25 festive pop songs perfect for your holiday playlist

“8 Days (of Hanukkah)” – Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

Speaking of adding some diversity, who said that this list had to be only Christmas songs? There’s another winter holiday that deserves some recognition too: Hanukkah. There aren’t many Hanukkah songs that have made the same impact as Christmas carols — unless you count Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song” which I don’t — but that definitely needs to change. We can have a little fun with Hanukkah too, so where are all the Hanukkah songs at?

If you’re looking for something for your holiday playlist to break up all the Christmas spirit, then look no further. Funk and soul band Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings released their funky holiday album It’s a Holiday Soul Party in 2015 that featured a mix of classic holiday songs and originals, but all staying in the signature style of the group, like their jazzy cover “God Rest Ye Merry Gents.” But the group decided to celebrate more than just Christmas by including “8 Days (of Hanukkah).”

The song is full of horns and drums that will make you want to dance and shake your hips. They sing about all the things you do during the eight days of Hanukkah: light the menorah, spin the dreidel, fry up latkes (yum), cook some brisket, and of course, give gifts! People might forget that there are other holiday traditions going on around them, but with this song, Hanukkah can be just as popping as any other holiday celebration!