Picture Christmas in 1980s New York City, where Frank Sinatra's velvet voice cuts through the chill like a neon sign on Broadway. It is these songs that capture that magic, blending nostalgia with urban romance and Sinatra's croon.

Ten Frank Sinatra songs to make it feel a lot more like Christmas in NYC

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane wrote this in 1944 for Judy Garland in the film Meet Me in St. Louis. Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1948 for Columbia.

His version appears on 'Christmas Songs by Sinatra' from 1948. The melancholic tone is perfect for strolls in New York City's snow on Christmas Day.

2. The Christmas Waltz

Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne composed this jingle in 1954. First recorded it in 1959 for Capitol Records, it was featured on 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra', a 1957 album reissue. It can well be described as a cozy and elegant number, suited for slow dancing.

3. White Christmas

Irving Berlin wrote this in 1942 for the film Holiday Inn, starring Bing Crosby. Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1948 for Columbia.

Later, on The Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas from 1968, he performed it with his daughter, Nancy Sinatra.

4. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

With Edmund Sears on lyrics and Richard Storrs Willis on music, this carol was created. Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1957 for 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra'.

5. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Famously, 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' was a hit among WWII soldiers. His version of the song came fourteen years after the original by Bing Crosby.

For this number, Frank Sinatra delivers Kim Gannon's lyrics with heartfelt restraint, evoking a vision of soldiers or expats gazing at Empire State lights, longing for their homes.

6. Silent Night

An Austrian carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr, Frank Sinatra recorded 'Silent Night' in 1957. Again, it appears on 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra'.

'Silent Night' was also featured on the film, It's a Wonderful Life, from 1946. The song's hushed tones fit the silence of falling snow perfectly.

7. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Put together by Phillips Brooks and Lewis Redner, Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1963 for 'The Swinging Christmas Album'. Calm, reflective, the song feeds late-night thoughts by the window while New York City sleeps

8. Jingle Bells

James Pierpont wrote this in 1857. Again, Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1957 for 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra', with a swinging big-band arrangement.

The song braved several features from Happy Holidays With Bing and Frank to present-day numbers like The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel and The Good Doctor. Its energy complements a time well spent lounging in Times Square bars.

9. The First Noel

Traditional English carol, first printed in 1823. Frank Sinatra recorded it in 1957 for 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra'. No direct film or play. Romantic phrasing blends folk with polish for doorway sways. (36 words)

10. Mistletoe and Holly

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Cahn, and Doc Denham co-wrote 'Mistletoe and Holly' in 1957. Sinatra recorded it that year for Capitol, on 'A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra'.

To be streamed on postmodern-day platforms or vinyl reissues, Frank Sinatra's Christmas sings on. Paired with a Rockefeller Center visit or a simple stroll through Central Park, Sinatra's phrasing captures every corner of urban winter romance. 

Which of these snowy yet warm croons are your Christmas favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui