The Ultimate EDM Christmas Playlist: What to Love and What to Skip

What’s better than the holidays and dance music? The two of them together, obviously! This festive season, dive into the electrifying world of EDM Christmas tunes with us. Chelsea Burka and I have teamed up to score the best and worst tracks, providing you with a solid guide to rocking around the Christmas tree or blasting off some holiday frustrations when family comes to visit.

DJ Nico – Last Christmas

DJ Nico’s rendition of “Last Christmas” feels like a trance track that could make an appearance in Armin van Buuren’s set during the holidays. It’s neither a standout nor a flop, landing somewhere in the middle—perfect for a light-hearted holiday gaming session where you might imagine racing in a Christmas-themed Mario Kart. With countless remixes of this classic already flooding the market, scoring it a hard 6 out of 10 makes sense; it’s a solid track that doesn’t quite elevate the original.

Bing Crosby – White Christmas (Kaskade Remix)

Imagine decorating your Christmas tree while listening to Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” transformed by Kaskade’s smooth beats. This remix strikes a chord between nostalgia and modern flair, making you feel festively groovy. One could almost picture this playing in the iconic Macy’s Herald Square during the holidays, creating a perfect ambiance for cheerful shoppers.

Cascada – Last Christmas

No list of cheesy holiday songs would be complete without mentioning Cascada, the Mariah Carey of dance music. This remix of “Last Christmas” encapsulates a melodic catchiness that’s hard to resist, even if it feels slightly cringeworthy. The music video alone, especially the dramatic storytelling between 1:50-2:30, makes it a must-see; it’s so bad it almost circles back to good.

Jesse Slayter & Wuki – Rock Them Bells

This track is a fun game changer in the sea of traditional holiday tunes. The duo takes familiar favorites and gives them an electrifying twist that would actually make caroling an enjoyable experience. Imagine strutting around the neighborhood with a boombox blasting “Rock Them Bells.” It’s an upbeat and modern take that is perfect for festive gatherings.

Aquadrop – Troll the Halls

From the “Very Very Decent Christmas” album, Aquadrop brings a track that, at first listen, will make you want to dance like an elf while decorating your living room. “Troll the Halls” offers a unique vibe that merges cheeky holiday cheer with a slight edge. The memorable “Ho Ho Ho” chant is both confusing and exhilarating at the same time—who knew holiday tunes could be so multifaceted?

Stephen Walking – Sleigh Ride

Not straying too far from its traditional roots, Stephen Walking gives “Sleigh Ride” a funky beat that boosts your holiday spirit. The original melody remains intact, which makes for a joyous listening experience full of smiles and festive vibes. It’s hard to resist tapping your feet or humming along; this remix is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Televisor – We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Televisor gifts us a funky banger that feels like a party waiting to happen. With a blend of holiday cheer and jolly bounce, this remix lays the groundwork for a festive gathering complete with rum and eggnog. The energy this track brings is infectious, ensuring you feel merry no matter where you play it.

Davoodi – The Nutcraka

Brace yourself for a weirdly delightful take on holiday music with “The Nutcraka.” This track combines elements of classic ballet with a drop that is hard to ignore. While it might not be on repeat all year long, it brings a refreshing twist to the holiday music scene that’s creative and engaging. This bold reimagination earns Davoodi some serious style points.

Hellberg – Jingle Bells

If Christmas were a music festival, Hellberg’s “Jingle Bells” would undoubtedly be its anthem. Infused with a thumping bassline and infectious beats, this rendition holds the promise of making a holiday gathering feel like a wild celebration. It’s an upbeat take on a classic that brings joy and excitement, setting the stage for a festive explosion.

Black and White – Carol of the Dubs

Lastly, we have a bold remix of “Carol of the Bells” that leans toward the dark side. While the production quality is impressive, the dubstep approach makes it a risky pick for family gatherings—especially with Grandma around. This haunting rendition of a beloved classic offers up a unique take, though it might be better suited for those who appreciate the darker tones of holiday music.

This collection captures the spirit of the season while embracing the creativity of electronic dance music. Whether you’re looking to dance, reminisce, or simply enjoy the holidays, these tracks offer something for everyone. Enjoy the festive vibes and let the beats carry you through the season!