There’s no denying that there’s no better way to spend the month of December then watching a good Christmas movie! But what about the film music? Soundtracks are a big part of that seasonal feeling so where do you start? Here is a beginner’s guide to Christmas Soundtracks
The Polar Express
The soundtrack to The Polar Express features incredible Christmas songs like Oscar- nominated song, “Believe”, sung by Josh Groban. With songs like ‘’Hot Chocolate’’ (the lyrics? “Hot, hot, ooh, we got it hot!”), ‘When Christmas Comes to Town’ plus ‘’Jingle- Bells’’ for good measure this soundtrack is a little bit of everything all rolled up together creating the perfect Christmas miracle.
The Nightmare Before Christmas:
A stark contrast to Hollywood’s classic winter musicals, Danny Elfman’s iconic soundtrack for Tim Burton’s film is both macabre and magical. The Nightmare Before Christmas Soundtrack is a perfect alternative to the classics. “What’s This?” remains one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written, capturing everyone’s anticipation for the Christmas season!
The Muppet Christmas Carol
For me, this Muppets movie is my absolute favourite Christmas film, and its soundtrack plays a big part in that. A kooky version of A Christmas Carol, the songs in this soundtrack will have you smiling from start to finish while you listen to tracks like the iconic “It Feels Like Christmas” to ‘One More Sleep Til Christmas’. The Muppet Christmas Carol is a masterpiece but the icing on the cake is its marvellous soundtrack.
Home Alone
It’s not Christmas until you hear ‘’Somewhere in My Memory’’. This soundtrack is sure to get you in the Christmas mood with crooning renditions of “Carol of the Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’. This soundtrack encompasses everything Christmas is about. Add in several reprisals of the main theme and it’s no wonder why it was nominated for an academy award.
Elf
Elf is another fine example of soundtracks done right. Packed full with some of the greatest Christmas songs known to man the elf soundtrack is essential to the holiday season. Eartha Kitt’s “Santa Baby” and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Sleigh Ride” make this album magical. Leon Redbone and Zooey Deschanel perform an incredible modern version of ‘’Baby It’s Cold Outside’’ and ‘’What Christmas Means to Me’’ sung by Stevie Wonder allow this soundtrack to be uniquely versatile to any occasion making it a perfect Christmas soundtrack
