Rap and Christmas have been closely linked since the genre’s early days.

Kurtis Blow’s “Christmas Rappin’”, a rhymed take on the classic “A Visit From St. Nicholas”, debuted in 1979 — the same year as “Rapper’s Delight”. From that time onward, hip-hop embraced the holiday spirit with gusto. In honor of this festive season, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest holiday-themed rap tracks spanning from 1979 to today.

These songs showcase the evolution of hip-hop, highlighting everything from early ‘80s crews grappling with hard times during the holidays to West Coast gangstas celebrating with Santa.

Here’s our ranking of the top 30 Christmas rap songs.

10. TLC – “Sleigh Ride” (1992)

TLC’s rendition of “Sleigh Ride” has become a holiday season mainstay since its release in 1992. Initially featured on the soundtrack of “Home Alone 2” alongside classics from The Capitols and Bobby Helms, it later found its way onto a LaFace Records Christmas compilation.

Whether you first encountered it via movie night or holiday playlists, there’s no denying that TLC added their unmistakable flair to this Christmas favorite. With its smooth harmonies and upbeat energy, their version of “Sleigh Ride” remains an enduring festive classic with nostalgic appeal year after year.

9. Eazy-E ft. Menajahtwa, Buckwheat, Will 1X & Atban Klann – “Merry Muthaf****n’ Xmas” (1992)

Crowned “The Godfather of Gangsta Rap” for good reason, Eazy-E redefines the meaning of Christmas music with “Merry Muthaf****n’ Xmas.” Equal parts raunchy and rebellious, it’s a cheeky celebration of adult indulgence with just enough nods to the holidays to claim festive territory.

Every element of the track showcases Eazy-E’s unapologetic talent—from the raw rap production to the risqué lyrics and creatively twisted Yuletide sound effects. While it’s not your typical Christmas carol, it somehow feels less controversial than yet another sugary rendition of “Santa Baby.” Explicit yet undeniably fun, it’s the bold gift no one saw coming.

8. Ludacris – “Ludacrismas” (2007)

Ludacris brings his signature larger-than-life personality to “Ludacrismas,” swapping a traditional wishlist for something entirely in line with his playful swagger. As he waits for Santa’s arrival, he drops bars like: “Tell Santa Claus to bring a ten million dollar check/So I could spread a little cheer/Fly a couple leers/Eat a little chicken, drink a couple beers/Kick back and just chill like a player would do.”

Built on a sample from the classic 1947 holiday tune of the same name, the song transforms into something entirely new. Thanks to its gritty, chopped-and-screwed beat and Ludacris’ commanding energy, “Ludacrismas” morphs into an edgy holiday essential perfect for blaring from lowriders decked in holiday lights.

7. BigXthaPlug – “BigXmas” (2023)

From hard-hitting anthems about his Texan roots to emotional country-inspired tracks, Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug consistently proves his versatility. On “BigXmas,” he seamlessly channels his energy into a celebratory ode to Christmas spirit.

Even though snow is a rarity in Dallas, BigX effortlessly conjures the festive vibe with a playful homage to Santa Claus and all things December 25. The beat features an inventive twist on a sample from “The Nutcracker Suite.” Combined with his charismatic delivery, the track captures both the magic of the holidays and the personal triumphs of his journey.

In his lyrics, BigX reflects on his come-up: “It was just yesterday, I ain’t had shit, now we turnt up in this bitch, boy, I ball like a Maverick.” A light-hearted allusion to the Dallas Mavericks injects a touch of humor and pride into this already joyous track.

6. GloRilla ft. Kehlani – “Xmas Time” (2024)

GloRilla is not often one to dive deep into emotional introspection, but “Xmas Time,” her collaboration with Kehlani, sees her embracing the warmth of the holiday season. Together, they craft a heartfelt hip-hop Christmas anthem dedicated to family and the joy of the holidays. This reflective track avoids booming basslines, grand choruses, and cheeky bravado, opting instead to reveal a softer side of GloRilla that has enriched her authentic persona over the years.

Reflecting on her past struggles, she poignantly raps, “And I might’ve had a Christmas that I ain’t get a thing that was on my wish list/ I celebrated still because I knew that I was gifted,” showing her resilience and the belief that her moment would eventually arrive.

5. Gucci Mane – “St. Brick Intro” (2016)

Gucci Mane earns multiple mentions on this list for a reason. The opener of his 2016 mixtape The Return of East Atlanta Santa reminds everyone why he’s an icon. Released during an especially productive period (also featuring albums like “Everybody Looking” and “Woptober”), “St. Brick Intro” celebrates Gucci embracing his role as “a neighborhood philanthropist.” Produced by Zaytoven, it’s the perfect festive anthem showcasing wealth, goodwill, and a touch of holiday swagger.

4. Snoop Dogg ft. Daz Dillinger, Nate Dogg, Tray Deee & Bad Azz – “Santa Claus Goes Straight To The Ghetto” (1996)

Hearing Santa Claus Goes Straight to the Ghetto for the first time felt deeply personal. At just seven years old, I was already familiar with poverty’s harsh realities. Growing up in Texas, my sister and I eagerly awaited visits from Blue Santa programs that delivered small gifts to underserved communities, even as we questioned their roots in law enforcement through skepticism taught young.

This song became a soundtrack to that duality. Watching Snoop cruising through the sky in a tricked-out Cadillac while wearing a silk press under a black Santa hat; Nate Dogg channeling his unmatched baritone in a choir; and heartfelt stories of past struggles from members of the Dogg Pound — all made me feel seen during Christmas in a way nothing else had before.

3. Kurtis Blow – “Christmas Rappin’” (1979)

Christmas Rappin’ had humble beginnings rooted in business rather than art. Inspired by a colleague’s royalties from writing Christmas songs, two Billboard writers crafted a rap version of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” and enlisted Kurtis Blow to deliver it with his signature party rhymes.

Despite its calculated origins, the song became a seasonal smash in late 1979 and continued thriving into spring 1980. Its success catapulted Kurtis Blow into the spotlight as rap’s first major-label star. One listen to Kurtis cutting into the classic poem with “Hold it, wait, hold it. That’s played out,” and any holiday party transforms into a celebration.

2. Run-DMC – “Christmas In Hollis” (1987)

In 1987, then-Def Jam PR chief and Christmas music enthusiast Bill Adler brought two ideas to a studio session with Run-DMC for a charity album — writing about their Queens neighborhood and drawing inspiration from the 1968 “Soul Christmas” compilation. The fusion gave birth to one of hip-hop’s greatest holiday tracks. If the opening line, “It’s Christmas time in Hollis, Queens…” doesn’t fill you with nostalgia, you might be beyond help.

1. OutKast – “Player’s Ball” (1993)

Like TLC’s Sleigh Ride, also on this list, OutKast’s Player’s Ball has an intriguing two-part trajectory. While best known as a standout track from the duo’s 1994 debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik”, the original version (the “Christmas mix”) first appeared on a 1993 LaFace Records holiday compilation. This song remains a cornerstone of OutKast’s journey to stardom, with its impact still resonating over three decades later.