3 Christmas Songs From the 1960s That Have Lasted Through the Ages

While the 1960s was perhaps the greatest decade for rock music, the era was also fabulous for Christmas songs. In part because the two crossed over in major ways, with big-name rock groups writing and recording holiday songs that have since lasted through the ages.

Here below, we wanted to explore three examples of that phenomenon. A trio of tracks from famous artists that have stood the test of time. Indeed, these are three Christmas songs from the 1960s that are as great today as they were then.

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“Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys (Single, 1963)

When it comes to rock musicians, what could be better than the California-born band The Beach Boys lending their glorious harmonies to a holiday song? Well, that’s exactly what they did on this song, which was released as a standalone single in December 1963. On the tune, they sing about one of the holiday’s central figures, Santa Claus and his home up in the chilly North Pole, offering,

Well way up North where the air gets cold
There’s a tale about Christmas
That you’ve all been told
And a real famous cat all dressed up in red
And he spends the whole year workin’ out on his sled

It’s the little Saint Nick (little Saint Nick)
It’s the little Saint Nick (little Saint Nick)

“Pretty Paper” by Roy Orbison (1963)

Another song from 1963 produced by a famous rocker, this track was originally written by the country star Willie Nelson but it made it into the hands (and iconic voice) of rock singer Roy Orbison. And on the tune, Orbison sings about a street vendor during the holiday season who is selling lovely wrapping paper and pencils for those out on the boulevards shopping during the snowy holiday season. Indeed, Orbison croons,

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write “I love you”
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue

Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him
Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh
There he sits all alone on the sidewalk
Hoping that you won’t pass him by

“Christmastime Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This is perhaps the most beloved Christmas song not only from the 1960s but from anytime. The tune, written by pianist Vince Guaraldi and used as part of the soundtrack for the iconic holiday cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas just provides that sense of warm, cozy nostalgia Christmas is known for. It’s lovely, it’s like a favorite blanket to wrap yourself in. And on the tune, a choir of children sing,

Christmastime is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of year

Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images