With the 12 days of Christmas comes these 12 song recommendations that you need to have on your winter playlist! From Laufey to Lana Del Rey and heartbreaking ballads to soothing R&B tracks, this list has it all. So grab some peppermint bark, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and get listening!
- Old Love — yuji and putri dahlia
This romantic R&B song evokes comfort, familiarity and nostalgia. It’s perfect for a snowy night or looking at winter light displays, especially with that special someone.
- Paris, Texas — Lana Del Rey feat. SYML
This song, though seemingly simple, gives off a cinematic feel and reminds me of returning back home. With a gentle piano in the back, it reminds me of a sparkly snow globe or music box.
- Ditto — NewJeans
The airy vocals at the beginning and end sound like wind. With lyrics like, “Say it back, oh, say it ditto,” this song gives off a very youthful vibe and makes me think of unrequited love during the holiday season.
- Promise — Laufey
With rich vocals, a gentle piano track and swelling strings, this ballad progressively builds up over four minutes. It is the perfect song to listen to while curling up next to a warm fireplace.
- the lakes — Taylor Swift
With lyrics about poets and muses, this song is perfect for writing inspiration. It makes me want to invest in a typewriter and hole up in a log cabin, writing stories as a winter storm rages outside.
- Snooze — SZA
This is a chill, rhythmic song with light vocals about a passionate love. It’s perfect to play while taking a pleasant drive and enjoying the holiday decorations outside.
- moonlight — dhruv
This song is romantic, dreamlike, and even somewhat whimsical. Perfect for staying up on a long and cold night, this needs to be on your sleepover playlist. Play it as you bake cookies or toast s’mores.
- Heaven — Vincent Blue
This is the perfect song to listen to as you warm up with a hot chocolate in a cozy coffee shop, the wind howling outside. It’s jazzy with soothing instrumental and soulful vocals.
- bonfire — wave to earth
A warm song with light, airy vocals, this is about change, transformation and the passing of seasons. The lyrics evoke strong, colorful imagery that signifies a distinct shift. As the song title says, it’s great for sitting by a fire.
- Lose — NIKI
This poignant piano ballad elicits a sense of longing and holding on. Its captivating instrumentals remind me of snow flurries.
- In My City — New West
With lyrics about memories, nostalgia, friends and family, this song is relatable for those missing home with a longing for the familiarity of the past. It’s perfect for reminiscing about the good ol’ days.
- Stay — Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko
A classic, this piano ballad makes me think of a cold night. The raw vocals, especially during the bridge, evoke the image of a swirling winter storm.