The best Christmas soundtracks you NEED this festive season

Pretty lights, cosy fires, pigs in blankets on trays, work winding down and your boss in a suspiciously good mood for an entire month. What it’s not so great for? Musical variety.

That’s right, prepare for your eardrums to be hit with the same classics every time you step into a shop on the high street, a pub, or your aunt’s annual drinks. And don’t get us wrong, there’s a time and a place for the biggest festive divas and sing-along classics. But on repeat for what feels like the entire month of December? Give over.

This Christmas, BBC Sounds is bringing you perfectly curated collections for whatever festive feel you’re trying to create under the tree. No more doom scrolling through endless “Best of Christmas” playlists to find something that hits the right mood – BBC Sounds has a mix for every moment.

Whether you want just the hits, a lo-fi chilled vibe, or you’re more of a 90s and 00s retro classics kinda listener – BBC Sounds has you covered. Even your cousin who refuses to listen to anything that isn’t Indie will find something to love.

And if you’re craving a little calm amid the chaos, BBC Sounds’ Mindful Mix brings a moment of peace and quiet (ideal for when you’ve locked yourself in the bathroom between courses). Just don’t blame us if you become so relaxed you forget about the turkey.

Now, you might be thinking: “How is this any different from the playlists my music app already makes for me?” Fair question. But only BBC Sounds brings you mixes curated by real artists and DJs, plus a few special appearances from some of your favourite radio voices. Think Greg James, Fearne Cotton, Romesh Ranganathan and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – all adding their own festive flair to your soundtrack.

So you can feel smug knowing you’ve got big names crafting your Christmas listening experience. Their expertise means you’ll never again need to panic-search for an alternative to the sixteenth repeat of the same song when someone hands you the aux. You can switch off and focus on what really matters (the aforementioned pigs in blankets).

Hosting the annual Christmas party this year? BBC Sounds has curated mixes for every stage of the evening. The warm-up buzz while you’re handing out prosecco? Sorted. The festive feast moment? Covered. The point when everyone finally makes it onto the dancefloor and wants back-to-back bangers? Say no more.

BBC Sounds sets the perfect pace, guaranteeing guests ask: “Is this your playlist? Can you send it to me when I’m hosting next year?” Enjoy the bragging rights.

The beauty of it is that you don’t need to commit to one vibe. There’s something for every listener, and with the smooth, easy-to-use app, switching between genres is effortless. Got a smart speaker? Even better. Just say: “Ask BBC Sounds to play Christmas music” and let the festive mood begin.

And it’s so user-friendly that even your nan can put her favourites on (although you might want to limit her turns unless you want a Bublé marathon).

So, for all the best festive vibes, head to BBC Sounds and check out their Christmas Music offer now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/curation/p0df7r3z