We here at musomuso love to look at the alternative side of music, especially at Christmas time when everyone is overdosing on Mariah, Slade and of course, WHAM. Why not top up your sherry and have a read through our top ten festive faves that we hope you’ll enjoy….

1. “Just Like Christmas” – Low (USA)

Low, pioneers of the slowcore movement, bring a stripped-back, melancholic charm to Christmas with this dreamy track from their 1999 EP Christmas. With jangly sleigh bells and wistful lyrics, it perfectly encapsulates the nostalgic yearning of the season. It's festive, but in a way that feels deeply personal and reflective—ideal for anyone tired of overproduced holiday hits.

2. “Christmas Wrapping” – The Waitresses (USA)

This quirky gem from Ohio’s The Waitresses is a classic in alternative circles. With its clever, spoken-word lyrics about dodging Christmas plans and a funk-tinged backing, this 1981 track captures the cynicism and humor of the season. It’s an anthem for those who love Christmas but loathe the chaos that comes with it.

3. “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” – Julian Casablancas (USA)

The Strokes’ frontman Julian Casablancas’ take on this SNL comedy sketch song is a fast-paced, synth-laden ode to Christmas that’s undeniably catchy. Released in 2009, this track channels lo-fi energy with a wink of humor and plenty of indie attitude. It’s the perfect antidote to saccharine holiday tunes.

4. “A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like a Kiss)” – Glasvegas (UK)

Scottish band Glasvegas deliver a hauntingly beautiful ballad with this track from their 2008 holiday mini-album of the same name. It’s a deeply emotional piece with swelling strings and James Allan’s Glaswegian brogue, capturing the bittersweet and lonely side of Christmas. A must-listen for anyone who enjoys the melancholic magic of the season.

5. “Cold White Christmas” – Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (USA)

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone’s lo-fi brilliance shines in this poignant track about a young person navigating Christmas far from home. With its minimalistic arrangement and brutally honest lyrics, this 2006 song speaks to the alienation and longing many feel during the holidays, making it a favorite among introspective indie fans.

6. “In the Bleak Midwinter” – Wolf Alice (UK)

Wolf Alice’s rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter” showcases the band’s ability to infuse traditional music with their distinctive atmospheric and emotive style. This hauntingly beautiful carol, originally a poem by Christina Rossetti set to music by Gustav Holst, has been a favorite for artists to reinterpret over the years. Wolf Alice's version, however, stands out for its delicate balance of ethereal vocals and stripped-back instrumentation.

7. “I Don’t Intend to Spend Christmas Without You” – Claudine Longet (France/USA)

Originally a 1967 track, this one gained a cult following in indie circles for its inclusion in various alternative Christmas compilations. French-American singer Claudine Longet delivers this jazzy pop gem with a coy, breezy charm. It’s a sophisticated, left-field addition to any festive playlist.

8. “Happy Christmas (Face the Future)” – Beak (UK)

The experimental band formed by Geoff Barrow of Portishead performed this an alternative holiday track that captures the band’s signature blend of dark, moody atmospheres and quirky creativity. Released in 2017, the song is an unconventional Christmas offering, rooted in post-punk and krautrock influences that eschew the saccharine cheer of mainstream festive music.

9. “Last Christmas” - Future Islands (UK)

Future Islands’ rendition of “Last Christmas” takes the iconic Wham! track and transforms it into something uniquely their own, blending the band’s signature synth-driven melancholy with Samuel T. Herring’s emotionally charged delivery. Known for their ability to imbue every performance with raw vulnerability, Future Islands turn this pop classic into a hauntingly bittersweet reflection on love, loss, and the holiday season.

10. “2000 Miles” – The Pretenders (UK)

A holiday track for alternative music royalty, The Pretenders’ “2000 Miles” remains a beloved indie Christmas staple. Released in 1983, Chrissie Hynde’s heartfelt vocals and the melancholic melody beautifully capture the ache of being apart from loved ones during the holidays, making it resonate with anyone who’s experienced the same.

This list isn’t about the obvious or overplayed; it’s about celebrating the alternative spirit of Christmas through songs that blend emotional depth, humour, and creativity. These tracks reflect the multifaceted emotions of the season, from joy and nostalgia to loneliness and hope, without sacrificing the edge and artistry that make alternative music so beloved.

Add these to your playlist, dim the lights, and let your Christmas celebrations take on an indie twist.