With the winter season upon us, nothing says holiday cheer like soulful Christmas albums. Whether you’re a Destiny’s Child fan or enjoy the classic sounds of Luther Vandross, several of our favorite artists have delivered music perfect for bringing people together during those holiday gatherings. 

Singer Bing Crosby has long been credited with creating the Christmas album genre, thanks to his 1942 release, Merry Christmas. Since then, the genre has become a big hit among both listeners and musicians. One of the most iconic records to be birthed from one of these projects is Mariah Carey’s 1994 hit, All I Want for Christmas Is You, from her fourth studio album, Merry Christmas. The diamond-certified track became the first holiday song to achieve this feat, helping propel her holiday album to sell over nine million copies. Though Carey delivered an anthem for Santa’s arrival, several other musicians have also given us timeless nativity projects, serving as a soundtrack for this time of year. 

Destiny’s Child – 8 Days of Christmas (2001)

8 Days of Christmas is Destiny’s Child’s fourth and only Christmas album. This 12-track album features covers of traditional holiday songs, such as Silent Night, This Christmas, and Little Drummer Boy. The release peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200. Their titular single and its festive music video helped the project achieve platinum status.

Luther Vandross – This Is Christmas (1995)

Luther Vandross released his first holiday album, This Is Christmas, in 1995. The release included ten tracks, seven of which were originals, and three covers: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, My Favorite Things, and O Come, All Ye Faithful. The album peaked at number 28 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Months after its October 1995 release, This Is Christmas was certified gold in December of that year. By 2002, Vandross earned a platinum plaque.

Babyface – Christmas with Babyface (1998)

A prolific producer known for creating hits for his peers, Babyface reminded fans of his own stunning vocals on 1998’s Christmas with Babyface. The album was produced by Walter Afanasieff and includes ten songs. However, only one is a Babyface original, “You Were There.” The remaining records are covers of famous carols such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Winter Wonderland, The Christmas Song, and White Christmas. While Babyface didn’t achieve commercial success with this delivery, it’s still a smooth backdrop as you gather around the dinner table. 

The Temptations – The Temptations Christmas Card (1970)

The Temptations’ Christmas Card is a beautifully sung 1970 Christmas double album.  Sides one and two both include five tracks, with a tracklist complete with ten songs. This iconic group puts its Motown spin on traditional hymns such as Silver Bells and Little Drummer Boy. Billboard referred to the album as a “special touch of seasonal joie de vivre,” which is French for “joy of living.”

Whitney Houston – One Wish: The Holiday Album (2003)

One Wish: The Holiday Album is a cheerful release in Whitney Houston’s expansive catalog. The project includes a sweet duet with Houston and her daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, on the traditional melody Little Drummer Boy. Houston also sang Joy to the World and Who Would Imagine a King on her only Christmas release. One Wish: The Holiday Album debuted at number 13 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. However, it would not achieve gold status until 2018, six years after Houston’s passing.