Top 8 Christmas Songs with Long Island Connections: Mariah Carey, Billy Joel, Twisted Sister

During this time of year, we all hear the same classic Christmas songs on repeat. Why not switch things up a bit with a touch of local flavor? Here’s a holiday playlist featuring seasonal songs with a Long Island connection.

You can’t talk about Christmas songs with Long Island ties without mentioning Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” The Huntington-raised singer truly became the Queen of Christmas with this song, selling over 16 million copies since its release on her “Merry Christmas” album in 1994.

Did you know that Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band once rocked out to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” live at C.W. Post College in Brookville back in 1975? The Boss definitely put his own spin on this classic Christmas tune.

Celine Dion’s “The Magic of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)” makes the list because it was actually written by Long Island’s own Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister. Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, this song was a hit off Dion’s holiday album “These Are Special Times.”

Next up, we have The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s “Hey Santa!” The Massapequa native took his music from 1950s rockabilly to 1940s big band with two popular Christmas albums. This original track is a standout from his holiday-themed releases.

Billy Joel, who hails from Hicksville, delivers a holiday message in “She’s Right on Time.” This track from his beloved album “The Nylon Curtain” captures the essence of the season with its festive vibes.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, from Long Beach, put their spin on the traditional Christmas song “Little Drummer Boy” back in 1981. This rendition, recorded at Kingdom Sound Studios and Soundworks Studios on Long Island, is a rock ‘n’ roll twist on a holiday classic.

Debbie Gibson, the pop princess from Merrick, released her original holiday single “Christmas Star” in 2021 and included it on her holiday album “Winterlicious” the following year. In a 2021 interview, Gibson shared that the song speaks to forgiveness and self-improvement during the holiday season.

And let’s not forget about Twisted Sister’s “Heavy Metal Christmas.” This unique take on “The 12 Days of Christmas” by Long Island’s very own bad boys of hair metal is a fun and rockin’ addition to any holiday playlist.

So, if you’re looking to mix things up this holiday season, consider adding these Christmas songs with Long Island connections to your playlist for a festive and local touch.