10 Best Podcasts for Christmas

The holiday season is a prime time for turning to podcasts as a source of entertainment, relaxation, and inspiration. If you’re searching for some shows to add in your playlist, let me help you and these are the best podcasts for Christmas.

My name is Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy I am the founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts, a company offering podcasting services. 

Today, this blog is for you, as I share some of my favorite shows that I tune into whenever the holiday season rolls around.

7 Best Podcasts About Christmas

Each of these podcasts brings something unique to the table, from historical insights to cinematic critiques and spooky folklore. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, education, or a good laugh, these options offer a wide variety of festive content to enjoy this holiday season!

1. Can’t wait for Christmas Podcast

This is a delightful show that’s all about the joy and anticipation of the Christmas season. Hosted by Tim Babb, a self-proclaimed “Christmas nerd,” the podcast is a warm, entertaining, and often humorous celebration of all things Christmas. Whether it’s the middle of December or the heat of July, Tim helps keep the holiday spirit alive year-round.

The podcast explores various Christmas topics like holiday traditions, songs, movies, and obscure facts. There are also engaging segments like countdowns to Christmas, trivia, and listener interactions.

2. Christmas Past

Host: Brian Earl

Christmas Past is a year-round podcast hosted by the knowledgeable and engaging Brian Earl, dedicated to uncovering the rich history and backstories behind cherished Christmas traditions. It’s the perfect listen for anyone who loves to explore the roots of the holiday season while embracing a nostalgic, heartwarming tone.

• Short episodes, making it easy to enjoy while decorating, cooking, or relaxing by the fire.
• Includes personal listener stories, adding a charming, human touch to the podcast.
• Excellent storytelling with well-researched content and high-quality production.

Some recent episode: Backstory: Why is Christmas on December 25?, Backstory: The Original Santa Claus Parade

3. The Calm Christmas Podcast With Beth Kempton

Host: Beth Kempton

This reflective podcast is designed to help listeners slow down and savor the season.

Besides, its themes include mindfulness, coping with grief, managing stress, and simplifying holiday celebrations.

Beth’s soothing voice and empathetic approach make this ideal for those seeking tranquility during a hectic time of year. 

You can listen to: 

• “Readying yourself for a calm Christmas” – Practical advice for creating a peaceful holiday season.
• “Mindful Gifting” – Tips on thoughtful giving that goes beyond materialism.

4. Christmas 365

Hosts: Dylan Lyles and Matt Kelly

This is another lively podcast by self-proclaimed Christmas nerds who tell you about holiday songs, movies, and traditions with enthusiasm. Lighthearted yet heartfelt, this show balances humor with a genuine passion for all things Christmas. Their banter feels like chatting with old friends, making this a delightful listen for casual fans and die-hard holiday enthusiasts alike.

Start With:

• “Confessions of a Mall Santa” – A fascinating and emotional interview with a veteran Santa Claus.
• “Carols vs. Songs” – A fun debate on holiday music semantics.

5. Weird Christmas Podcast

Host: Craig Kringle

You will have a chance to explore the strange, eerie, and unusual side of Christmas traditions from around the world. The topics include folklore, ghost stories, and cultural myths like Krampus, the Yule Lads, and Christmas Werewolves.

Weird Christmas Podcast also features interviews with authors, folklorists, and Christmas experts.

Standout Features:

• A unique mix of spooky and festive, appealing to fans of the macabre and unconventional.
• Well-researched and often educational, showcasing the global diversity of holiday traditions.

6. Behind the Christmas Hits With Drew Savage

Host: Drew Savage

What makes this podcast special is that each episode is under five minutes, making it an easy way to learn something new about Christmas classics. 

This podcast is ideal for music lovers who want quick, entertaining insights into their favorite holiday tunes.

Start With:

• “The Story Behind ‘White Christmas’” – Unpacking the origins of Bing Crosby’s timeless hit.
• “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – A look at the emotional resonance of this wartime classic.

7. Deck the Hallmark

Hosts: Bran, Panda, and Dan

Lighthearted and entertaining, it’s the perfect podcast for fans (or skeptics) of Hallmark’s famously predictable but beloved holiday movies.

The hosts bring a mix of genuine love and playful sarcasm, making the show entertaining even for non-fans of Hallmark movies. Episodes often feature discussions about the predictability and charm of holiday rom-com tropes.

Start With:

• “Countdown to Christmas” – A preview of Hallmark’s holiday lineup.
• Recent episodes on Hallmark premieres for current, festive content.

Other Podcast Genres for the Holidays

8. Comedy

The holidays can be a magical time, but they often come with stress from planning, hosting, and family gatherings. Comedy podcasts provide the perfect escape, offering lighthearted humor and witty banter that lift your spirits.

My Dad Wrote a Porno (Christmas Specials)

• Hosts: Jamie Morton, Alice Levine, and James Cooper
• About: This podcast features Jamie reading chapters from his dad’s hilariously bad erotica novels while his friends offer commentary. Their Christmas specials often include holiday-themed cringe-worthy plots.
• Why It’s Funny: The absurdity of the stories combined with the hosts’ witty commentary will have you in stitches.
• Start With: Any Christmas special episode, such as “A Christmas Porno” or “Belinda Blinks Christmas.”

The Dollop

• Hosts: Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds
• About: A history podcast with a comedic twist, where Dave recounts bizarre historical events and Gareth reacts with quick-witted humor.
• Why It Stands Out: The hosts’ chemistry transforms obscure or strange historical tales into something hilarious and unforgettable.

Throwing Shade (Holiday Episodes)

• Hosts: Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi
• About: A comedic take on pop culture, politics, and social issues, with holiday episodes full of festive sarcasm and humor.
• Why It’s Funny: Their irreverent approach to current events and holiday traditions is equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking.
• Start With: “A Very Throwing Shade Christmas” episodes.

The Horne Section Podcast (Christmas Specials)

• Host: Alex Horne
• About: A music-comedy podcast featuring live performances by The Horne Section, often with hilarious Christmas-themed songs.
• Why It’s Funny: Witty lyrics and musical comedy with a festive twist make it a joyful listen.
• Start With: Any Christmas episode or guest special with a festive theme.

9. True Crime

While it may seem unconventional, true crime podcasts are a popular choice for relaxation. For some, immersing yourself into gripping mysteries or real-life investigations is the ultimate way to disconnect from their own busy lives. The suspenseful storytelling and methodical pacing of true crime can provide a sense of focus and calm, offering a much-needed mental break. 

Serial

• Host: Sarah Koenig
• About: A groundbreaking investigative series that dives deep into one story per season. Season 1, which investigates the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, became a cultural phenomenon.
• Why It Stands Out: Its immersive storytelling and meticulous reporting redefine what true crime podcasts can achieve.

Crime Junkie

• Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
• About: A weekly podcast that recounts compelling true crime cases, mixing famous and lesser-known stories with a conversational tone.
• Why It Stands Out: Its straightforward narrative style appeals to both seasoned true crime fans and newcomers to the genre.

My Favorite Murder

• Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
• About: A comedic true crime podcast where the hosts discuss fascinating, gruesome, or bizarre cases with wit and irreverence.
• Why It Stands Out: The mix of humor and macabre storytelling makes it one of the most beloved shows in the genre.

These are some of the top true crime podcasts, if you’re interested in this topic, read more about 10 Best True Crime Podcasts

10. Cooking and Food

These podcasts inspire creativity with simple, crowd-pleasing recipes and share heartwarming stories about meals that bring people together. As you prepare holiday feasts or cozy comfort foods, cooking podcasts offer expert advice, new ideas, and a calming rhythm to make time in the kitchen enjoyable.

Home Cooking

• Hosts: Samin Nosrat and Hrishikesh Hirway
• About: A delightful podcast that started as a pandemic project to help listeners cook creatively at home with what they have on hand.
• Why Listen: Samin and Hrishi’s warm chemistry makes you feel like you’re chatting with friends while gathering practical cooking tips and recipe ideas.

Cooking Issues

• Host: Dave Arnold
• About: A quirky, tech-driven podcast where food science meets cooking hacks, offering practical solutions for common kitchen problems.
• Why Listen: If you’re looking for ways to elevate your cooking techniques or troubleshoot recipes, this is your go-to.

The One Recipe

• Host: Jesse Sparks (Senior Editor at Eater)
• About: A podcast celebrating that one go-to recipe you always rely on—whether for a special family gathering, a weekday meal, or a midnight craving. Each episode highlights a guest sharing their one dish that’s foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor.
• Why Listen: Whether you’re in a time crunch or looking for creative inspiration, The One Recipe delivers quick, simple, and satisfying recipes for any occasion. From globally-inspired meals to decadent desserts, there’s something for every craving.

Conclusion

No matter how you celebrate the holidays, podcasts offer a little something for everyone. From festive shows that bring holiday cheer to true crime stories that offer a break from the chaos, and cooking podcasts to inspire your next holiday feast, there’s a perfect show waiting to accompany you. So grab your headphones, hit play, and make podcasts part of your holiday traditions this year!