Kickass Classical Forums

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even Chrismahanukwanzakah, the holidays are better with the classics!

Yule love these Top Ten Christmas Classical tunes for your holiday playlist!

01.
Tchaikovsky "Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy" from "The Nutcracker" calls to mind children sneaking around the house on Christmas Eve to discover Santa stuffing the stockings.
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

02.
Tchaikovsky "Trepak (Russian Dance)" from "The Nutcracker" sounds like a sleigh ride on steroids! Picture dancing Cossacks crossing their arms and kicking their legs high in the air.
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

03.
Leontovych "Carol Of The Bells" (Vocal Version) is a perennial favorite, sung by a choir or Christmas carolers.
Preview | Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

Leontovych "Carol Of The Bells" (Instrumental Version) is the same tune, played with Christmas bells.
Preview | Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

04.
Tchaikovsky "March" from "The Nutcracker" is one of the most familiar tunes from the Nutcracker ballet, which is mostly performed during the holiday season.
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

05.
Handel "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Messiah" is a joyful, exuberant choral piece. Interestingly enough, "Messiah" was conceived for Lent (leading up to Easter) but is now mostly performed during Advent (leading up to Christmas).
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

06.
Tchaikovsky "Waltz Of The Flowers" from "The Nutcracker" is another famous melody from the ballet.
Preview | Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

07.
Bach "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring" is a traditional Christmas favorite.
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

08.
Waldteufel "Skater's Waltz (Les Patineurs)" has lots of jingle bells in it for ice skating in the park during winter months. Listen for the orchestral imitation of skaters falling down!
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

09.
Tchaikovsky "Dance Of The Mirlitons (Reed Flutes)" from "The Nutcracker" concludes Tchaikovsky's big contribution to this list.
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

10.
Schubert "Ave Maria" is the most commonly sung version of the tune, even though it's really called "Ellen's Third Song" from Schubert's 1825 musical "The Lady Of The Lake."
Preview | iTunes | Amazon mp3

Put these classics in your iTunes playlist for your holiday celebrations this year and you'll have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye.

UPDATE FOR CHRISTMAS 2014:
Get all these tracks and 40 more - A Kickass Classical Christmas.

iTunes | Amazon mp3