21 Best Songs About December

For some, December is a month of family gatherings. For others, December is all about festivities, wrapped gifts, snowy peaks, and other holiday trinkets.

The main thing that stands out about December though is Christmas. If you want an escape from the repetitive Christmas playlists, we got you covered. Here’s our top songs about December.

“December 4th” by Jay-Z

Song Year: 2003

This is the first track on Hov's eighth studio album, The Black Album.

If you're a Jay-Z diehard, you already know the rap superstar's love for the number 4. It's his birth date, and on “December 4th” the rapper recounts his journey so far.

Jay-Z's mother, Gloria Carter, reminisces about her famed son throughout the track, complementing Jay's introspective bars. The rapper reflects on different phases of his life, from hustling in the streets to breaking into the music limelight.

“A Long December” by Counting Crows

Song Year: 1996

Unlike most songs in our compilation that embrace December's holiday spirit, “A Long December” by Counting Crows takes a bittersweet perspective with soul-searching honesty. It's a standout ballad in the band's second studio album, Recovering the Satellites.

The track was inspired by hospital visits to Adam Duritz's friend involved in a car accident. Despite the somber mood in “A Long December,” it gives hope for the future. It's about reflecting on your past and looking forward to a better next year.

“December” by Ariana Grande

Song Year: 2015

“December” is the second single on Ariana Grande's Christmas-themed holiday EP, Christmas & Chill. The song takes an adult yet not explicit twist from the rest of the album, evident in the opening synths and Ariana's suggestive lyrics.

Ariana sings about how her unnamed partner will utilize Christmas as an aphrodisiac. She emphasizes that she's the gift that keeps giving, with her unselfish desire to keep her partner warm in the winter and make memories in the summer.

“Back to December” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2010

Taylor Swift takes an atypical approach to relationships in her hit song, “Back to December.” Taylor blames herself entirely, in contrast to her signature conversational musical themes with old flames. This track is the second single on her full-country album, Speak Now.

“Back To December” is about regretting a break-up with a selfless partner. The narrator tells how she feels remorseful about her relationship ending, wishing she could return to December and make amends with her ex-lover.

“Rose in December” by Halestorm

Song Year: 2001

Hard rock music and December sounds off, but Halestorm made it happen in its “Rose in December” single from the band's self-released album Breaking the Silence. The band's lead singer and guitarist, Lizzy Hale, penned this power ballad when she was 17, evocating the sound of the iconic balladeers of the ‘80s.

While the song is a heavy metal piece, it carries a heartfelt message. The narrator sings about her long and hopeful wait for her lover. She promises to keep waiting despite tough times as the rose withstands December's winter until spring.

“Permanent December” by Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2010

Miley Cyrus partnered with John Shanks and Claude Kelly to pen “Permanent December,” a standout track from Miley's third studio album, Can't Be Tamed. It's an Electro Pop track with Disco elements and a Euro disco breakdown at the bridge, mirroring the disco and funk sound of the 80s.

The song is about a girlfriend realizing she was wrong to leave her ex-lover. She turns down approaches from other guys and only wants to be with her ex-partner, the true love of her life.

“My December” by Linkin Park

Song Year: 2000

Written by guitarist-singer Mike Shinoda, “My December” is a poignant ode to the month still smashing the airwaves decades after its release. The band abandoned its electro-metal sound for a calming, piano-based ballad on “My December.”

The song is about being lonely and despairing in the winter months. It expresses how difficult it is to be alone and how the narrator longs for a home and a person to come home to. While the tune is melancholy, it's also encouraging as it pushes listeners to attempt to find a way out despite their loneliness.

“White December” by Kylie Minogue

Song Year: 2015

“White December” is a seasonal smash from Kylie's thirteenth studio album, Kylie's Christmas. This infectious anthem blends vintage jazz sound with a touch of contemporary production and pop elements.

In the song, the narrator talks about her desire to spend the Christmas weather with her lover. She recounts how the two lovebirds had a good time on Christmas day and how she yearns to reunite with her lover and share the same experience again.

“December” by Norah Jones

Song Year: 2009

Norah Jones is a staple name for Christmas songs, and she rose to greater heights in the festivities theme in her “December” song. The track stands out in her fourth studio album, The Fall, for its mellow piano-based approach.

In “December,” the narrator sings about how she misses the month and wants it to come. However, she could be metaphorically using the word “December” to represent a person in her life.

“December” by Collective Soul

Song Year: 1995

“December” is the second single from the Collective Soul's self-titled second studio album. This grunge-inspired song beautifully showcases the band's ability to pen unique yet radio-appealing songs. The intro and verse guitars are finger-picked, while the vocals harmonize throughout the verses.

Despite its title, “December” isn't a festive song. The top-ranking hit expresses the feeling of being used by others and not appreciated enough. It was inspired by how Ed Ronald, the band's lead vocalist, felt toward the band's management.

“Summer in December” by G-Eazy

Song Year: 2007

A standout song from G-Eazy's fifth studio album, Summer in December, is a must-have track on your best song about December playlist. The piano-driven hip-hop track delivers a different aspect of under G's rap arsenal; a reflective and thoughtful piece laid on a soulful and vintage jazzy production.

This single vividly reminisces G's life and struggles in Los Angeles. Although LA is known for its sunny skies and everybody hustles, even in winter, G feels he needs some cold weather to breathe and reflect on his sad emotions.