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t’s that time of year again and if you’re like me your music playlist gets a heavy infusion of Christmas music. I just can’t wait to revisit my old favorites: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, and Brenda Lee. My all-time favorite is Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland. The music just makes me feel good; it adds joy to my day, puts a smile on my face and gets me in the “Spirit of the Season”.
Perhaps your taste runs a little more modern. Currently popular artists like Taylor Swift, Gwen Stefani, Phoebe Bridgers, Ed Sheeran, and the Jonas Brothers have all released Christmas music in the last several years.
One group of artists you may have overlooked is the increasingly popular CCM music wave.
Did you know that the CCM music industry is the fastest growing segment of consumption in both sales and streaming? Of course they’re a natural fit for Christmas music.
According to NPR radio the CCM genre offers “the most exciting time to be in Christian music”. And the streaming giant Spotify says CCM has shown a “60% growth rate globally”. Popular artists like Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake (with Jellyroll) have successfully crossed over into the mainstream market. For the 1st time in 11 years their songs “have been charting simultaneously for weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 ( see “Christian music is experiencing a pop breakthrough”)
So why not add some CCM Christmas music to your own playlist?
To help you wade through the clutter (I found over 200 CCM Christmas albums in my modest Spotify library) I have compiled a list of “The Top 20 CCM Christmas Albums”.
Here I rank them in reverse order 20 to number 1. Enjoy!
The Top 20 Christmas Albums by Popular CCM Artists
20) Amy Grant Home For Christmas
Amy Grant has been making Christian music for nearly 40 years and while her place in CCM has waned it is undeniable that her music has been popular. Her crossover into Pop Music is evident throughout her many Christmas albums.
This album not only held the top spot on the Christian charts, but it rose to #2 of all recordings on Billboard. More than 2.5 million copies have been sold and the song included here, “Grown Up Christmas List” has seen nearly 30 million plays on Spotify.
Other highlights include: “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” an original composition; “O Come All Ye Faithful”; and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”.
19) Steven Curtis Chapman The Music of Christmas
Steven Curtis Chapman (SCC) is a highly decorated CCM artist having been named “Artist of the Year” a record 7 times by The Dove Awards in addition to 5 Grammy’s and 59 total Dove awards. This is his first of 4 Christmas albums.
Decidedly more “Christian” in nature than the previous entry this album contains a good collection of traditional Christmas hymns.
Highlights include: the originals “Christmas Is All in the Heart” and “Our God Is With Us” along with the popular hymns “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Carol of the Bells”, and the delightful “Silent Night-Away In The Manger-O Holy Night” medley.
18) Point Of Grace A Christmas Story
It’s hard to believe that this trio of beautiful female voices was voted “New Artist of the Year” way back in 1993. They continue to record and perform live to this day. This album, their first of 4 Christmas albums, was released in 1999, their most recent came out in 2021.
With soaring musical arrangements and intoxicating melodies these songs call out to be sung along with. Familiar, but less recorded, hymns abound. Mixed in are a few fun pop standards: “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”, “Let it Snow”, and “Jingle Bell Rock”.
Highlights are: “O Holy Night” usually reserved for deep male baritone presentation here receives a tender, harmony filled rendition that builds from start to finish magnificently.
17) Zach Williams I Don’t Want Christmas To End
The soulful delivery of Zach Williams now moves us to more current CCM artists. After toiling 10 years in bands that also bore his moniker Zach embarked on a totally solo career in 2016. Ironically his big breakthrough came as a collaborator on CCM mega-star Toby Mac’s song “Cornerstone”. The album it appeared on was Grammy nominated in 2022.
This album, Zach’s only Christmas record to date, aptly shows off the funky, groove-inspired sound Zach is known for. This style is showcased in “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, a song that has garnered more than 7 million plays on Spotify.
Other highlights are: The Charlie Brown’s Christmas classic “Christmas Time is Here”, Zach’s take on the rock standard “Run, Run, Rudolph” and “I Don’t Want Christmas to End” , a song Zach co-wrote.
16) Cochren & Co. The Co. Christmas Album
Cochren & Co. is riding a fast-rising star in CCM, their 2023 release “Running Home” spawned at least 2 hits, the title track and Thank God For Sunday Morning. Together the 2 hits have more than 60 Million plays on Spotify. This is their first and only Christmas offering.
Whereas their regular recordings feature Michael’s bluesy vocals, this Christmas album utilizes a secret gift. That gift is Leah, Michael’s wife and a regular member of the band. Their shared vocals here exude the joy of Christmas and the results are glorious.
Highlights are: The Michael & Leah co-written and sung “Christmas With You” is by far the standout here. Leah’s solo rendition of the Andrew Peterson song “Labor of Love” is a tender ballad while “Caroling, Caroling” shows off Michael’s blues chops. “(Hope Is) Here To Stay” is another fine duet that closes out a fine Christmas album.
15) Chris Tomlin Glory In The Highest
This album’s subtitle is “Christmas Songs Of Worship” and that’s exactly what you get here. Longtime popular CCM artist Chris Tomlin’s first (of many) Christmas albums is all about Jesus’s birth, you won’t find any santa or rudolph here. If that’s your jam, this Christmas album is for you. Apparently, it’s the jam of many people as it has reached Gold Record status and received high rankings on both Billboard and the Christian charts.
Half of the 12 tracks are familiar Christian hymns, you know, the ones we sing at many Christmas Eve & Day worship services. The other half are original or obscure tunes that still uphold the Christian hymn motif. All of them are delivered in common CCM fashion: modern, big sound that invites you to get up and “Sing His Praises.”
Highlights include: a rousing rendition of “Joy To The World” that you just have to sing along with. Equally uplifting is “Angels We Have Heard On High” the Gloria refrain is infectious. The original “My Soul Magnifies The Lord” is the standout of the originals.
14) Danny Gokey Christmas Is Here
Did you know that Danny appeared on American Idol? He placed 3rd in 2009 and that’s when I started following him. He is from the same hometown as me, Milwaukee, WI and he had a heartwarming story that captivated both the judges and the whole country. His wife had passed from complications related to a heart defect just 4 weeks before the competition. It is a testament to his strong faith that not only was he able to compete in the contest but that he has released some of the most joyful music in all of CCM.
This Christmas album is just that: “Joyful”. This is flat out a fun album. Gokey has a crooner’s voice reminiscent of the greats of the Christmas season: Nat, Frank, Bing and Williams. The selections are both tender and powerful. It was said in New Release Today that “Christmas Is Here is a perfect example of how to take classic favorites and remake them” and The Christian Beat said it “is definitely the perfect album to get you in the Holiday spirit.” Frankly, I can’t add anything to that kind of praise except “I Agree”.
Highlights are: the opener “What Christmas Means To Me”, if this doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit God help you. “White Christmas” and “The Christmas Song” are the classic’s referred to above.
13) Tasha Layton This Is Christmas
Another American Idol alum, competing the year after Danny Gokey. While she didn’t place in the competition her appearance did lead to a job as a backup singer for judge and pop music star Katy Perry. Her singing career started and 8 years later Tasha would release her 1st CCM album which would garner some songs Top 25 status. More success would follow, all the way to a Number 1 ranking on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart in 2021 for the EP (extended play) “Look What You’ve Done”. This is her only Christmas album.
This Is Christmas is jazzy and funky, her take on “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree” is much like the classic Brenda Lee recording. The album contains a great mix of what you can call “Popular Christmas Music”. What sets this album apart, and one reason it makes this list, are the 2 opening songs, the only mentions of Santa Claus and presents “Hang Up Your Stocking” and the extremely popular “Diddly Squat”, both upbeat and a bit funny.
Highlights include: “Diddly Squat” which has garnered nearly 10 million plays on Spotify. Tasha co-wrote the funky “Giving Christmas Away”. Also needing mention again is “Rockin Around The Christmas Tree”.
12) Casting Crowns Peace On Earth
Critically acclaimed Casting Crowns have been making rock infused Christian music for more than 20 years. Winners of both Grammy & Dove awards they have sold over 10 million albums and enjoy over 3.3M monthly followers on Spotify. It is evident that their guitar infused big sounding rock music is indeed popular. Featuring shared vocals by leader Mark Hall and backup singers Megan Garrett & Melodee DeVero their songs have a pleasant rock sound, not too hard or too soft.
Peace On Earth is their only Christmas album and its intentionally Christ focused, it contains no secular themes. In a slight change from their regular music this album features the beautiful voices of Megan & Melodee more prominently, to excellent result. Just 10 mostly familiar songs clocking in at around 40 minutes. It is the perfect choice to enjoy while relaxing after Christmas dinner or when opening presents on Christmas morn. Admittedly the album is not as groundbreaking as some on this list, but it is a solid record by one of CCM.s biggest bands.
Highlights are: “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” which has been listened to more than 13 million times on Spotify. The female singers really shine on “God With Us” and “Christmas Offering”.
11) Toby Mac Christmas In Diverse City
Toby Mac (Toby McKeehan) is one of the most respected artists in CCM and throughout the general music industry. Toby is a consummate Jack-of-all-trades. He’s, of course, a music performer but he’s also a producer, music label executive, and an author. Oh, and by the way, he’s a 7 time Grammy winner. Toby got his start in the groundbreaking Christian rap/hip hop group DcTalk who’s song “Jesus Freak” is a legitimate mega-hit, having been played on Spotify nearly 30 Million times. Since going solo 25 years ago T-Mac has enjoyed massive success.
One of Toby Mac’s calling cards is his habit of recording in collaboration with other artists (see Zach Williams #17). He has spawned numerous careers and worked with a large list of CCM artists like: Mandissa, Blessing Offor, Tauren Wells, Terrain, and Jon Reddick to mention just a few. He has also worked with secular artists like Sheryl Crow and Sarah Reeves. This Christmas album is no different, most songs are collabs and some are even totally performed by others. But it’s still a Toby Mac album. Stylistically it’s, as the name suggests, Diverse. Toby’s music runs the gamut of rock, electronic, and hip-hop. I will say that if you are absolutely Not a fan of rap/hip-hop you may not like this album, but I implore you to give it a chance & listen.
Highlights include: The infectious “Christmas This Year”. “O Come All Ye Faithful” as you’ve never heard before, a hip-hop beat with a fine rap interlude. “This Christmas” is a straight-up rap song. The best of the guest performances is “Angels We Have Heard On High” by Nirva Ready.
The Top 10
10) Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It’s Christmas
Phil Wickham is a leader in the “worship” music segment of CCM. Many of his songs are sung weekly in the worship services of differing denominations. Wickham is also a very decorated performer, having received numerous award nominations and wins.
This Christmas album is one of the newer ones on this list, being released in 2024. A look through the track listing may lead you to think it’s filled with unfamiliar tunes but don’t fret, a number of them are just Phil’s fine interpretation of some classics. For example: “Angels” is Angels We Have Heard On High; “Behold” is “Come Let Us Adore Him” and a popular duet with up & coming CCM star Anne Wilson; and “Hallelujah! It’s Christmas” is a wonderful mix of O Come All Ye Faithful & The Hallelujah Chorus. The album also includes classics not heard on other albums, like “Deck The Halls” & “O Christmas Tree”.
Highlights are: “Behold (feat, Anne Wilson)”; “A Cradle In Bethlehem” with Phil’s brother Evan, himself a fellow worship leader; and “Winter Wonderland” with his daughter’s adding vocals.
9) Crowder Milk & Cookies
David Crowder, “Crowder” professionally, is a Dove award winning and Grammy nominated Rock & Roll CCM artist. His live shows are a rockin spectacle unmatched in any genre. Rock hits like: Grave Robber, Somebody Prayed, Run Devil Run, and Prove It have garnered millions of plays on Spotify.
This entry on CCM’s Best Christmas Albums list is the first truly FUN addition. This album does include several Christmas standards like: “Go Tell It On The Mountain”; “White Christmas”; and “Carol Of The Bells” but it’s “The Elf Song” that stands out. It’s a catchy and extremely funny song. Crowder is known for his prodigious beard and “The Ballad of Mrs. C (she’s sick of the beard)” is both a little self-deprecating and a fun take on how Mrs. Claus must feel. It’s a delightful inclusion. Adding to the uniqueness and appeal of this Christmas album are the narrative interludes, supplied by Crowder in his best Santa voice.
Highlights include: The aforementioned “The Elf Song” and “The Ballad of Mrs. C”. The bluegrass inspired “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and the sped up rock take on “White Christmas”.
8) CeCe Winans His Gift
CeCe Winans is part of the famous Gospel Music Winans family. She has received an astonishing 17 Grammy awards, more than any female gospel singer. Along with an unbelievable 36 Dove awards and too many others to list. CeCe has been treating us to her sweet and soulful voice since she was 16 years old and now, 45 years later, her career is stronger than ever. Her 2024 album “More Than This” and the song “That’s My King” won her another Grammy, the song was also voted best on the yearly Christian radio station K-Love’s listener poll. And she shows no signs of slowing down.
“His Gift” was CeCe’s 1st of 3 Christmas albums, along with numerous singles releases. The album is a great mix of funky bass guitar driven gospel standards and soulful ballads that perfectly showcase CeCe’s beautiful and powerful voice. Put this one on on Christmas Eve while sitting around a crackling fire after putting the kids to bed and enjoy.
Highlights are: “He Brought Joy To The World” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain” are fine examples of pure gospel joy. “Glory To The King” is the most played song of the album. “Do You Hear What I Hear” transitions nicely from a slow ballad into a fine gospel song.
7) Hannah Kerr Christmas Eve In Bethlehem (Deluxe)
Hannah Kerr is not as well-known as most others on this list, but she is a rising star in CCM. She has charted a number of songs; it’s only a matter of time until she really breaks out. Her song “Your Love Defends Me” was awarded Most Played Song of 2018 by ASCAP Christian Awards —ASCAP are the folks that track that stuff. Other songs have been played up to 9 million times each. Hannah sings in a tender light pop fashion. Most of her songs are self-reflective, they ask and answer the same questions her many fans have about their own lives. Thus, her growing popularity.
Christmas Eve In Bethlehem is the only Christmas album released in Hannah’s thus short career. Amazingly the song “Winter Wonderland” has been played over 50 Million times on Spotify! The album consists of mostly familiar Christmas tunes that fit Hannah’s sweet and tender style. A standout is her rendition of my all-time favorite, Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, it really does justice to Garland’s mega-hit. The album does include several upbeat songs too, along with a few original compositions.
Highlights include: The 2 songs Hannah co-wrote with her husband Jason Early, “Christmas Eve In Bethlehem” and “My Kind Of Christmas”. “Here To Stay” a song she performs and co-wrote with Michael Cochren of Cochren & Co. (his own album is on this list).
6) Matthew West We Need Christmas
Matthew West began his professional music career not as a singer but as a songwriter. He wrote for Christian acts like Point Of Grace (see # 18), and Country Pop acts like Rascal Flatts and Billy Ray Cyrus. Paying his dues and making contacts Matthew secured his own major singing deal in 2003. What has followed has been a string of #1 song and award nominations and wins.
Matthew is a songwriter at heart and this Christmas album is no exception. He wrote or co-wrote —with prodigious Christian songwriter AJ Pruis— more than half of the songs on “We Need Christmas”. The originals realistically have the chance to become classics. I can see at least 1 or 2 becoming the future of Christmas music, the songs that get recorded by multiple artists.
Highlights are: 3 of the originals; the first ironically is not a Christmas song at all, it’s “Gobble, Gobble” a fun Thanksgiving song that is right up there with Carrie Underwood’s now classic “Stretchy Pants”. The other 2 are “We Need Christmas” and “Come On Christmas”.
5) for King & Country A Drummer Boy Christmas
For King & Country are bonafide CCM Mega-Stars (and my wife’s favorite). The duo of brothers Luke & Joel Smallbone’s songs have been streamed over 2 Billion, yes Billion with a “B”, times. That’s astonishing and unmatched in the CCM genre. Of course, there are too many awards and accolades to list here. Their music is big, bold, beautiful, and popular. Originally from Australia, they are not just musicians, the brothers have produced and acted in film. Together they made the successful biographical movie Unsung Hero. for King & Country are also known for their big production and outstanding live performances (I can personally attest to that).
This album is aptly named, not only for the classic Christmas song of its namesake — If you know anything about 4K&C — but for the role drums, BIG drums, play in their music and live shows. More than just an excellent Christmas album with a great track list which showcases the duo’s incomparable talents. That it is. But taking a page right out of the Trans-Siberian Christmas concert playbook the brothers travel the country performing this album. It receives rave reviews and massive audiences. Right in the brother’s wheelhouse there is talk of making it into a movie. Don’t scoff, despite all of the glitz and glamour, it is a glorious testament to the birth of our Savior.
Highlights are: The title track “Little Drummer Boy”. The soaring take on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. The 2 originals “Heavenly Hosts” & “The Carol Of Joseph (I Believe In You)” done in familiar 4K&C fashion offer a fine unique break from the familiar Christmas tunes. This is an album enjoyed by all and should be turned up a bit.
4) Matt Maher The Advent Of Christmas
Matt Maher can best be described as a worship song artist. Matt has had numerous albums and singles chart on the Billboard Top 25 charts. He has also won 3 Dove awards from 5 nominations. Being a native Canadian, Maher has won 7 Canada Covenant Awards. One of the surprisingly few CCM artists that are Catholic by faith, Matt received the high honor of being asked by Pope Benedict XVI to lead a worship service for a crowd of thousands in New York in 2008. Matt is also an academically taught jazz piano player.
Being a devout worship leader, most of the songs on “The Advent Of Christmas” are purposely Jesus Christ focused. Some are familiar hymns, but they are certainly NOT boring church music. Maher’s delivery and interpretations are dynamic, upbeat, inspiring, and simply glorious. Listen to this album before or after attending Christmas services. If you’re unable to attend a service, put this album on and enjoy some “Spirit of the True Season”.
Highlights are: “He Shall Reign Forevermore” powerfully delivered, it was co-written with fellow CCM worship artist, Chris Tomlin (#15). “The First Noel” showcases Maher’s jazz piano training. “Jingle Bells” reminds me of a classic Bing or Frank 50’s Christmas song, you know the ones they recorded live with a group of other revelers. “Hope For Everyone” with its repetition of the title phrase, the song drives home the Truth of what Our Savior, Jesus, was born to deliver. Magnificent.
3) Brandon Heath Long Expected
Brandon Heath is a 5-time Grammy nominated and 5 time Dove Award winning CCM artist. He has recorded two #1 ranking hit singles; “I’m Not Who I Was” and “Give Me Your Eyes” which has been played nearly 40 million times on Spotify. Brandon is a prodigious songwriter. He not only writes his own songs, but he has worked with numerous fellow CCM artists including: Bebo Norman; Britt Nicole; Jars Of Clay, Leeland and others.
“Long Expected” in and of itself is a great Christmas album. What sets it apart, and the main reason it is so high on this list of The Best CCM Christmas Albums, is that it contains virtually all (save 2) original songs. Let’s face it, as much as you and I love Christmas music, how many times can we hear White Christmas, Silent Night, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas without becoming at least a little tired of them. And don’t even get me started on Feliz Navidad, perhaps the worst Christmas song ever! This album is also new in 2025 and a great reprieve, the fact that it’s so good is just the tinsel on the tree.
Highlights are: Honestly, and I hate doing this, all the originals for the reasons stated above. But since I must pick at least a few I’d say “Delivery Man” who among us doesn’t get excited when we see that truck’s lights. Also, which city dweller doesn’t relate to “Downtown Christmas Tree Farm”. “Baby In A Manger” which Brandon sings with his young daughter is the sheer joy of Christmas.
2) MercyMe MercyMe, It’s Christmas
MercyMe, around for more than 30 years now, is one of the most decorated CCM bands ever. And it started right away with their debut album Almost There which has reached Triple Platinum status, that’s over 3 million units sold or streamed, Wow. The mega-hit single from that album I Can Only Imagine was a crossover smash. MercyMe, a straightforward rock band from Texas, have had an astonishing 50 songs reach #1. Their song Word Of God Speak was named “Song Of The Decade” in 2009. Many Grammy, AMA, and Dove awards have followed each release.
This album is the band’s 2nd Christmas offering. Granted it contains mostly well-known Christmas classics but the reason it scores so high on this list is that MercyMe is hands down such a great band. Their skill, appeal, and flexibility are unquestionable. The band, and the album, move effortlessly from soaring ballads to 60’s style rockers to country/bluegrass greatness. I put them right up there with Elvis, The Beach Boys, Brian Setzer and Bobby Helms.
Highlights include: “Christmastime Again” has a Rockin Around The Christmas Tree vibe & jangle to it. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” has backing vocals that would make Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys proud. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” is a soaring ballad that deftly interjects their hit “God With Us” into it.
The #1 Christmas CCM Album Is
1) Lauren Daigle Behold: The Complete Set
In 2015 Lauren Daigle exploded into the CCM music industry. Her debut album “How Can It Be” Hit #1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and has been certified platinum. It produced an amazing three #1 singles. Not to be outdone by her debut, Lauren’s 3rd album “Look Up Child” started at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart, the chart that encompasses ALL music, not just Christian music, becoming the highest charting Christian album by a female artist in 20 years. That album’s first single “You Say” would peak at #29, again on the all-encompassing Billboard Hot 100 showing powerful crossover popularity. The song would spend a record breaking and unfathomable 132 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart. The Grammy, Billboard, Dove, and AMA awards followed. “You Say” has over 650 Million plays on Spotify, WOW.
The Christmas album simply called “Behold” was originally released in 2016, just Daigle’s 2nd album; it would be re-released 2 times— each with songs added. The album included here is the 3rd and thus called “Behold: The Complete Set”. This amazingly good album features Lauren’s breathtaking vocalization. It is sweet, powerful, and unique all at once. The album contains mostly Christian hymns with a few Christmas standards thrown in. It is jazzy, at times soft, and utilizes muted trumpet and piano throughout. Bringing back memories of Christmas’s past, while maintaining a modern newness, is what sets this album at number 1. Because it’s performed by the beautiful voice of perhaps the most popular CCM artist is the “star on top of the tree”.
Highlights are: Seriously, it’s the Best of The Best! Just put it on and enjoy the whole thing. My favorites are the first song “Jingle Bells”, such fun to get started with; and the finale “Noel”, such a sweet and powerful ending. (and everything in between, ha).
There you have it, the Top 20 CCM artist’s Christmas albums. As diverse and all-encompassing as— well— Christmas Eve service at your local church. Listen to some, or all, of them and enjoy.
What are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below.
*Note* All selections available on and previewed on Spotify
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!