Who says holiday music has to suck? This season, we’re flipping the script with a special installment of What’s Going On, featuring five fresh holiday gems that will add some sparkle to your festive playlists. Whether you’re looking for something nostalgic, modern, or just a little offbeat, these tracks prove that holiday tunes can be exciting, inventive, and still full of cheer.
Jimmy Fallon – Comedian and late-night host Jimmy Fallon is all about the festive vibes, so it’s no surprise he’s out now with his highly anticipated holiday comedy album, Holiday Seasoning. Featuring star-studded collaborations with everyone from mega popstars Jonas Brothers, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion to comedy greats like Weird Al and Will Ferrell, the album is available on digital platforms and various physical formats. There’s even a special Peppermint Swirl vinyl which would make an excellent gift. The holiday fun continues with Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular airing on December 4th, featuring performances from Dolly Parton, Justin Timberlake, and more.
Listen to Jimmy Fallon’s “Holiday” featuring the Jonas Brothers below.
JOHNNYSWIM – The musical duo of Abner and Amanda Sudano Ramirez, better known as JOHNNYSWIM, has put their own fresh spin on The Pogues’ Christmas classic “Fairytale of New York.” This special festive release precedes their JOHNNYSWIM Christmas Show Tour, which kicks off on December 6th in Illinois and wraps up in North Carolina a week later. Known for their heartfelt holiday performances, the duo is excited to share this version of the iconic track which is already a staple of their holiday sets. There’s more great music coming from JOHNNYSWIM soon as their new album When The War Is Over is due out on February 7th.
Watch a live performance of JOHNNYSWIM’s cover of “Fairytale of New York” below.
Coco Jones – Grammy-winning singer and actress Coco Jones recently threw her hat into the festive ring with her new four-track EP Coco By The Fireplace, out now via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings/Universal Music Canada. The festive release is perfectly timed as the singer will be performing at NBC’s Christmas In Rockefeller Center. With a starring role on Bel-Air, two 2025 GRAMMY nominations for her hit single, and a debut album on the horizon, Coco’s star continues to rise.
Listen to Coco Jones’ “My Presence Is A Present” below.
WAR – Iconic SoCal band WAR is spreading holiday cheer with their first-ever original Christmas song “(Yes It’s) Christmas.” First released last year, the song now has a fun new music video. With a laid-back, sunny California vision of Christmas, the track mixes R&B, funk, jazz, and Latin influences, featuring unique instrumentation like a guiro. As the band celebrates their 50th anniversary and prepares for their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, WAR is still rocking hard.
Listen to WAR’s “(Yes It’s) Christmas” below.
Tyler Shaw – Canadian singer Tyler Shaw is making his holiday album A Tyler Shaw Christmas available on CD and vinyl for the first time via Sony Music Entertainment Canada. Since its 2021 release, the album has become a festive classic, spawning #1 singles like “This Christmas” and “Christmas All Over Again.” Nominated for a 2023 JUNO Award, Shaw joins an elite group of Canadian artists with holiday album nominations. The physical release includes three new songs, adding to the festive magic. Fully embracing his title as Canada’s Prince of Christmas, Shaw is continuing his holiday tradition by performing on the CP Holiday Train and spreading seasonal cheer across Canada.
Listen to Tyler Shaw’s “What Christmas Means To Me” below.
