If your wedding is booked for around Christmas time – you lucky thing! There’s nothing like a festive wedding to get everyone into the holiday spirit. With all the fairy lights, mince pies, mulled wine and beautiful trees you’ve probably already considered incorporating into your day, having a festive song as your first dance will be the icing on the Christmas cake!
But which song to choose? With so many options, we’ve put together a list of all our favourite potential candidates, along with some lovely lyrics from each song. Hopefully you’ll find your perfect first dance! If you’re looking to book a wedding band or singer for your evening entertainment, nearly all our acts will perform whichever song you choose, so we’ve recommended types of act that will make your song sound extra special.
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The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
And so I’m offering this simple phrase/To kids from one to ninety-two/Although it’s been said many times, many ways/Merry Christmas to you
The romantic strings at the start of this song are enough to give you all the festive feels. The most famous Christmas song of all is the perfect backing for you to cosy up to your partner with and an ideal first dance.
You Make It Feel Like Christmas – Neil Diamond
Ideal act: Solo singer
Lovely Lyrics:
When people ask how we stay together/I say you never let me down/And you make it feel like Christmas/Even when things go wrong/I hear the sound of Christmas in your song/All year long
A cute classic with all the right sentiments, Neil Diamond’s Christmas song hits all the right notes. Your guests will be teary eyes after watching you and your partner sway to this one!
This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
Ideal act: Soul and Motown Band
Lovely Lyrics:
The fireside is blazing bright/We’re carolling through the night/This Christmas will be a very special Christmas for me
Donny Hathaway’s soulful vocals in this sweet song about looking forward to spending Christmas together are smooth and soothing. The brass introduction just screams Christmas. What more could you want?
Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas (Without The One You Love) – Aretha Franklin
Ideal act: Soul and Motown Band
Lovely Lyrics:
Christmas just ain’t Christmas without the one you love/New Year’s just ain’t New Year’s without the one you love
If you haven’t heard this belter by the queen of soul herself – listen now! With incredible vocals, wonderful sax solos and a laid-back Motown feel, it’s easy to dance to and will get your guests joining you too!
That’s What Christmas Means To Me – Stevie Wonder
Ideal act: Soul and Motown Band
Lovely Lyrics:
I see your smilin’ face/Like I never seen before/Even though I love you madly/It seems I love you more
Who doesn’t love this song? It’s the perfect combination of Christmas cheer and classic love song. Everyone’s toes will be tapping and they’ll be itching to join you!
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
There’ll be much mistletoeing/And hearts will be glowing/When loved ones are near/It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Is there a more classic or uplifting Christmas song than this one? It’s a classic waltz, so you can twirl and swirl to your heart’s content. Just don’t get too dizzy!
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
Through the years/We’ll always be together/If the fates allow/Hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Is there a more magical or romantic song to have as your first dance than Ol’Blue Eyes’ classic Christmas number? No? We didn’t think so.
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
When we finally kiss goodnight/How I’ll hate going out in the storm/But if you’ll really hold me tight/All the way home I’ll be warm
If only you could guarantee a dusting of snow on your wedding day! This timeless tune is all about cosying down with your loved one at Christmas. What could be more appropriate for a festive first dance?
Christmas Everyday – Smokey Robinson
Ideal act: Soul and Motown Band
Lovely Lyrics:
Now it is Christmas time, but if you say you’re mine/It would be Christmas every day/Baby, I’m in love with you, and if you love me too/It would be Christmas every day
If you like a bit of Motown, you’ll love this charming song by Smokey Robinson. Your love is for life, not just for Christmas and this is what the song is about!
Cold December Night – Michael Bublé
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
So please just fall in love with me this Christmas/There’s nothing else that I would need this Christmas/Won’t be wrapped under the tree/I want something that lasts forever/So kiss me on this cold December night
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a spot of crooning from Mr Bublé. This song is so romantic and has jingle bells galore. What more could you want?
Winter Wonderland – Bing Crosby
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
Gone away is the bluebird/Here to stay is a new bird/To sing a love song/While we stroll along/Walking in a winter wonderland
This song perfectly captures the delights of spending time together in the winter, and for that reason, we couldn’t leave it off the list. If you’ve hired a jazz act, it would sound great live!
I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm – Ella Fitzgerald
Ideal act: Vintage Band
Lovely Lyrics:
The snow is snowing and the wind it is blowing/But I can weather the storm/What do I care how much it may storm/I’ve got my love to keep me warm
There are many versions of this song available but we love the energy and life Ella Fitzgerald brings to it. The lyrics are adorable and it won’t fail to bring a smile to your guests’ faces.
Underneath The Tree – Kelly Clarkson
Ideal act: Contemporary Band
Lovely Lyrics:
Presents, what a beautiful sight/Don’t mean a thing if you ain’t holding me tight/You’re all that I need/Underneath the tree
This might be the perfect Christmas first dance song if you’re a little nervous about dancing with everyone watching, as no-one will be able to resist joining you!
Merry Christmas Baby – Otis Redding
Ideal act: Jazz Band
Lovely Lyrics:
Feel mighty fine girl/I’ve got music on my radio/I feel like I’m gonna kiss you/Standing beneath that mistletoe
Otis Redding could sing anything and it would sound good. Luckily in this song he’s singing about having a lovely Christmas with his other half, making it a sweet choice for a first dance.
Christmas Tree Farm – Taylor Swift
Ideal act: Acoustic Soloist
Lovely Lyrics:
And you would be there too/Under the mistletoe/Watching the fire glow/And telling me, “I love you”
If you’re a fan of Tay Tay you’ll probably already know about this lovely little song about feeling at home when you’re with your loved one. Cute!
Baby It’s Cold Outside – Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews
Ideal act: Jazz Band
Lovely Lyrics:
So nice and warm/Look out the window at that storm/My sister will be suspicious/Gosh your lips look delicious!
This cheeky little number might not be for everyone, but for others, well, it’s cold outside and you definitely don’t want to go home. You’ll just have to stay in your lover’s arms. And the rest? Well that’s up to you… Moving on!
Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Ideal act: Pop and Rock Band
Lovely Lyrics:
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree/At the Christmas party hop/Mistletoe hung where you can see/Every couple tries to stop
There aren’t many Christmas songs more iconic than this one. It’s another great choice for those who don’t want to be in the spotlight – the lyrics even talk about ‘Everyone dancin’ merrily’ so you won’t be on your own for long!
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Bing Crosby
Ideal act: Jazz Singer
Lovely Lyrics:
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas/Soon the bells will start/And the thing that’ll make ’em ring is the carol that you sing/Right within your heart
If you don’t want your first dance to be lovey-dovey, this song could be a great choice! It’s just so incredibly festive and has a lovely feel to it, despite not being overtly romantic.
Kissin’ By The Mistletoe – Aretha Franklin
Ideal act: Vintage Band
Lovely Lyrics:
We stood there kissin’ by the mistletoe/Tingle, tingle/Mmm and away we go, jingle, jingle/Kissin’ by the mistletoe, love came to stay/And now it’s Christmas every day
There’s no reason why you can’t have some fun with your first dance, and this cheeky number is absolutely the way to go if you want some! Who knows what will happen if you happen to have some mistletoe lying around?
All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Ideal act: Pop and Rock Band
Lovely Lyrics:
I just want you for my own/More than you could ever know/Make my wish come true/All I want for Christmas is you
OK we made you wait until the end of the list, but you knew it was coming. Everything about this modern classic makes it the ultimate Christmas love song. Mariah, thank you for this gift. You rock!
If you’re looking to book fabulous wedding entertainment for your upcoming wedding, check out the 100s of wedding bands and classical musicians available at Entertainment Nation! Our friendly team are on-hand to help between 10am and 10pm every day!
