In Winston-Salem, there’s never a shortage of things to do–especially during the Holidays. So why not get into the swing of things early? We’ve pulled together a few of our favorite songs, carols, music and memories based on our favorite seasonal activities. Use our suggestions to jumpstart your own Ultimate Holiday Playlist.
VINTAGE CLASSICS
If you’re planning a tour through a 1917 Reynolda House Christmas, or a visit to A Victorian Christmas at Korner’s Folly, then these traditional classics are just the ticket. Old-fashioned, perhaps, but these seasonal tried and true classics are always a hit–especially if you’re not too young to remember favorites from the likes of Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Eartha Kitt (the original Santa, Baby!), Ella Fitzgerald, Andy Williams, Louis Armstrong, and Sammy Davis, Jr. More than a memory, these songs almost work like a time machine. (Just try saying Bing Crosby without feeling a little nostalgia.) And on the off chance you’re bringing some grandkids along, having a few of these favorites in the cue is just the kind of "when I was a little kid" story-starter they’re looking for.
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting…), Nat King Cole
Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song), Bing Crosby
Santa, Baby, Eartha Kitt
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Andy Williams
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
FORMAL FUN
What to play when you’re headed to the Winston-Salem Symphony, Piedmont Opera or live performance of UNC School of the Arts’ The Nutcracker? Choose from classical music’s most beloved choral, instrumental and orchestral treasures:
Carol of the Bells, Mykola Leontovych
Christmas Oratorio, Bach
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Tchaikovsky
Christmas Tree Suite, Liszt
The Four Seasons: Winter, Vivaldi
Canon in F, Pachelbel
FAMILY FAVORITES
Feel like a kid again with this youthful spin down memory lane. Perfect for a an in-car sing-along on the way to Christmas in Old Salem, or a drive through the famed Tanglewood Festival of Lights. And, in case you were wondering, you’re welcome to join our reindeer games anytime.
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Burl Ives
Frosty the Snowman, Jimmy Durante
Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Jackson 5
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Boris Karloff
A MODERN MIX
Whether you know these tunes from TV, the movies, or your own cherished memories, one thing is certain. With these songs in your playlist, you’re guaranteed to smile your way through the holidays. (Particularly if you visit any of our local distilleries or craft brewers, like Small Batch Beer or Broad Branch Distillery.)
The Hanukah Song, Adam Sandler
Christmas Wrapping (Merry Christmas), The Waitresses
All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
Christmas in Hollis, Run DMC
The Little Drummer Boy, Pentatonix
Last Christmas, Wham
What Christmas Means To Me, Stevie Wonder
It Must Have Been Ole Santa Claus, Harry Connick, Jr.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé
Wonderful Christmastime, Paul McCartney
TELL US YOUR PICKS!
Tag @VisitWS on Twitter and @VisitWinstonSalem on Instagram to share your favorites. You can also find us on Facebook.
Happy holidays from Visit Winston-Salem!