12 Christmas Songs to Listen to as You Drive Home for the Holidays

If you’ve ever been stuck in holiday traffic, you know how much of a difference a good selection of driving-home-for-Christmas music can make. Whether you’re heading to see the family or just dashing to the store for some last-minute gifts, here are some of our festive favorites to help you get through your journey.

1. “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea

No holiday travel playlist is complete without this festive British classic. Described by Rea as a “car version of a carol,” the song was released in 1988 but written all the way back in 1978 as Rea was, in fact, driving home for Christmas. What better driving soundtrack could you have this holiday season?

2. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love

As Darlene Love sings about longing for someone to return home for Christmas, you can picture their journey while embarking on your own.

3. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby requests snow, mistletoe, and presents on the tree to be ready for him as he makes his way home for the holidays — if only in his dreams.

4. “Take Me Home for Christmas” by Dan + Shay

A more recent Christmas song, the lyrics sing of wanting to go visit someone else’s hometown at Christmas and honor their traditions, from drinking with high school friends the night before to waking up together on Christmas morning.

5. “Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry

The fast-paced beat of this Christmas rock song might have you pushing speed limits as you drive home for Christmas. Santa’s got to make it to town, and so do you!

6. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

Is there a more iconic Christmas song than this? Recognizable from those first twinkling notes, this festive hit will help your journey fly by.

7. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt

Released in 1953, Kitt’s “Santa Baby” is perhaps one of the most well-known Christmas songs. Upon its release, several Southern states placed a temporary ban on the song due to its “controversial” and “suggestive” lyrics (all the more reason to blast it in your car).

8. “So Much Wine” by Phoebe Bridgers

Released in 2022, Phoebe’s cover of “So Much Wine” brings a gentle indie twist to the Handsome Family’s original.

9. “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” by The Darkness

If you’re looking for something a little different for your drive home, this rock classic from 2003 is the perfect combination of exciting guitar riffs and impressive falsettos. Featuring in the band’s debut studio album, “Permission to Land,” this parody-style tune will have you rocking out behind the wheel!

10. “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

This classic American rock Christmas song sets your road-trip vibes with the perfect amount of holiday anticipation.

11. “On This Winter’s Night” by Lady A

If you find yourself driving home for the holidays in the dark, this Lady A song reminds you to look back on the year and count your blessings.

12. “Hard Candy Christmas” by Dolly Parton

In this bittersweet Christmas song, where Dolly sings, “Maybe I’ll get a car/Maybe I’ll drive so far,” she vows not to let her daily struggles take away from the joy of the holiday season.