For many, the holidays officially begin the moment Christmas music takes over the radio. But beyond the familiar standards, LGBTQ+ artists have shaped the season with their own festive contributions. From Elton John’s sultry classics to Trixie Mattel’s cheeky parodies, queer musicians have given us tracks that celebrate love, joy, and even heartbreak during the holidays. Their music proves that Christmas isn’t just about tradition—it’s also about reinvention.
Elton John – Step Into Christmas
Released in 1973, Elton John’s Step Into Christmas is pure holiday joy. With its upbeat tempo and campy energy, the track remains one of the most played Christmas hits of all time. Few artists embody the spirit of celebration quite like Elton.
Lil Nas X – Holiday
When Lil Nas X dropped Holiday in 2020, he gave Christmas a futuristic makeover. Blending hip-hop swagger with playful lyrics, he delivered a seasonal hit that felt unapologetically modern and distinctly himself.
George Michael (Wham!) – Last Christmas
Come on, George Michael’s Last Christmas is a total classic and has become a cultural touchstone! Its bittersweet story of love and loss strikes a chord with listeners every December. Beyond its chart success, the song helped solidify Michael as one of pop’s defining voices.
Sam Smith – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Sam Smith’s soulful interpretation of this classic captures the quiet beauty of the holidays. Their voice turns a well-worn standard into something intimate, highlighting the reflective side of the season.
Phoebe Bridgers – If We Make It Through December
Bridgers is known for her melancholy tone, and her cover of Merle Haggard’s If We Make It Through December fits perfectly into her catalog. It’s a reminder that not everyone experiences the holidays with cheer, and that authenticity makes it all the more powerful.
Adam Lambert – Please Come Home for Christmas
Lambert’s powerhouse vocals shine on this bluesy favorite. His version balances respect for the original with his own theatrical flair.
Melissa Etheridge – Christmas in America and Baby, Please Come Home
Etheridge brings both rock grit and political consciousness to her holiday music. Christmas in America reflects on the country’s challenges while still clinging to hope. Her cover of Baby, Please Come Home is raw and heartfelt.
Big Freedia – Make It Jingle and ’Tis the Season
The Queen of Bounce doesn’t hold back when it comes to holiday cheer. With tracks like Make It Jingle and ’Tis the Season, Freedia transforms Christmas into a dance floor celebration.
Tegan and Sara – Make You Mine This Season
Written for the LGBTQ+ holiday rom-com Happiest Season, this track captures the rush of new love. Sweet, hopeful, and unmistakably queer, it’s a perfect soundtrack for holiday romance.
Idina Menzel and Billy Porter – I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
Two Broadway powerhouses teamed up to reimagine this standard. Their jazzy rendition radiates warmth and theatrical flair, showcasing the magic of queer collaboration.
RuPaul – Brand New Year
RuPaul’s holiday catalog is as bold as his persona. Brand New Year is celebratory and upbeat, reminding fans that the holidays are also a time of renewal.
Brandi Carlile – The Heartache Can Wait
Carlile’s holiday entry stands apart for its vulnerability. Instead of leaning on cheer, she taps into longing, showing how the season can amplify emotions.
Boy George and George Michael (Band Aid) – Do They Know It’s Christmas?
When Band Aid recorded this 1984 charity single, George Michael and Boy George were among the key voices. Their contributions helped the song become one of the best-selling Christmas records in history.
Freddie Mercury (Queen) – Thank God It’s Christmas
Freddie Mercury’s soaring voice carries this Queen classic. It’s a track filled with gratitude and warmth, made unforgettable by Mercury’s singular presence.
Trixie Mattel – All I Want for Christmas Is Nudes
Leave it to Trixie Mattel to flip a holiday standard into something hilariously camp. Her parody of Mariah Carey’s classic is irreverent and unapologetically queer—proof that holiday music can be both funny and festive.
From Elton John’s wistful tune to Trixie Mattel’s wink to holiday humor, LGBTQ+ artists have made some impressive contributions to what Christmas music can sound like. Their songs invite listeners to celebrate in new ways, whether through heartfelt reflection or dance-floor beats So this season, when you’re building your holiday playlist, make sure these fabulous voices are part of the soundtrack.
