A Beatles-themed festive playlist

December 23, 2024

Picture the scene: the fire is crackling, your living room is warm and cosy (maybe there’s even a Mr. Kite print on the wall?) and Christmas is almost here. It’s time to put on some festive tunes, and where better to start than with a Beatles-themes festive playlist?

Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney

‘The mood is right / The spirit's up / We're here tonight / And that's enough’

Once December hits, it’s almost impossible to avoid hearing ‘Wonderful Christmastime’. Recorded by Paul McCartney in 1979, this track remains a Christmas favourite. With bouncy synth, twinkly sleigh-bells, and vocals as smooth as hot chocolate, this nostalgic tune is a great one to get everybody feeling Christmassy.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

‘A very merry Christmas / And a happy New Year / Let's hope it's a good one / Without any fear’

This iconic Christmas song was released in 1971, but its message resonates just as deeply in 2024. With stunning backing vocals from the Harlem Community Choir, this track feels half pop-song, half hymn: containing both the joy of Christmas and the desire to strive for a better world in the coming year.

Paul McCartney – Seize The Day ft. Phoebe Bridgers

‘Dinosaurs and Santa Claus will stay indoors tonight / When the cold days come / and the old ways fade away’

This newer McCartney track features Phoebe Bridgers’ vocals, creating a hopeful, wintery sound. The wistful lyrics pine for spring and sunshine, whilst evoking images of snow, ice, and Santa. Although Bridgers’ haunting vocals are the show-stopper here, McCartney is credited for the writing, production, and beautiful instrumentation of the track.

Winter Bird / When Winter Comes – Paul McCartney

‘When winter comes / And food is scarce / We’ll warn our toes / To stay indoors’

The lyrics invoke images of Christmas spent in the countryside, with talk of foxes and meadows. The contrast of cold imagery with warm vocals and bright chords creates a comforting track that will resonate with those who enjoy staying warm and cozy indoors, watching snow fall outside.

Ding Dong, Ding Dong – George Harrison

‘Ring out the old, ring in the new / Ring out the old, ring in the new’

This George Harrison track was written to celebrate the New Year. Released in 1974, the song has simple lyrics about looking to the future, and groovy instrumentation that carries the mood of that week in-between Christmas and New Year – when you’re still watching TV and eating Christmas food, but starting to making resolutions too. Bring on 2025!

Whatever you are listening to this Christmas, we hope you have a good time. And, who knows, maybe there will even be a print-shaped present under the tree for you on Christmas morning?

Cover image credit: By Internet, Fair use.