The holiday season is a time for tradition, but who says Christmas music can’t be unconventional? Over the years, artists from wildly different genres have put their unique spin on holiday cheer, creating albums that are as unexpected as they are festive. If you’re tired of the same old renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night,” these 10 unlikely Christmas albums will give your playlist a much-needed shake-up.
1. Bob Dylan – Christmas in the Heart
Yes, the gravelly-voiced Nobel laureate himself released a Christmas album in 2009. With earnest renditions of holiday classics like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” Dylan’s Christmas in the Heart is as quirky as it is heartfelt, with proceeds going to charity.
2. Twisted Sister – A Twisted Christmas
Heavy metal meets holiday cheer in this headbanging Christmas album from Twisted Sister. Songs like “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” are reimagined with roaring guitars and Dee Snider’s unmistakable vocals, making it a yuletide experience like no other.
3. Sufjan Stevens – Songs for Christmas
Sufjan Stevens’ five-EP collection offers a beautiful, eclectic mix of holiday classics and original compositions. With his signature indie-folk style, this album is perfect for those who want a little whimsy in their Christmas music.
4. Scott Weiland – The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The late Stone Temple Pilots frontman delivered a crooning, Rat Pack-inspired Christmas album in 2011. Weiland’s smooth voice on tracks like “Winter Wonderland” adds a touch of vintage class to the season.
5. William Shatner – Shatner Claus: The Christmas Album
Captain Kirk himself takes on Christmas in a spoken-word-meets-rock style only William Shatner could pull off. Featuring collaborations with artists like Iggy Pop, this album is both absurd and strangely captivating.
6. Weezer – Christmas with Weezer
This six-track EP brings Weezer’s signature alt-rock sound to holiday staples like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” It’s perfect for fans of the band who want a slice of geeky nostalgia with their eggnog.
7. Bootsy Collins – Christmas Is 4 Ever
Bootsy brings the funk to Christmas with this groovy album. Tracks like “Jingle Belz” turn traditional carols into funky jams, ensuring your holiday party has plenty of swagger.
8. Christopher Lee – A Heavy Metal Christmas
The legendary actor Christopher Lee proves he’s not just a screen icon but a metalhead at heart. His booming voice powers through heavy metal versions of “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night” for a Christmas album that’s truly one of a kind.
9. RuPaul – Ho Ho Ho
RuPaul slays the season with this campy, fabulous album featuring tracks like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus.” It’s a perfect mix of sass, glam, and holiday spirit.
10. The Flaming Lips – Imagene Peise – Atlas Eets Christmas
This experimental album by The Flaming Lips combines dreamy instrumentals and trippy vibes for a Christmas experience like no other. It’s weird, wonderful, and oddly soothing—just what you’d expect from these indie rock legends.
If you’re looking to spice up your holiday playlist, these albums offer something for everyone, from headbangers to funk enthusiasts and indie dreamers. Christmas music doesn’t have to be predictable—sometimes, the most unlikely albums can bring the most holiday joy.
