O Holy Night - Charlotte Church
Did anyone else ever do “I wish it could be a wombling merry Christmas every day”?
Silent Night - The Temptations
Please Come Home For Christmas - Charles Brown, the 1960 release
Oh Holy Night - Johnny Mathis
Let it Snow - Dean Martin
I think Wilson Phillips did, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Roy Wood.
“'Zat You, Santa Claus” - Louis Armstrong, though the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy covers are acceptable. Haven’t heard Buster Poindexter’s yet.
Since Bing has “White Christmas” all sewed up, I’m reluctant to give him “I’ll be Home for Christmas” too. Instead of the Carpenters, however, I’m gonna go with these guys.
The Beach Boys! (Listen and keep an open mind.)This is the best version of the Huron carol that I have heard.
Adeste Fideles - Luciano Pavarotti
Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney (Yes, there’s a remake, and I actually like this song.)
Carol of the Bells - Mannheim Steamroller (Deck the Halls too)
Nobody but The Waitresses should do “Christmas Wrapping” despite what the Spice Girls may tell you.
“Silver Bells” belongs to Kate Smith.
Then there’s this.
Hadn't seen it in years.I think Rosemary Clooney has Suzy Snowflake all sewn up.
“O Holy Night” is owned by Nat King Cole.
“Do You Hear What I Hear” Bing Crosby
“Little Drummer Boy” Harry Simeone Chorale
“Christmas Song” Mel Torme
“Santa Baby” Eartha Kitt
Perry Como’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is the one I prefer, even though it brings back sad memories. I was in basic training, during Christmas time, many years ago. None of us were allowed to open our packages from home until Christmas Eve. The time finally arrived, and as we tore into the goodies various moms had sent, Ol’ Perry came on the TV with THAT song. Until you’ve seen sixty 18 and 19yo’s, crying in their bunks, choking down Christmas cookies et. al., you have NO idea what being home for Christmas only in your dreams means.
G0sp3l: Most perceptive, my friend, Miss Kitt’s version is THE ONE.
Anyone a fan of “In Old Judea”? It’s a hymn in sing and response mode. I remember it fondly from many midnight masses. I wonder if it’s ever been recorded?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
O Come All Ye Faithful - Bing Crosby
Bing and Sinatra’s Christmas albums are the definitive song versions for me. Reminds me of my childhood and hearing those albums on the radio.
I like other artist’s Christmas covers too. But the OP asked about the definitive versions.
Other performers should be prevented by law from covering it. Some songs only need one version.
Like Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey. Pretty sure that’s the definitive version.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. Bruce Springsteen. Game, set, and match.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” – Straight No Chaser
This version by Austrian Death Machine
Renee Olstead-Christmas in Love
Temptations-Give Love At Christmas
Elizabeth Chan-Fa La La George Michael-December Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRFIePY6LWs