The Top 10 Christmas Guitar Solos & Riffs

More than any other holiday, Christmas triggers familiar sensations that are constant year over year. Whether it's twinkling tree-lights, the crackling of toasty fires, the smell of pine, the taste of sugar cookies, or the itch of an extremely ugly sweater, you know Christmas when you feel it. You also know it when you hear it. Christmas music is a genre unto itself, built on everything from old psalsms to yule-tide-ified pop music performed by some of the best known artists ever. So, what Christmas songs feature the riffs, solos, and Santa-approved strums that'll have a guitarist take note? Let's rank the top ten best guitar parts in popular Christmas songs.

10. "Jingle Bell Rock" – Hank Garland

Hank Garland’s nimble picking and bright, jazzy tone give "Jingle Bell Rock" its toe-tapping charm. Recorded by Bobby Helms in 1957, Garland’s guitar work is the backbone of this Christmas classic. Garland used a Gibson Byrdland, an instrument he co-designed, paired with a warm tube amp for that unmistakable twang. "Jingle Bell Rock" has become a perennial favorite, with its cheerful guitar licks instantly transporting listeners to festive holiday gatherings.

9. "Merry Christmas Baby" – Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry’s rock ‘n’ roll energy turns this bluesy tune into a seasonal standout. His signature double-stop bends and quickfire runs are unmistakeably BERRY, and his Gibson ES-355 and trademark amp settings make the solo sound as timeless as Santa's sleigh. Released in 1958, "Merry Christmas Baby" blends Christmas cheer with pioneering rock sensibilities, a mashup that makes this a guitarist-approved holiday tune.

8. "Run Rudolph Run" – Keith Richards 

Chuck Berry might have originated the track, but this 1978 version has the Stones-style swagger that only 'Keef can provide. With his Telecaster tuned to open G and snarling through a vintage Fender amp, Richards’ playing is loose, bluesy, and brimming with grit. "Run Rudolph Run's" driving riff and searing solo make it an instant crowd-pleaser, and Richards’ performance proves that the holiday spirit can truly rock.

7. "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" – Weezer

Weezer takes this Christmas staple and turns it into a proper banger thanks in large part to a driving, droning guitar part. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is the anchor of Weezer's 2008 holiday album and has turned into an anthem for those who approach Christmas with a little bit more angst. What's particularly awesome about this one is the way in which Cuomo and co leave the bones of this carol largely unchanged -- but make it sound like it absolutely could have been another track off of Pinkerton.

6. "Carol of the Bells" – Steve Lukather (and Steve Vai!)

Carol of the Bells is a Christmas carol dating back to the early 20th century, a classic tune that has been reimagined by dozens of performers. Toto’s Steve Lukather delivers a jaw-dropping performance on his version, displaying his monster technique and impeccable phrasing without losing the haunting beauty of the source material. And if that wasn't enough holiday shred for you... Steve Vai's on it, too!!!

5. "Mistress for Christmas" - AC/DC

Ripped from their holiday album, "Mistress for Christmas" may not be the best known holiday song, but it makes it on to this list because... well, c'mon, if AC/DC is gonna have a Christmas song, it's gonna be on the list! Draped in gay apparel, this tune oozes classic Angus Young tone and could otherwise fit perfectly into any of AC/DC's legendary rock catalog.

4. "Christmas All Over Again" – Tom Petty 

While this tune is defined by its bells and yuletide vibes, beneath it all is one of Tom Petty's signature, understated riffs. "Christmas All Over Again" is a Petty original that sounds like it could be an old school Christmas staple -- because it kinda is! Featured on a compilation album featuring almost 20 pop stars, this track leads it off and holds it down in large part due to the twinkling guitar work that blends seamlessly into the holiday backdrop.

3. "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" - The Ramones

For a Christmas punk infusion, who else would we turn to but the Ramones? "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" has everything a punk fan could want, and hearing Joey Ramone sing about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer would be enough to get it on this list -- but it's really the chugging Ramones guitar parts that'd make even Santa wanna headbang and push this one up the pantheon of guitar-driven rock and roll Christmas songs.

2. "Father Christmas" – Dave Davies (The Kinks)

The Kinks’ 1977 punk-tinged Christmas anthem wouldn’t pack the same punch without Dave Davies’ energetic guitar work. His crunchy riffs and aggressive solos (likely played on a Gibson Flying V) inject the song with rebellious energy. "Father Christmas" tackles themes of inequality and consumerism with biting wit, and Davies’ guitar ensures that its message lands with sonic force.

1. "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" – Al Pitrelli (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)

No holiday guitar list is complete without this electrifying instrumental by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Al Pitrelli’s searing leads and intricate harmonies transform this medley of "Carol of the Bells" and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" into a symphonic rock masterpiece. Pitrelli combines classical precision with metal intensity, and the song’s dramatic dynamics and virtuosic solos make it a holiday staple that guitarists can abide by.