Chapman (1997)
Starting strong with a big name covering a classic Christmas tune. The song is based on the French-language poem ‘Minuit’ written in 1843 by Placide Cappeau, which was set to music by composer Adolphe Adam. The English version is by John Sullivan Dwight. It has been covered by the likes of Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, and Chapman brings her unique musical stylings to her version.

‘Get Behind Me, Santa!’ –  Sufjan Stevens (2006)
This is taken from Stevens’ 2006 Songs for Christmas album, which is actually a box-set of five separate EPs of Christmas-related songs and carols. Stevens recorded the songs between 2001 and 2006 and gave them out as gifts to friends and family. The album has a lot of well-known Christmas songs but I decided to go for one of his originals.

‘The Heartache Can Wait’ – Brandi Carlile (2007)
One of the bonuses of compiling lists like this is discovering new stuff, and this is probably my favourite song on the list. While my research is educating me on how successful Brandi Carlile has been, I do know that she has a wonderful voice and I’m looking forward to seeking out some more songs.

‘Wonderful Christmastime’ – Kylie Minogue (with MIKA) (2016)
Another Christmas classic. Originally released by Paul McCartney in 1979, this version sees gay icon Kylie team up with queer favourite MIKA. This was recorded for a reissue of Kylie’s Christmas album, released as Kylie Christmas: Snow Queen Edition, in 2016.

‘All I Want for Christmas Is Nudes’ – Trixie Mattel (2017)
Every Christmas playlist needs a bit of cheese and cheekiness. This song, a parody of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ (1994), is full of wonderful gay references. I love a good parody and this one is cheeky and fun. It appears on Trixie Mattel’s EP Homemade Christmas (2017).

‘A Dreamer’s Holiday’ – Julien Baker (2020)
Until I researched it, I didn’t realise this was a classic song. Perry Como covered it in 1949. Willie Nelson did a version in 1983. Julien Baker, another new voice to me that many of you will know, did a version in 2020 (for a Spotify Singles album). Another beautiful performance. I think the fact it mentions ‘holiday’ makes it count as a Christmas song.

‘two queens in a king sized bed’ – girl in red (2020)
Marie Ulven aka girl in red says this song is “about the beauty of Christmas and being young and not having too much stuff and just wanting to be together and cuddle and never leave bed.” It definitely references Christmas but I would call it subtlety Christmassy at the same time. This Norwegian singer may be new to some of you as well, including me. Again, I’m happy to add another new singer to my rotation.

‘Happy Trails’ – Orville Peck (2024)
South African singer Orville Peck has had a pretty big 2024. He teamed up with gay icon Kylie Minogue on the song ‘Midnight Ride’ (both are credited as writers). It appeared on his 2024 album Stampede, which also featured Willie Nelson and Elton John. This festive queer song is brand new and a nice mix of country and Christmas.

‘Think of Christmas’ – Anne-Marie (2020)
Eagle-eyed readers will notice that the list doesn’t quite go in chronological order. There are a couple of reasons for that: 1) I wanted to end on an uplifting song and 2) this singer is quite popular with some of my relatives. Doing a bit of research on her, I can see why. This song definitely needs to be added to the playlists of some radio stations (retail staff deserve a bit of variety). It is very upbeat and very Christmassy.

Well, that’s another list of queer Christmas songs done. I hope I found you some new holiday faves!