The weirdest Christmas songs of all time
Contributing Editor
The weirdest Christmas songs to emerge in the festive season might be a little unconventional for your holiday songs playlist, but they definitely keep things fresh.
When you’re tired of hearing the same old tracks on the radio, it’s always worth throwing out the rule book entirely and exploring the world of the strange and wacky.
Most of the Christmas tunes we’re familiar with these days have maintained their position on the charts because they follow a specific formula. They’re either funky or heartfelt, intended to fill you with a sense of childlike wonder and joy.
However, as more bands and groups have made their way into the festive landscape, we’ve seen plenty deviate from the norm.
Some of the weirdest Christmas songs out there are unusual because of their bizarre lyrics. Others are produced by odd groups, like the Muppets. There are even a handful of somewhat inappropriate Christmas songs for those who appreciate a little tongue-in-cheek humor.
Today, we’re going to be looking at some of the weirdest Christmas songs out there, stemming from virtually every niche.
Weird Christmas songs for your festive playlist
The chances are many of the weirdest Christmas songs we’ll list today won’t become an instant household classic. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth listening to.
Whether it’s an unusual one-hit wonder, or a piece from an artist completely outside of their comfort zone, a strange Christmas song can be a fantastic change of pace.
We’re going to be looking at all kinds of different options in this run-down, including some intended specifically for more adult listeners.
Let’s dive in…
1. Snoopy’s Christmas: The Royal Guardsmen
In certain parts of the world, such as the United States, Snoopy and Christmas go together like peanut butter and chocolate.
However, if you’re a fan of the Peanuts collection, you might be a little confused by this song, which strays away from the heartfelt and family-friendly messages we usually get from Snoopy.
Rather than talking about Snoopy’s adventures or Charlie brown, the weird Christmas song lyrics in Snoopy’s Christmas cover the true story of the Christmas Truce of World War I. We hear about the Bloody Red Baron and various other historical names from the perspective of Snoopy.
There are still some wholesome notes here, but it’s an odd song nonetheless.
2. Last Christmas: Crazy Frog
If you’re tired of listening to Last Christmas already, then we’ve got a song sure to make you appreciate the original classic a little more.
Last Christmas by Crazy Frog was released in 2010, at a time when some youngsters were obsessed with this bizarre frog animation.
Honestly, the tune is a horrible song from our perspective – but there are sure to be some people out there who appreciate it. If you still know people who get a laugh out of the Crazy Frog character, it might be worth showing them this song.
3. R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas: Meco
Remember back in 1980, when Meco released the album, Christmas in the Stars. Probably not, unless you’re a massive fan of the Star Wars franchise. This album featured a host of popular Star Wars-themed Christmas songs.
There are also stories about a droid factory responsible for creating toys year-round for a futuristic Santa Claus.
If you love the Star Wars movies, then there are sure to be a few hits on the album for you, including R2-D2, and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. This song is a bit of a love letter to everyone’s favorite droid, and it’s actually pretty wholesome in its way.
4. The Twelve Daze of Christmas: Fay McKay
You’ve probably already heard quite a few alternative versions of The Twelve Days of Christmas throughout the years. This one is a favorite among adults who appreciate an extra drink or two during the festive season.
Entertainer and comedian Fay McKay uses the song to outline her love of various kinds of booze. Throughout the song, the singer becomes increasingly more “intoxicated,” which really just adds to the fun and frivolity of the lyrics.
It’s a great tune, but definitely one of the weirdest Christmas songs out there – and perhaps not one for the kids.
5. Christmas Conga: Cyndi Lauper
Love the pop melodies of Cyndi Lauper? Then you’re in for a treat with this Christmas song. Taken from the festive album Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life, Christmas Conga is a tune sure to get you singing, dancing, and laughing with friends.
We’d even recommend adding it to your playlist for a festive celebration if you’re planning a party.
The song is definitely bizarre and a world away from the common tunes you’re used to hearing around the holidays, but it’s also a serious earworm.
Give it a go if you’re looking for something funky and new.
6. I’m Gonna Spend My Christmas With A Dalek: The Go-Go’s
We’ve already referenced a song for Star Wars lovers, so it’s only fair to give the Dr Who fans a nod, too. I’m Gonna Spend by Christmas with a Dalek is available on the Go-Go’s album, The Christmas Music Anthology: Volume 5, released in 2015.
The British group from Newcastle originally introduced the song in 1964. However, at the peak of Dr Who’s popularity. This isn’t exactly a great song by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s enough to get you laughing if you’re a fan of the franchise.
7. Dominick The Donkey: Lou Monte
Written by Lou Monte, Richard Allan, and Sam Saltzberg in 1960, Dominick the Donkey certainly checks plenty of boxes for our list of strange Christmas songs.
We don’t typically associate donkeys with the festive period, but this song actually has some historical basis to it.
This earworm of a tune talks about a donkey who helped deliver Christmas presents to children in Italy. If the song’s lyrics weren’t weird enough, there’s also a constant chorus of hee-hawing in the background.
Your kids may fall in love with this one, and for that, we can only apologize.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: William Shatner ft Billy Gibbons
If you haven’t visited YouTube to listen to William Shatner reading out the song lyrics yet, you definitely should. There’s something absolutely bizarre about listening to his unusual voice “sing-talk” the words to the music you already know.
Shatner decided to cast himself in the role of Santa for this Christmas tune, singing lyrics like “Dude, you’re gonna go down, man, down in history.”
Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top is also present in the song, tearing away riffs on a guitar.
9. Oi To The World: The Vandals
There are a few different versions of Oi To The World revolving in the music landscape today. However, if you’re looking for strange Christmas songs, it’s best to stick to the original.
Created by the Vandals, this song brings elements of hardcore punk into the festive season.
The tune tells the story of a punk defending himself against a group of skinheads on Christmas. While the song is as funky as it gets, the weird lyrics definitely earn it a solid place on this list.
We love listening to this one when the radio songs are wearing us down.
10. Christmas At Ground Zero: Weird Al Yankovic
You just can’t have a list of the weirdest Christmas songs without giving a shoutout to the man who embraces all things odd in his musical repertoire.
Christmas at Ground Zero was released in 1986, but it still holds up to this day, with an interesting take on Christmas wartime.
The lyrics might be a little morbid in places, but the way Yankovic delivers them will still keep you smiling throughout the tune. There are even air raid sirens blaring in the background in places.
Check out the video for a more immersive experience.
11. Bob Rivers Comedy Corp, O Come All Ye Grateful Dead-Heads (1987)
This take on the classic Christmas carol O Come All Ye Faithful takes a different approach, catering to fans of the iconic rock band, The Grateful Dead.
The comedic lyrics reference popular songs by the band, such as Sugar Magnolia and Casey Jones, while also incorporating references to Christmas traditions like mistletoe and Santa Claus.
It may not be a traditional Christmas song, but it’s sure to bring a smile to the faces of Deadheads everywhere. Plus, with its catchy tune and clever lyrics, it might just become one of your new favorite holiday songs.
12. Alexander Zlatkovski, Silent Night (2014)
Alexander Zlatkovski. a Russian pianist and composer, decided to put his own unique spin on the classic Christmas carol Silent Night.
Instead of simply playing the tune on the piano, Zlatkovski incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and a bit of rock into his rendition.
The result is a fast-paced and energetic version of Silent Night that will have you tapping your feet. It’s considered a Christmas cousin to even silenter 4’33.
Inappropriate Christmas songs
While most of the weirdest Christmas songs mentioned above are suitable for people of all ages, there’s a huge variety of options out there just for adults.
Some of these tunes are just plain offensive, while others can genuinely get a laugh out of people with the right sense of humor.
If you’re going to be adding these strange Christmas songs to your playlist, we recommend approaching them with an open mind, and keeping kids out of the room.
1. Christmas With Satan: James White And The Blacks
Do you think White Christmas songs are just too happy and bright most of the time? Maybe you’re looking for something a little darker. Well, we’ve got just the song for you.
The discordant instruments and nihilistic lyrics of Christmas with Satan really set this tune apart from the other Christmas bangers you might be used to on the radio.
With lyrics referencing suicide, hell, and various other darker concepts, this song probably won’t appeal to the younger people in your family.
However, it’s worth listening to if you want something completely different.
2. Grandpa’s Gonna Sue The Pants Off Santa: Dr. Elmo
In the world of inappropriate Christmas songs, there are a multitude of tunes that seem to deliberately call attention to the idea of fighting Santa Claus. This tune by Dr. Elmo is one of them.
A sequel to the equally unusual Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, this tune talks about the aftermath of poor Gran’s passing.
This song definitely hits best if you already know the previous tune, so it’s worth checking out both if you’re a little bored this festive season.
3. Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas: The Robertsons
Heaven only knows why The Robertsons decided to create their own Christmas album in 2013 – but they did, and here we are. The album includes well-known tunes like “Duck the Halls.”
The songs from the cast of Duck Dynasty are pretty racially stereotyped, so they’re not for the easily offended.
Ragin’ Cajun Redneck Christmas is as much of a trainwreck of a musical experience as you might think, but it definitely deserves a place on this list.
4. Mr. Hanky, The Christmas Poo: Cowboy Timmy
If you’re a fan of South Park, this tune might already be on your Christmas playlist. At the very least, it’s something likely to live rent-free in your brain from time to time. The tune comes straight from South Park’s parody of the Peanuts holiday special.
According to the creators, the song is based on a character Trey Parker’s father made up during his childhood. Mr. Hankey is the name for a festive bowel movement said to come to life on Christmas Eve.
Yes, it’s completely bizarre, but it’s a song you can’t help but sing along to.
5. Scary Fucked-Up Christmas: Garfunkel And Oates
If you like parody songs, we’d definitely recommend checking out some of the tunes created by Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci. This particular song is brimming with swear words and references to the unattractive parts of spending time with your family during the festive season.
The lyrics are entirely inappropriate for kids and a little offensive in places, so be prepared. However, the bright and poppy ballad is a fantastic way to transform your holiday playlist.
There’s a lot of references to weed in this tune, too. So keep that in mind if you’re not a fan.
6. Christmas Tree: Lady Gaga
We dithered a little over figuring out where to place this tune in our list of the weirdest Christmas songs. It’s definitely out there compared to some of the other festive tunes you might hear on the radio, and it won’t appeal to everyone.
Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga really pushes the boat out when it comes to finding different euphemisms for Christmas trees.
The catchy tune is bound to ensure you never look at an evergreen the same way again.
7. Father Christmas: The Kinks
This is one of the odd Christmas songs we actually love listening to during the festive months. It’s unconventional, a little aggressive, and packed with punk rock themes, but it’s definitely a good song.
If you like alternative music, make sure you grab this from the Misfits album.
The weird Christmas song lyrics involve the singer talking about how he’s going to beat up Santa Claus if he doesn’t bring him and his dad some extra money on Christmas morning.
The piece might be a little inappropriate, but it’s a good way to remember people who are struggling around the holidays.
8. Christmas Time: The Darkness
Otherwise known as Don’t Let The Bells End, Christmas Time by the Darkness is actually a tune you might hear on radio stations around the holidays. This song has grown extremely popular around the world thanks to its amazing, soaring vocals and powerful guitars.
On the surface, it sounds like a pretty sweet and wholesome song about love.
However, if you happen to be familiar with British slang, you might recognize why this tune is so inappropriate and weird.
9. Rod Stewart, Red-Suited Super Man (2012)
In this catchy and upbeat song, legendary rock singer Rod Stewart puts a twist on the classic Christmas character of Santa Claus.
Rather than focusing on the jolly old man delivering gifts to children, Stewart sings about a red-suited Superman who is simply trying to spread love and joy during the holiday season. He refers to Santa Claus as the Red-Suited Super Man.
With its fun lyrics and catchy beat, this song is a great addition to any holiday playlist. It serves as a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas is about spreading joy and kindness to others. So go ahead and rock out with Rod Stewart this holiday season!
10. Mental As Anything, Apocalypso (1984)
This Australian band may be best known for their hit song Live it Up but they also have a bizarre Christmas tune to add to their repertoire.
In Apocalypso, they sing about Santa Claus drinking beer and gin without worrying and being in a hurry to say goodbye. The reference to an apocalypse in the title adds a unique twist to this otherwise lively and upbeat song.
The thought of Santa drinking beer and gin may be a bit odd, but the catchy chorus and fun instrumentals make this song a must-listen for fans of quirky Christmas music.
11. Elmo and Patsy, Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer (1979)
This iconic tune is one of the weirdest Christmas songs of all time for a good reason. It tells the story of a grandma who gets run over by Santa’s reindeer.
The comical and somewhat dark lyrics combined with the upbeat tune make for an entertaining and bizarre Christmas song that has stood the test of time. It’s a classic that is sure to bring a smile to your face every holiday season.
Other odd Christmas songs
We’ve covered plenty of funny, inappropriate, and plain-odd Christmas songs on this list so far. However, there really are almost infinite options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for.
Here are some of the other strange Christmas songs that have captured our attention throughout the years…
1. CeeLo Green & The Muppets: All I Need Is Love
The Muppets have become quite the hit around the festive season, thanks to the various holiday movies they’ve created over the years. These films have also inspired a variety of odd Christmas songs performed by a selection of unique puppets.
While the performance of All I Need Is Love is pretty unusual, the song itself is relatively traditional for a Christmas tune. There are still plenty of moments you can sing along to, and there is a wholesome message behind the tune.
2. Merry Something To You: Devo
As strange Christmas songs go, this is one of the shortest options. There’s only a single verse and one chorus, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting up-to-date with the lyrics.
The weirdest thing about this song is how it attempts to involve every community at once in a song that’s accessible to everyone. This factor also makes the tune quite wholesome until we get to the point where the singer says, “Nothing’s really true.”
3. Christmas Unicorn: Sufjan Stevens
Christmas is a magical time, often associated with elves, flying reindeer, and presents. Sufjan Stevens decided to take a new approach to the enchanting side of the holidays by introducing his own Christmas Unicorn.
He notes the unicorn is a pagan heresy and a symbol of original sin, drawing attention to how certain types of a magic rally against Catholic traditions.
Honestly, the song is extremely unusual, but the lyrics are great, and there’s some fantastic music to bob along to.
At the end of the song, Stevens even mixes up the tune with the song Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division.
4. Rudolph The Red-nose Reggae: Paul McCartney
Take the time to browse through Paul McCartney’s discography for a while, and you’ll notice his tunes cover quite a broad spectrum.
Aside from some traditional and family-friendly songs, McCartney has also produced quite a collection of experimental songs.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reggae comes with elements of Reggae music, which is quite unusual for a festive single. You’ll find the song on the B-Side of the Wonderful Christmastime single, which makes it all the more unusual.
5. Merry Christmas (I don’t want to fight tonight): The Ramones
Many of the elements of this festive Christmas song fall into the traditional landscape, such as its bouncy fun beat. However, the lyrics are certainly a little more unusual.
In this tune, the Ramones draw attention to all of the arguments and fights that can tend to happen over the holiday season.
The song follows a similar speed to Blitzkrieg Bop, and it’s a popular choice among alternative music lovers. It’s short, simple, and definitely worth adding to your list of the weirdest Christmas songs to listen to this year.
6. Santa Dog: The Residents
A little outlandish, and somewhat offensive to some listeners, the song Santa Dog by the Residents may not be for everyone. However, the Bay Area art collective has certainly created something with quite an appealing beat here.
There’s also plenty of catchy wordplay, which might convince you to start singing along.
Interestingly, the Residents also reproduced Santa Dog every few years in different musical styles, so it’s worth checking out different variations where you can.
7. Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto: Snoop Dogg
If you’re looking for an odd Christmas song, Snoop Dogg has you covered. The iconic hip-hop artist uses samples from Isaac Hayes and his own unique lyrics to create something totally new for the festive season.
The tune, released in 1996, actually formed part of a charity album from Death Row Records, and there are various other great songs on this collection worth listening to, as well.
If you like hip-hop, and you want to bring some more festive elements of this musical genre into your holiday routine, make sure you check out this song.
8. Bing Crosby and David Bowie, Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy (1977)
This duet between two iconic musicians is a match made in heaven as they sing in counterpoint.
While Crosby sings Little Drummer Boy, David sings Peace on Earth in the background. The combination of traditional and modern Christmas songs creates a unique and beautiful medley.
It’s a beautiful and unexpected combination that brings two music generations together to spread a message of peace, love, and harmony during the holiday season.
The music video of the two musicians singing together has become a Christmas classic despite its initial reception as a strange and unconventional song.
Though it may sound odd on paper, it’s one of those songs that you just have to hear for yourself to appreciate its uniqueness.
9. The Tractors, Santa Claus is Comin’ (In a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train) (1995)
This song takes a classic children’s Christmas story and puts a twist on it with its catchy tune and lively lyrics that depart from the common jingle bells.
Rather than Santa delivering presents in his sleigh, this song has him arriving in a “boogie woogie choo choo train.” The upbeat and fun-filled song will have kids and adults singing and dancing.
It may be a bit strange to imagine Santa on a train, but this song is sure to put a smile on your face and get you in the Christmas spirit.
10. The Waitresses, Christmas Wrapping (1981)
Written by Chris Butler and sung by the American new wave band The Waitresses, this song tells a different kind of Christmas story.
The lyrics follow a busy woman who is worn out after a long year. The woman vows to sit out the holidays this year. However, after running into a man she recently met and sharing an unexpected conversation, she has a change of heart and decides to embrace the Christmas spirit.
The lyrics Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Couldn’t miss this one this year, sung in a monotone voice, says it all. It’s an excellent song for you if you always feel overwhelmed by the holiday season.
Celebrating strange Christmas songs this year
The weirdest Christmas songs definitely won’t appeal to everyone over the holiday season. However, a handful of strange Christmas tunes on your playlist can be a great way to switch things up if you’re tired of hearing the same old songs every year.
The options above are just a handful of the top odd Christmas songs available right now. Make sure you check out some of the latest releases from up-and-coming artists to expand your musical education where possible.
There’s never too much Christmas spirit and cheer. So, here are a few more songs to expand your catalog, starting with Most Popular Christmas Songs Of All Time and the Best Alternative Christmas Songs!
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.