The 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time!

Christmas music is a unique beast, isn’t it?

It has the power to transport you into a world of nostalgia, twinkling lights, and heartwarming memories. But let’s be honest: for every timeless classic that brings joy, there’s a holiday tune that grates on your ears like nails on a frosty chalkboard…

Whether it’s due to repetitive choruses, saccharine sentimentality, or downright bizarre lyrics, some Christmas songs have earned the dubious honour of being loathed by listeners worldwide.

So, if you’re ready to take a tongue-in-cheek stroll through the most grating festive offenders, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most-hated tunes for your, er, listening pleasure.

So here we go with the count down to the ultimate cringe-fest, complete with explanations of why these songs drive listeners up the tinsel-covered wall…

10. “Funky, Funky Xmas” by New Kids on the Block

This 1989 attempt at a Christmas rap is as awkward as it sounds.

“Funky, Funky Xmas” tries to bring hip-hop swagger to the holidays but ends up sounding like your dad trying to rap at the Christmas table after too much mulled wine.

Many listeners cringe at its forced “street” vibe, making it feel painfully out of place in a festive playlis

9. “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” by Spike Jones & His City Slickers

Originally a 1947 novelty hit, this song features a childlike lisp lamenting the loss of teeth at Christmas.

While it was likely cute in its time, modern audiences find it irritating, repetitive, and more suitable for the dentist’s waiting room than a cheerful family gathering.

8. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

Yes, it’s a guilty pleasure for many. But for others, “Last Christmas” has crossed the line into overplayed territory.

Its syrupy lyrics and synth-laden melancholy have earned it as much scorn as adoration. The repetitive nature of the song—especially when it plays on loop in shops – has turned it into a love-it-or-hate-it anthem

7. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey

There’s no denying this song’s novelty charm, but its high-pitched vocals and oddball lyrics make it one of the most divisive holiday tracks ever.

First released in 1953, it tells the story of a child who wants nothing more than a hippo under the tree. Charming? Maybe once. Annoying? Definitely after the 10th play.

6. “Dominick the Donkey” by Lou Monte

If you’ve ever heard this tune, you probably remember the hee-haw braying sound effects as much as the lyrics.

A song about an Italian Christmas donkey may be unique, but it’s also maddeningly repetitive. For many, it’s the ultimate “one-and-done” holiday track.

5. “Santa Baby” by Madonna

While Eartha Kitt’s original has a certain old-school charm, Madonna’s overly playful rendition takes the song into campy, borderline cringe territory.

Critics argue that her version strips the song of subtlety and replaces it with exaggerated vocals that make listeners roll their eyes.

4. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid

Written as a charitable anthem for famine relief in Africa, this 1984 hit has noble intentions.

However, its lyrics have since been criticised for being patronising and out-of-touch.

Lines like “There won’t be snow in Africa this Christmas time” ignore the continent’s cultural diversity, leaving a sour taste for modern listeners.

3. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney may be a legend, but even the greats stumble. “Wonderful Christmastime” is often panned for its repetitive lyrics and overly simplistic synth melody.

Some critics describe it as feeling “rushed out in five minutes”—a far cry from McCartney’s other iconic works.

2. “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy

This bizarre novelty song tells the story of a grandma meeting an untimely demise thanks to Santa’s reindeer.

While intended to be funny, many listeners find the lyrics mean-spirited and far too dark for the holiday season. It’s the kind of song that polarises parties – you either laugh awkwardly or hit skip.

1. “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong

Topping our list is the universally loathed “The Christmas Shoes.”

This 2000 ballad tells the tearjerking story of a boy buying shoes for his dying mother so she can look beautiful “if she meets Jesus tonight.”

While its intent is clearly to tug at heartstrings, critics argue that it crosses the line into emotional manipulation.

For many, it’s not heartwarming – it’s downright depressing.

Final Thoughts: Worst of the Worst?

Love them or hate them, Christmas songs are as much a part of the season as mince pies and mistletoe.

While these tracks may have earned their place on the naughty list, there’s no denying their staying power – after all, we’re still talking (and complaining) about them decades later.

So whether you’re dodging “The Christmas Shoes” like the plague or secretly belting out “Last Christmas” when no one’s listening, one thing’s for sure: Christmas music, in all its forms, has a unique way of uniting us…

… even if it’s through shared annoyance!

Looking for some great music? Check out our guide to the 50 best jazz albums of all time or uncover some of the hidden stories from jazz history!