There’s nothing like the right song to set the tone for the holidays. Whether you’re decorating the tree, baking cookies, or taking a quiet moment with a warm drink, holiday music has a magical way of connecting us—across memories, families, and generations. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we’re surrounded by thousands of recordings that capture the warmth, nostalgia, and joy of this time of year.

This season, we’ve curated a special holiday playlist from the vintage treasures housed in the RSA. From classic crooners to rare gems pressed on 78rpm discs, these selections highlight the timeless charm of Christmas music through the decades. You’ll hear familiar melodies that wrap you in comfort, alongside a few surprises that show just how diverse holiday recordings can be. Read More About This…

The holidays bring with them a surge of nostalgia, warmth, and joy—and nothing embodies the festive spirit quite like music. At the Recorded Sound Archives (RSA), we couldn’t resist the charm of holiday melodies as we embarked on a delightful journey to celebrate the season through music.

Discover RSA Staff’s Favorite 10 Holiday Songs

1. Silent Night, Holy Night by Frank Sinatra
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Boston Pops Orchestra
3. Sleigh Ride by Charlie Bertini; Randy Morris; Dave Gannett
4. The Little Drummer Boy by The Boston Pops Orchestra
5. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
6. Silent Night by Helen Traubel
7. A Christmas Carol by Richard Hale and Lionel Barrymore
8. Christmas Boogie by Sugar “Chile” Robinson
9. I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey
10. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Gene Autry and the Pinafores

The Magic of Holiday Music Read More About This…

Now you can celebrate the 4th of July and your Jewish heritage at the same time.

This new compilation of songs from the Judaica Sound Archives at Florida Atlantic University Libraries in Boca Raton, FL is about the American Jewish experience.

It contains  Yiddish songs recorded during the early 20th century and expresses a Jewish immigrant perspective on New York, Coney Island and other things distinctly American. Read More About This…