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 Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s independence, and what better way to do that than by immersing yourself in the music that has defined America’s spirit and patriotism over the years? This year, gather your family and friends and take a nostalgic journey through some classic songs from the early 1900s.

Celebrate the Fourth of July by listening to these classics

Here are seven timeless pieces that will make your Independence Day celebration extra special: Read More About This…

The holidays usher in a wave of nostalgia and merriment, accompanied by the unmistakable tunes that define Christmas. At our workplace, we shared our love for the season by compiling a list of our top five favorite Christmas songs.

Top 5 Favorite Christmas Tunes

1. Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town by The Mitch Miller and Orchestra
2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The French Quarter Band
3. Did you Really See Mommy Kissing Santa by Spike Jones
4. White Christmas by Frank Sinatra
5. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

Music has this incredible ability to evoke emotions and transport us back to cherished moments. Each team member had a unique connection to these melodies. They were making the selection process a delightful journey down memory lane. Read More About This…

Whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas, here at the Recorded Sound Archives we’ve got you covered.

You can listen to the story of Chanukah, or have you ever wonder how Christmas is celebrated in Israel? Discover how both Christmas and Chanukah are celebrated in Israel in the late 50s and 60s. Along with Christmas hymns such as Oh, Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night, Holy Night or silly songs like I want a hippopotamus for Christmas and All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth.

We even have a few Hanukkah sing-alongs (Volume 2, Volume 3) for you to sing-a-long and enjoy with children. Or perhaps you’re looking for a modern take on some old Chanukah classics, discover Kenny Ellis Hanukkah Swings.

With over 100 recordings for you to choose from between our Chanukah and Christmas collections, the Recorded Sound Archives staff has put together a list of our favorite songs for you to listen to with family and friends.

Enjoy!

RSA Staff Shares Holiday Music Favorites!

1. Chanukah in Song: Mi yimalel/(Yeladim binerot) by Gladys Gerwirtz; Eve Lippman

2. Mommy Kissing Santa Claus / __ days ’till Christmas (15 through 9) by Spike Jones

3. Ocho Kandelikas by Kenny Ellis

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra

5. Chanukah in Song (Side 4): Oy Chanukah by Gladys Gewirtz; Eve Lippman

6. Silent Night, Holy Night (Stille Nacht) by Helen Traubel

7. Chanukah Piano Medley by Benjamin Roth-Aroni

8. We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The French Quarter Band

9. Medley: Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah; Who Can Retell by Kenny Ellis

10. I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

Please note, due to copyright some items may only be available as a 45-second snippet.

If you are a Researcher or Educator in need of full access to these recordings, click here.

You might think that Adam Sandler has the last word when it comes to Chanuka songs.  But you would be wrong! The Judaica Sound Archives has hundreds of Chanukah songs that your whole family can enjoy. This year’s Chanukah Mix highlights 17 songs by some of our favorite JSA performers.

You might also enjoy these holiday albums: Read More About This…