In the Bleak Midwinter reflects a Christmas that was unlike any other in recent history. Much of the music on this album was heard around the world as part of the 103rd Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a service that has been broadcast live every year since 1930. But for Christmas Eve 2020, the continuation of this uniquely long-running tradition was not to be. A full service, with lessons, carols, organ voluntaries and prayers, had been recorded in an empty Chapel for use in the event that a live broadcast became impossible, and it was this that was called upon just days before Christmas Eve. For it's millions of listeners, the broadcast meant the continuation of a Christmas tradition in a year when so many were without their friends and family, and without so much of what makes Christmas special. Music from Christmas Eve is supplemented on this album by a selection of specially recorded tracks. It marks not only a moment of light in a time of considerable darkness for so many, but the beginning of a new era for the Choir of King's College under the direction of Daniel Hyde, with this his first full album at King's since his appointment in 2019.

The mention of his voice ignites the passion of millions worldwide. They eagerly anticipate each & every new album containing that is distinctly Andrea Boccelli. Now they will wait no more. His latest album he has recorded some of the most beautiful and inspired music. A combination of timeless melodies, newly discovered gems and the world's favorite "Ave Maria,'s,". This album also contains two bonus Christmas tracks, "Silent Night," in English and Italian. Also, O Come, All Ye Faithful,". He is accompanied by the internationally acclaimed conductor Myung-Whun Chung and the Orchestra e coro dell'Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS

CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA 4

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: CHRISTMAS

JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH: CHRISTMAS

CD + DVD edition. The holiday season wouldn't be complete without the delightful music of Andre Rieu! The "King of Waltz" presents his 2022 Christmas album, Silver Bells. The CD and bonus DVD is sure to become the dream gift this holiday season, bringing new joy and light to Rieu fans around the world. Recorded live in his hometown Maastricht, the DVD illustrates the unique atmosphere of his traditional Christmas concerts.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Following the success of their 2023 digital EP, Rutter Orchestral Carols, the Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, releases a new album for Christmas 2025, featuring a selection of arrangements and original works for choir and orchestra under the direction of Daniel Hyde. Recorded in the beloved Chapel of Kings College Cambridge, All the Stars Looked Down sees the choir performing alongside Britten Sinfonia once again, and includes beautiful orchestral arrangements of Christmas carols by John Rutter alongside a selection of both well-loved and lesser-known carols by the great choral composers who have influenced him, including Philip Ledger, David Willcocks and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Woven throughout the album are works that are especially meaningful to the Choir and it's community and the albums title track, John Rutters All the Stars Looked Down, is dedicated to the late Sir Stephen Cleobury.

2LP gatefold edition pressed on black and white marble vinyl. Finnish solo artist Tarja stands as one of the most captivating and versatile voices to emerge from the heavy music scene. Since parting ways with Nightwish, she has spent over 15 years crafting a rich and diverse catalogue that spans rock, classical, and cinematic soundscapes - earning her a devoted global following and a reputation as a true genre-defying icon. Now, Tarja invites you to experience the season like never before with her new album, 'Score for a Dark Christmas'. A stunning collection of her most evocative and atmospheric Christmas interpretations, this release brings together the finest moments from her acclaimed albums 'Dark Christmas' and 'From Spirits and Ghosts', offering a rich tapestry of sound that blends classical elegance, gothic beauty, and emotional depth. 'Score for a Dark Christmas' offers a completely new listening experience for Christmas music, featuring a freshly curated running order and striking new artwork that deepens the album's atmospheric allure.

Includes concerto(s) by various composers. Ensemble: London Festival Orchestra. Conductor: Ross Pople.
Includes work(s) by various composers, Gregor Joseph Werner. Ensembles: London Festival Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra, Musica Sacra, Canadian Brass. Conductors: Ross Pople, Martin Neary, Richard Westenburg. Soloists: Ayako Shinozaki, Richard Stoltzman, Eddie Gomez (double bass), Dave Samuels, Jeremy Wall, Emily Mitchell, Café (percussion), Bill Douglas, Michala Petri.

What's not to like? Here we have one of Eugene Ormandy's classic accounts of the Nutcracker Suite, followed by a transcription for the Modern Mandolin Quartet that sounds surprisingly attractive, all things considered. Then the fun really starts with Spike Jones' demented take on the story, full of his trademark sound effects and madcap humor. Capping it all off are two 1940s arrangements for four pianos of the Dance of the Reed Flutes and the Waltz of the Flowers. Obviously the recording quality varies widely (even the Ormandy doesn't compare to today's best), but that's not really the point. What you get is a sort of trip down memory lane with this ever-popular music--and more to the point, the arrangements are sufficiently distinctive to justify wanting to listen to the entire disc at a sitting. As a special holiday treat that gives you much more than just another Nutcracker, you simply can't go wrong. Charming and fun! --David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com

Composed using his own libretto, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov created this magical opera based on the short story by Nikolay Gogol ‘The Night before Christmas’ in which Vakula the handsome blacksmith wants to marry the rich farmer’s daughter Oksana, who in turn demands that he must first bring her the Tsarina’s shoes. Meanwhile a witch on her broomstick gathers the stars and the devil steals the moon – demonic forces trying to hinder this romantic union. There is little repertoire in musical theatre in which enchantment and enlightenment come together so happily as in Rimsky-Korsakov’s fairy-tale operas, and this Oper Frankfurt production was considered ‘a perfect seasonal tonic’ by the Financial Times.

Over 35 years after his legendary first recording of Johann Sebastian Bach's famous Christmas Oratorio in 1987, Sir John Eliot Gardiner performed this piece live with his ensembles, English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir, at the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in London on two evenings in December 2022. Available as a 2 CD/Blu-ray disc set

The most popular Christmas songs of all-time from King's College Choir.

The classic Fearless Records holiday compilation, Punk Goes Christmas, is back on vinyl! This first reissue of the original 2013 collection features tracks from Yellowcard, All Time Low, Set It Off, New Found Glory, The Summer Set, August Burns Red, The Ready Set, Real Friends, and more! The album includes a mix of originals and classics to put an emo spin on the holiday cheer. Ruby Red LP.

The 2004 holiday album from the Canadian rock band, Barenaked Ladies, is making it's worldwide vinyl debut. Interlacing multiple holiday traditions with their signature off-kilter alt-rock style, the album contains Hannukah, Christmas and New Year's classics along with original tracks and covers. The band also enlisted guest vocalists on some of the tunes. True to form as always, Barenaked for the Holidays delivers a uniquely Barenaked Ladies experience to get you in the holiday spirit.

Originally released in October 2004, Trans-Siberian Orchestra's The Lost Christmas Eve celebrates it's 20th Year Anniversary. Appearing for the first time ever on vinyl, this album version includes 2024 Remastered Audio, and is available on 2xLP format. This is the final installment of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Famed Christmas Trilogy and continues the traditions of it's predecessors with a musical arrangement of loss and redemption, featuring holiday favorites "Wizards in Winter", "Christmas Canon Rock", "Faith Noel" and many more.

ROD STEWART / MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY Double vinyl LP pressing of this holiday release. This fall for the first time ever, Grammy Award-winning, two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee artist Rod Stewart, releases his 2012 debut Christmas album, Merry Christmas, Baby on vinyl. Showcasing well-loved duets with Mary J. Blige, Cee-Lo Green and Chris Botti, as well as production by David Foster, Kevin Savigar and Sir Stewart himself, the perennial Christmas favorite is sure to be a big hit this holiday season. 2 LP set.

CHRISTMAS 1956 BILLBOARD TOP 100 / VARIOUS

Double vinyl LP pressing. A Christmas staple for households all around the world for decades, this wonderful collection of Pavarotti's most festive music is a treasured recording. This album captures the essence of the season with a collection of timeless carols and sacred songs, including the triumphant "Adeste Fideles," year-round favorites such as Schubert's "Ave Maria," and the titular "O Holy Night." Pavarotti's rendition of "O Holy Night" is a stunning celebration of Christmas, showcasing the legendary tenor's unmatched vocal brilliance. The perfect Christmas gift for established Pavarotti fans and those discovering his music for the first time alike, O Holy Night offers a stirring, joyful soundtrack to the festive season.

Sarah Willis/The Sarahbanda -"Cuban Christmas" [LP] Sarah Willis, horn-player of the Berliner Philharmoniker, teams up with the Sarahbanda for a a celebration of the vibrant Cuban Christmas rhythms. The album injects the colorful, contagious energy of Cuban music into a selection of timeless holiday classics - some featuring vocals from Carlos Calunga, of Buena Vista Social Club fame. Verve Label Group; Deutsche Grammophon; Holiday

Sarah Willis/The Sarahbanda - "Cuban Christmas". Sarah Willis, horn-player of the Berliner Philharmoniker, teams up with the Sarahbanda for a a celebration of the vibrant Cuban Christmas rhythms. The album injects the colorful, contagious energy of Cuban music into a selection of timeless holiday classics - some featuring vocals from Carlos Calunga, of Buena Vista Social Club fame.

CHRISTMAS WITH

This selection contains both AAD and DDD recordings.
Christmastime is a season made for familiar traditions: food, decorations, and music. This collection of seasonal favorites is an anthology of some of the world's most popular performers. From legendary pops conductor Arthur Fiedler to the voice of Mario Lanza, these are artists recognized in homes across the country.
Timeless classics such as Morton Gould and the RCA Symphony Orchestra's 'Jingle Bells' and Robert Shaw Chorale's 'Deck the Halls' are the epitome of Christmas cheer. Performed with crowd-pleasing flair, the music is equally at home as the centerpiece of a listening experience, or in the background of a family gathering. So pleasant, so familiar, everyone will recognize this music.
As important to the holidays as a warm hearth in the home, these songs are seasonal essentials.