Holiday
A broad seasonal tag rather than a single style, Holiday sits where church carols, pop nostalgia, and yearly ritual meet. Its modern shape was formed by older hymn traditions, wider 19th-century publication, and the 20th-century dominance of evergreen recordings like Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.”
Origins and context
The label covers songs used in seasonal religious and civic celebration, especially Christmas in Anglo-American popular culture, but also other recurring holidays as noted by genre references that include Halloween and Independence Day traditions.
The sound
Characteristics
- Vocal harmony
- Choirs
- Piano
- Orchestra
- Bells
- Guitar
- Sleigh bells
How to listen
Mood
- Warm, familiar, reflective, and often brightly arranged
Best for
- Seasonal playlists
- Christmas radio tradition
- Nostalgic pop listening
History
Holiday music has deep roots in older church hymnody, folk carols, and seasonal songs sung long before the recording era. Library of Congress sources note that many Christmas carols were already being sung for centuries, and that the early 1800s helped broaden their reach as hymns and carols were published more widely for home use rather than only for church settings. (blogs.loc.gov) In the 20th century, the genre became a modern radio and record-store ritual. Recordings such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and later holiday albums helped turn seasonal songs into recurring popular culture, with classic tracks reappearing each year alongside newer releases. (loc.gov)
Notable artists
- BCBing Crosby
- NKNat King Cole
- MCMariah Carey
- VGVince Guaraldi
- TRThe Ronettes
- AWAndy Williams
- DMDean Martin
Essential listening
- 1
- 2
Bing Crosby
Explore connected genres
Sources and further reading
- The Merry Tradition of Christmas Caroling
- blogs.loc.gov
Some of the oldest Christmas songs came from medieval folk plays and related traditions.
- allmusic.com
Holiday music is often centered on Christmas but can also include other recurring holidays.
- loc.gov
Bing Crosby’s 'White Christmas' became one of the most important holiday recordings in U.S. popular culture.
- Apple Music
Bing Crosby’s artist pages note his close association with 'White Christmas' and his holiday catalog.
- Holiday Music Genre Overview