Another year is nearly over, and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. The time for family, friends, and festivities is fresh in the air, and while you’re prepping for the big day, here are eight festive K-Pop tracks to get you in the holiday mood. 

“Merry & Happy” - TWICE

Feeling a little glum? Well fear not! TWICE is here to spread some much-needed festive cheer!

TWICE’s first Christmas single, “Merry & Happy,” comes from their Heart Shaker mini-album and describes the building of excitement as the big day draws closer, knowing that they will be surrounded by their loved ones this holiday season. In the music video, the TWICE members are each other’s loved ones, surprising each other with gifts and acting candidly through home video footage as they share a Christmas together that they will never forget. Filled with the boundless joy that we have come to expect from TWICE, “Merry & Happy” is a necessary addition to your Christmas playlist.

“The Carol” - LOONA

Dream of being in London this Christmas? Why not live vicariously through LOONA’s “The Carol” instead? 

Featuring members Heejin, Hyunjin, and Haseul (the only three members to have debuted at this time as a part of LOONA’s two-year debut project), the trio find one another in the frosty streets of London, coloring the town with their bright jackets and holiday cheer. Whilst providing the soundtrack to a joyful Christmas for the LOONA girls, it also marks the very first time that all three members unite for the first time—a key moment for avid fans of the LOONAverse. Though even if you take away LOONA’s carefully seeded subtext, “The Carol” is a must for any K-Pop fan’s holiday countdown.

“Wish Tree” - Red Velvet

Are you in need of a Christmas wish? Let Red Velvet make them come true.

Giving a change of pace to their otherwise energetic title tracks, Red Velvet explore their velvet sides in this peaceful ballad. “Wish Tree” depicts a lasting love between a couple who wish to share their future Christmases together and wish upon the tree to make their dreams come true. The soft harmonies and smooth melody are a hug for the ears, easing you into the Christmas mood with little effort. So if you aren’t quite feeling festive just yet, “Wish Tree” is guaranteed to ignite the joyful spark you’ve been waiting to find. 

“This Christmas” - Taeyeon

Missing your loved ones this Christmas? You’re not alone.

Coming from her holiday album Winter is Coming, former Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon reflects on the relationship she had with her father growing up. This delicate ballad is bound to thaw out even the coldest of hearts as Taeyeon refuses to remember anything but the best of her father who cared for her so deeply, even when she rejected it, regretting the choices she made in a bid for her independence as she wishes for his care once again. “This Christmas” is a heartfelt addition to any Christmas playlist, and one that truly will make you value your loved ones this holiday. 

“Tiamo - T-ARA”

Tired of the positive tunes that come with Christmas? We have you covered.

T-ARA’s festive contribution comes in the form of “Tiamo,” a love song from a girl who wishes to never be parted from her partner, yet her efforts are tinged with desperate emotion as she feels her partner slipping away. “Tiamo” might feature a somewhat upbeat tempo, but don’t let this fool you as it is charged with emotional energy, softly sung by the members who cry out the story in a way that is beautifully mature. The song’s emotions are further amplified by the addition of a choir in the song’s final chorus, feeling like a final cry of desperation as the song ultimately fades to a sorrowful conclusion. So if you would like to throw yourself into a tainted love story this Christmas, “Tiamo” is the perfect one for you.

“LOVE LOVE LOVE” - AFTER SCHOOL

Have you always dreamt of meeting your one true love this Christmas? Then AFTER SCHOOL’s “LOVE LOVE LOVE” is the song you’re looking for.

Quite literally starting with a bang, “LOVE LOVE LOVE” member UEE ends her relationship with her boyfriend. Though as she mourns the loss of her relationship, each member of AFTER SCHOOL intervenes to eventually bring the couple back together in the climax of the song’s music video. Written by main vocalist Raina and released by Pledis Entertainment as a charity single, “LOVE LOVE LOVE” is full to the brim with goodwill and cheer that is bound to warm your heart this December.

“Dear Santa” - Girls Generation TTS

Not sure what to get this Christmas? Perhaps “Dear Santa” is the gift you’re looking for.

Girls’ Generation sub-unit TTS (otherwise known as TaeTiSeo) released “Dear Santa” as a part of their Christmas special album of the same name. Comprised of members Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun, the trio don’t hesitate to show their vocal prowess in the song’s balladic opening that gives Mariah Carey a run for her money. Complete with three-part harmonies, fake snow, and festive cheer, “Dear Santa” is a must listen for all K-Pop fans this Christmas.