As the holiday season rolls in, rock and metal fans often find themselves cringing at the overly cheerful, repetitive holiday tunes dominating the airwaves, shopping malls, and every other public space. But fear not, headbangers! Even the grumpiest among us can find joy with this ultimate playlist: 25 Heavy Holiday Songs for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Wintertime.
Whether you’re defending your Dying Fetus ugly Christmas sweater to family or just need music that suits your vibe, this list has you covered. From AC/DC to Trans-Siberian Orchestra, these tracks blend the spirit of the holidays with the raw power of rock and metal. So, put on your headphones and crank it up!
The Playlist: A Headbanger’s Holiday
1. AC/DC – “Mistress for Christmas”
From The Razor’s Edge, AC/DC’s 1990 festive number offers a mischievous twist on the season of giving.
2. King Diamond – “No Presents for Christmas”
King Diamond’s anthem for mischief-makers guarantees nothing but an empty stocking for the naughty.
3. Gods of Fire – “Spin for the Blood of Our Elders”
This dreidel-themed Hanukkah song is steeped in Jewish history and rebellion, delivered with heavy riffs and haunting vocals.
4. August Burns Red – Home Alone Theme
The metalcore band’s instrumental cover brings a nostalgic yet hard-hitting vibe to this classic movie theme.
5. Lacuna Coil – “Naughty Christmas”
Celebrate Krampus with this dark and bouncy track—perfect for the season’s mischievous mood.
6. Tony Iommi & Ronnie James Dio – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
The legends of metal craft an apocalyptic, doom-laden rendition of the holiday classic.
7. My Chemical Romance – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
MCR reimagines this pop hit, proving it’s always been emo at heart.
8. Spinal Tap – “Christmas With the Devil”
Not for your in-laws—unless they’re also fans of over-the-top parody metal.
9. Blink-182 – “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas”
A holiday anthem for the socially distant (or those avoiding family drama).
10. Bathtub Shitter – “Little Drummer Boy”
Japanese grindcore meets holiday tradition in this chaotic rendition.
11. Twisted Sister – “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”
Dee Snider’s powerful pipes meet a classic carol in a hair-metal twist.
12. Type O Negative – “Red Water (Christmas Mourning)”
The late Peter Steele captures the heartbreak and melancholy of the season.
13. Bad Religion – “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Punk rock meets holiday tradition in this rebellious take on a carol.
14. Christopher Lee – “Jingle Hell”
The late acting icon (and metal enthusiast) delivers a menacing twist to holiday cheer.
15. Anvil – “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah!”
A high-energy tribute to the Festival of Lights, brought to you by Canada’s metal stalwarts.
16. Dave Grohl, Lemmy Kilmister & Billy Gibbons – “Run, Run Rudolph”
This supergroup transforms the holiday classic into a hard-rocking anthem.
17. Dee Snider & Lzzy Hale – “The Magic of Christmas Day”
A duet packed with metal power, originally penned for Celine Dion.
18. J.J. Hrubovcak – “Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”
A brutal death metal take on Tchaikovsky’s classic.
19. Tarja – “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
The ex-Nightwish vocalist adds gothic drama to this holiday favorite.
20. Fear – “Fuck Christmas”
Because, let’s be honest, not everyone loves the holidays.
21. Halford – “Donner and Blitzen”
The Metal God himself celebrates Santa’s reindeer with thundering guitars.
22. Korn – “Kidnap the Sandy Claws”
Tim Burton meets nu-metal in Korn’s dark and playful cover.
23. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24”
A stunning medley that proves even classical Christmas music can rock.
24. Chuck Billy, Scott Ian & Friends – “Silent Night”
This all-star lineup gives the carol a loud, aggressive makeover.
25. Viking Christmas (Parody in Amon Amarth Style)
This hilarious tribute captures the spirit of melodic death metal, Viking-style.
Whether you’re trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, or just dodging the usual holiday fare, these heavy holiday songs will keep your spirits alive and headbanging. Rock your holiday the loud way!
