Are you compiling a list of tracks for your Spotify winter playlist and want to add some songs about snow? Perhaps you want to play some snow-themed tunes at the holiday party you’re hosting. Or maybe you’re just looking for some new music.
Whatever your case, we’ve got you covered with these 26 songs relating to snow and winter.
We’d also like to mention that we tried to consider variety when we were making this list. Different people have different tastes, so you can expect to see music from all types of genres. That way, everyone can find something they like or even try something new.
So, without any more hesitation, here are our top picks for songs about snow.
1. “50 Words for Snow” – Kate Bush
We’re kicking this list off with one of the strangest yet most intriguing songs about snow.
“50 Words For Snow” by Kate Bush is an odd mix of refreshing and melancholic undertones, and while the style may seem “out there” at first, you can tell that a lot of love was put into the writing and production of it.
Stephen Fry’s interjections that narrate different ways to say snow in various ways mixed in with the incessant counting of Kate Bush and the occasional singing is an exciting combination, and in our opinion, actually pretty cool.
Admittedly, this song isn’t for everyone, but those who appreciate profound meanings and weird music will love this song to death.
2. “A Winter’s Tale” – The Moody Blues
“A Winter’s Tale” by The Moody Blues is a belly-warming, peaceful melody about the loveliness of Winter. It has a beautiful crescendo at the bridge of the song, and an upbeat tone throughout that’ll make you feel good on the inside.
If you love Winter and are looking for some songs to add to your holiday playlist, this will make an excellent addition.
3. “Velvet Snow” – Kings of Leon
This is one of the fiercest songs about snow you’ll ever hear. Contrary to many additions on this list, “Velvet Snow” by Kings of Leon is fast-paced, punk-rocky, raunchy, and loud.
This song is enjoyable for those who can’t stand slow, relaxed tunes about sitting around a crackling fire while it snows outside (we’re looking at you, Frank Sinatra) and prefer double entendres about risque snow.
4. “Snowball” – Devo
“Snowball” by Devo is bizarre but precisely what you’d expect from Devo.
The futuristic synthesized melody works pleasantly with the lyrics about a girl rolling a snowball up a hill only to fail and is an amusing song to listen to. The tune is cheery, and the wordplay is pretty sweet as well.
It’s one of those songs that you’re unsure about at first but gradually gets better the more you listen to it. It gets a point for being unique and two more for being super catchy.
5. “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” – Frank Sinatra
No list of snowy songs can ever truly be complete without the song “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” It’s classic, classy, and catchy.
You can never really hate this timeless classic, and while it was hard to choose between the Frank Sinatra and the Dean Martin version, we’re giving Sinatra a place on this list for being the original.
6. “Snow” – Emiliana Torrini
If you’re a fan of simple songs with soft voices accompanied by acoustic guitars, then “Snow” by Emiliana Torrini is one you’ll absolutely adore.
Torrini’s song about snow has the same calming vibes of watching the snow silently fall to the ground without being the coldness of Winter. It has a warming nature to it but is lyrically bittersweet.
And although it isn’t directly about snow, it’s using snow as a metaphor to convey something more profound. It’s almost like a poem sung by Torrini; it’s short, tranquil, and will soothe your anxious nerves.
7. “The First Snow” – Exo
K-pop has seen groundbreaking international success in the past two decades, so it would be a crime to leave out “The First Snow” by Exo from this list.
It should be noted that while the song is in Korean, it’s still a great modern-day track about snow (even for English speakers). It isn’t entirely about snow, but how many songs about “snow” are actually about snow in the first place.
Exo’s “The First Snow” gives off those old boy band vibes mixed in with some Christmas music mixed in with the k-pop genre, and it really works. If you listen to k-pop (or even if you don’t), you’ll definitely want to consider giving this song a listen and add it to your winter playlist.
8. “White Winter Hymnal” – Fleet Foxes
The meaning behind this song is a bit dark, but if you can get past those connotations, it’s a pretty neat song.
There isn’t much going on instrumentally, yet it’s fulfilling and driven. The melodic voices sing cheerfully about a dreary subject and serve as a subtle contrast between what appears on the surface and reality.
It doesn’t get along with some of the more joyous winter songs, but it does make a profound statement with its lyrics.
9. “Winter Song” – Sara Bareilles ft. Ingrid Michaelson
Turning the page from the last entry, “Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson is a beautiful collab between two artists known for their idyllic, relaxing melodies full of acoustic guitars and piano accompaniments.
“Winter Song” is calming to the soul and a great way to warm the heart on a chilly winter day. With this song, you don’t have all the autotune or technical fluff you do with most contemporary music; it’s just the voices of two talented singers and a graceful piano in the background (with a few orchestral notes as well).
10. “Winter Things” – Ariana Grande
Part of her 2016 Christmas album, Ariana Grande’s “Winter Things” is another leisurely song with only a voice and an instrument.
The ukulele in the background almost makes the song sound tropical, yet lyrically it’s about “winter things.” It lacks the pop feel of Ariana Grande’s usual music in exchange for more steady, sedated vibes, and it’s something we can all get behind.
Little songs like this one, “Winter Song,” and “Snow,” are the most underappreciated. Sure, faster-paced, more complex themes will always dominate the market, but these little gems need some love too!
11. “White As Snow” – U2
“White As Snow” by U2 is uplifting and gloomy all at once. The tonality and lyrics are a bit dreary, but something is pressing about the music. There’s a fantastic crescendo at the bridge, and the vocals are impressively versatile in this song.
“White As Snow” really captures that old U2 sound many bands have tried to emulate, yet none could ever replicate. It’s a nice addition to any rock, winter, or alternative playlist and is one of their more underrated songs.
12. “Snowballed” – AC/DC
Since we’re talking about 70’s rock bands with U2, we might as well bring up “Snowballed” by AC/DC.
And yes, it’s exactly what you’d expect.
AC/DC isn’t known for their slow-paced, melodic pieces, not even in their songs about more tame things. Snowball is no exception. It has electric guitars, loud drumming, throaty vocals, and that 70’s rock n’ roll feel that never gets old.
Once again, the song isn’t really about snowballs, but it’s still a timeless bop nonetheless.
13. “White Christmas” – Bing Crosby
Yet another classic, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby will permanently be solidified as the song of the December time and snowy Christmases.
There have been countless amazing incarnations and covers of the song, but the original will always have a special place in our hearts, even after its 80 years of existence.
That’s how you know a good song: when it withstands the test of time and is widely recognized long after it was first sung.
14. “The Snow is Dancing” – Debussy
When you think of snow and winter music, you’ll probably be thinking of songs that reflect them lyrically. While that’s usually the case, there are some exceptions in the classical music department.
If you listen to “The Snow is Dancing” by Debussy, you’ll find that the song reflects winter and snow with a completely piano-played melody. The ability to create unspoken associations is an incredible feat on its own, plus the piece is just charming in general.
15. “Coldest Winter” – Kanye West
“Coldest Winter” is one of Kanye West’s earlier works, but is still one of his best songs to date.
Okay, that’s just an opinion, but it’s still a great song.
You can tell a lot of emotion was put into the song: from the beating and pressing drums to the perfect audio transitions – “Coldest Winter” is a treat for the ears. Maybe you’re not a fan of Kanye himself, but his music is still really appreciable no matter your stance on him.
16. “Snow (Hey Oh)” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Did you think we would make a list on snow without including “Snow (Hey Oh)” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers?
That would be blasphemy because this song is one for the history books. It has sweet guitar riffing, which goes amazingly with the relentless, dry vocals of Anthony Kiedis. It also has some catchy lyrics referring to the color of snow, “white as snow,” and is a song to be enjoyed any time of the year.
17. “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” – Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa’s song “Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow” is a comedic retelling of a story about eating yellow snow.
While it’s not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of songs about snow, it’s one of the most hilarious pieces you’ll come across. If you liked “Tribute” by Tenacious D (aka Jack Black and Kyle Gass), then you’ll love this one as they’re the same style of song.
It’s a comical blend of music, sounds, singing, and narration, which creates something that was ahead of its time.
18. “Come Winter” – Drake
A superb modern-day soundtrack to play on a snowy day during cuffing season is “Come Winter” by Drake.
The hip-hop style and chill energy of the song is both smooth and melodic. It may be over a decade old, but still a seriously great track. There are a few sweet pace changes, and lyrically, it’s a rhythmic sensation.
19. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé
There are so many versions of this song that it was hard to choose which one to include on this list. In the end, we chose the most modern version simply because the vocals from both Bublé and Menzel are sublime.
We’d also like to mention the original artist who brought this striking tune into the world, Dean Martin. Not only was he the writer behind the song (not the original singer), but he also had a timeless rendition of it.
20. “Purple Snowflakes” – Marvin Gaye
Here’s another one for your holiday or winter playlist (or any playlist in general).
“Purple Snowflakes” by Marvine Gaye is a romantically endearing song. The singing voices are pleasant by themselves, but the jingling sleigh bells in the background elevate the melody even higher. Plus, the idea of purple snowflakes is distinctive and certainly adorable.
If you fancy a more recent version of this song, try listening to John Legend’s rendition.
21. “A Long December” – The Counting Crows
Once again, “A Long December” by The Counting Crows isn’t a song directly about snow, but it gives off those nostalgic snowy night vibes.
It’s a warming comfort song, though a bit wistful. It’s the kind of song you would bundle up for and go on a long, pondering walk in the snowfall on a winter evening. It’s a charming melody, but you may find yourself lost in your thoughts while listening to it.
It’s a delightful record where the monotonous vocals, light guitar strumming, and steady percussion stick with you, even after the music stops.
22. “When the Snow Is on the Roses” – Sonny James
“When The Snow is on The Roses” by Sonny James is an old-timey country song that’s perfect to snap, clap, and slow dance to when you’re trapped inside in blizzardy weather.
There’s something about 50’s music that makes it enchanting and wondrous. It’s not something people seek out these days, but once those classic tunes come on, it takes you to a different world – one that’s so far away, even though it hasn’t even been that long.
Don’t underestimate this one just cause it’s old (or any of the other older ones on this list). Once you listen to it, you’ll be entranced by its elegant aura and romantic lyrics.
23. “Snowblind Friend” – Steppenwolf
“Snowblind Friend” by Steppenwolf is a soul-infused psychedelic rock song about a man who is snowblind. It’s a sweet, folky tune you don’t hear much about, but has a lot to say lyrically.
“Snowblind Friend” is a bit milder than some of Steppenwolf’s other songs and has this soothing air to it. There’s just something that draws you into its depths; perhaps it’s the peaceful singing of Tommy Holland or the trippy instrumental cues.
It’s a floaty song to make you think you’re on a cloud riding over the snowy planet below.
24. “Winter Winds” – Mumford & Sons
It’s incredibly moving and awe-inspiring. Maybe that’s what we’ve come to expect of a Mumford & Sons song, but it’s great nonetheless.
So let’s get into the details about this great track.
“Winter Winds” by Mumford & Sons is a masterfully crafted piece you’ll certainly love no matter what type of music you prefer. The way the music builds up and crescendos into a grand symphony with harmonious articulations and striking sequences is stunningly lively.
We also have to point out the trumpet solo into the instrumental drop; it was absolute perfection and a treat to listen to.
25. “20 Years of Snow” – Regina Spektor
“20 Years of Snow” by Regina Spektor is a talent-filled song of belting note transitions, artful singing, and a piano accompaniment that speaks volumes.
It’s an experimental piece and may take a bit of getting used to, but it’s a compelling song once you get to know it. If indie/alternative music is your forte and you have an appreciation for the production of music itself, then you’ll surely enjoy this one.
It’s a bit purposefully bare, but what one could anticipate after 20 years of snow.
26. “Amid the Falling Snow” – Enya
And now for our last, but not least, a masterpiece of an entry.
“Amid the Falling Snow” by Enya is by far the most enchanting, majestic entry on this list. It’s as if an angel composed and sung this glorious melody themself, then drenched it in the light of a thousand rising suns.
That may have been a bit of an exaggeration, but not by much.
Enya’s song is like the love child of Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban: it’s positively fetching, and we recommend listening to it on a winter day or even at a wedding. It’s another one of those lesser-known songs that is greatly appreciated by the people who do.