How To Build The Perfect Set List For Your Christmas Sets
The festive season is one of the busiest — and most rewarding — times of year for singers and musicians. Whether you’re performing at weddings, corporate parties, or cosy hotel lounges, your Christmas set list can make or break the vibe. But how do you build the perfect one?
Let’s look at how to craft a Christmas set that flows beautifully, connects emotionally, and keeps your audience smiling from start to finish.
1. Start With the Vibe
Ask yourself what kind of Christmas event you’re playing.
-
Classy dinner or hotel lounge? Go for smooth, jazzy tracks like “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” or “O Holy Night.”
-
Corporate or festive party? Keep it upbeat with “Merry Xmas Everybody” or “Driving Home For Christmas.”
-
Weddings or romantic settings? Intimate choices like “Last Christmas (piano version)” or “Someday At Christmas” set the perfect tone.
2. Balance Energy and Flow
Your set should move like a story — starting warm and inviting, peaking with energy, then winding down with nostalgia. Try this simple structure:
-
Warm opener — A familiar classic in a mellow arrangement (“White Christmas”).
-
Mid-set energy — Sing-along pop hits (“All I Want For Christmas Is You”, “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day”).
-
Heartfelt close — Emotional ballads (“Blue Christmas”, “Silent Night”).
3. Mix the Familiar With the Fresh
Crowds love songs they know, but they’ll remember you for songs they don’t expect. Pair mega-hits with lesser-performed gems like:
-
“This Time of Year” by Rhys Lewis — modern and soulful.
-
“Christmas Makes Me Cry” by Kacey Musgraves — for an intimate, folky moment.
4. Prioritise Sing-Along Potential
A Christmas gig is one of the few times people will happily sing along without prompting. Songs like “Merry Christmas Everyone” and “Feliz Navidad” work wonders for engagement.
5. Keep It Authentic to Your Style
Your best Christmas set still needs to sound like you. If you’re a soulful vocalist, lean into “O Holy Night” or “What Christmas Means To Me.”
If you’re an indie acoustic artist, “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” or “Driving Home For Christmas” may fit your tone better.
10 Must-Have Christmas Tracks For Your Set
Based on Acoustic Backs & Tracks’ Christmas Vol. 1–3, here are ten songs that will elevate your set instantly — whether you’re performing solo, with a band, or using one of our acoustic backing tracks:
-
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey (lower key)
The ultimate crowd-pleaser. Open or close your set with this and watch everyone light up. -
Driving Home For Christmas – Grace George
Warm, bluesy, and perfect for mid-set charm. -
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (traditional)
A classic for classy moments — ideal for weddings or cocktail hours. -
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
Instantly boosts the energy; perfect for party sets. -
O Holy Night – Mariah Carey
Show-stopping and emotional — ideal for vocalists wanting to wow. -
This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
Smooth, soulful, and joyful — adds groove to any set. -
Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano (female key)
Guaranteed sing-along that works across generations. -
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
Brings nostalgic charm and emotional warmth. -
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon
A message-driven favourite with universal appeal. -
Wonderful Christmastime – Blessing Offor
Modern yet classic — the perfect upbeat closer.
Final Tip
Think of your Christmas set like a festive playlist — mix genres, tempos, and moods to keep your audience captivated. Whether you’re performing at a winter wedding or a hotel residency, a thoughtful set list built around these songs will make your performance unforgettable.
