Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast

Tinsel Tunes

Tinsel Tunes Podcast – 2026 Fan-Driven Edition
Now in its eighth year, The Tinsel Tunes Podcast is handing the reins to the listeners for 2026. Join hosts Scott and Duane as they explore Christmas music chosen by the fans—one month at a time.

Each episode dives deep into the songs, themes, and ideas suggested by the Tinsel Tunes community. From timeless classics and modern favorites to forgotten gems and divisive tracks, no Christmas song is off-limits. The hosts bring the research, history, and musical insight, while listeners help shape the playlist and the conversation.

Come join us!

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20 episodes
Updated April 3

Episodes20

Newest first

April 3 · 50 min
87: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
This month, Duane and Scott discuss "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Songs played in this episode: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Solo Piano) by Vinheteiro Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Banjo Duet) by Fitzpatrick Media Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Jazz Nutcracker) by Peter Hostage Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Lindsey Stirling Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Reggae) by Is This Love Sugar Plum Funk by Kid Kasino The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71A — Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia Orchestra Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood — Celesta Intro by Unknown Hedwig's Theme (Celesta) by John Williams Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Club Mix) by Betty Booom & Captain Matt Nutcracker Suite by Brian Setzer Orchestra Tetris NES — Type 1 Music by Nintendo Entertainment System OST Here are Duane’s social media links.
February 23 · 50 min
86: Mele Kalikimaka
For the first episode of 2026, Duane and Scott discuss the song "Mele Kalikimaka". Here's the documentary called "Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around" that listener Pandy told us about. These are the two versions that listener Pandy sent us of I Saw Three Ships: The first is from Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band and the second is John Renbourn of Pentangle. If you'd like to submit versions of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" for our March episode, please use this Google Form. Versions of "Mele Kalikimaka" played in this episode: Bing Crosby Geoff Castellucci Reel Big Fish Lambo Lambo Rock Josh Tatofi Kacey Musgraves and Zooey Deschanel Christafari & Kapena Lucky Jones Iam Tongi (live) The Petersens
January 18 · 20 min
08 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town (re upload of deleted episode)
This is a re upload of a deleted episode. This was originally uploaded back in Dec 2018, but to due to copywrite claims was taken down by the host provider.
January 10 · 5 min
85: Happy New Year 2026 - Fan Driven Year
Happy New Year everyone!! Duane here for a short episode where I reveal the new listener-led concept for Tinsel Tunes 2026. This listener-led season puts Christmas music fans in control, from song choices to monthly themes and special guest episodes. Your voice helps shape the year ahead. Google form link for submissions https://forms.gle/j51mso27RKyV36rq9
Dec 17, 2025 · 44 min
84: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
For the final episode of 2025, Duane and Scott discuss the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". They also reveal the winner of the 2025 song battle. Check out Santa Duane and give him a follow on the socials:https://www.hawkesbaysanta.nz Songs played in this episode: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Holy Rocka Rollaz (Rockabilly) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jacob Miller & Ray I (Reggae) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Relient K We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Merry Christmas Experience (Ska/Punk) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Blue Wisp Big Band We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Southwell Festival Voices (Traditional) We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Celtic Women We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Julian Neel (Barbershop)
Nov 24, 2025 · 40 min
83: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
This month, Scott and Duane discuss the song "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". They also reveal the winners of each episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025 - please go vote for your champion using the poll: https://pollforall.com/pk7jyyjm Here's the version recommended by our Welsh listener: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & Kim Songs Played in this Episode: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Semi Werner Francis (Reggae) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Nick Sabia (Bossanova) Yackety Sax by Boots Randolph Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Joel Patterson (Instrumental) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by The Brian Setzer Orchestra Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Asleep at the Wheel (Country) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Jimmy Barnes Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Skinny Feelings (Pop Punk) Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by First to Eleven (Rock) Noche Buena Y Navidad by Brenda Lee (Spanish remake)
Oct 27, 2025 · 47 min
82: The Christmas Truce
This month, Duane and Scott look at the history of the 1914 Christmas Truce and songs written about the event. Don't forget to vote for your favorite song of the episode in The Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs from the episode: I Saw Three Ships by Fisherman’s Friends Yorkshire Three Ships by Kate Rusby 1914 (Christmas Truce) by Elias Dummer Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon Christmas Truce by Sabaton Pipes of Peace by Tim Pannell Stille Nacht (Silent Night in the original German) Christmas 1914 (No Man’s Land) by Roy Buckley All Together Now by The Farm 1914 - The Carol of Christmas by Military Voices Snoopy’s Christmas by The Royal Guardsmen 1914 by Mike Harding
Sep 28, 2025 · 57 min
81: I Saw Three Ships (with Tim Babb)
This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "I Saw Three Ships" with Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast. Don't forget to vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played in this episode: I Saw Three Ships by the Barenaked Ladies (Tim) I Saw Three Ships by Blackmore’s Night (Duane) I Saw Three Ships by King’s College Choir (Scott) I Saw Three Ships by Nat King Cole (Tim) I Saw Three Ships (Metal Cover) by Forrest Howard (Duane) I Saw Three Ships by The Irish Rovers (Scott) I Saw Three Ships by South Park and the Muppets (Tim) I Saw Three Ships by Fiddler’s Green (Duane) I Saw Three Ships (Sea Shanty Version) by the Harris Siblings (Scott)
Sep 1, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
80: Away in a Manger
This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "Away in a Manger" with special guest Lynnora Gilbert. Vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played during the episode: Mueller Cradle Song Away in a Manger by King’s College Choir Away in a Manger by Christafari Away in a Manger by Phil Wickham Away in a Manger by Home Free Away in a Manger by Rob Halford Away in a Manger by 9-year-old Claire Crosby Away in a Manger by Nat King Cole Away in a Manger by Vermicide Violence Away in a Manger by James Linden Hogg
Jul 29, 2025 · 52 min
79: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (with Brian Earl)
This month, Scott and Duane celebrate seven years of Tinsel Tunes with our very special guest, Brian Earl from the Christmas Past podcast. They each share some versions of the carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear". Here's Brian's "Christmas podcast wish list" video from 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fViebraVgQ Don't forget to vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025: https://pollforall.com/pkd99o8n Here are the jazz songs that listener Adam Parker recommended: O Swing All Ye Faithful by Andrew Morgan Smith & the Lifetimers God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ezra Collective Jingle Bells by Gabriel Latchin Trio Here are the versions of "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" that we played during the episode: Anita Bryant Hall and Oates Blackmore's Night Mormon Tabernacle Choir Sixpence None the Richer Robert Soulberg Julie Andrews Jars of Clay Lliad Jazz Orchestra
Jun 29, 2025 · 56 min
78: Jazz Christmas Music
This month, Duane and Scott explore jazz Christmas music. Vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played in the episode: Christmastime is Here by Steve Hunter Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by New York Jazz Lounge Frosty the Snowman by Erik Veldkamp God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ramsey Lewis Trio Deck the Hall by Southside Aces The Little Drummer Boy by Marcus Miller O Tannembaum by George Gee Swing Orchestra Winter Wonderland - Spyro Gyra Silver Bells by Max Abrams Jingle Bells by Diana Krall
May 28, 2025 · 48 min
77: Here We Come A-Wassailing
This month, Duane and Scott explore the song "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and the tradition of wassail. Here's the link to the Tinsel Tunes Song Battle poll: https://pollforall.com/plqqxw2j Songs played in this episode: Magdalen College Choir Rockabilly version by Under The Streetlamp featuring Michael Ingersoll Celtic version by Carlyle Fraser English folk version by Ian Giles Tony Meade Blackmore's Night Calypso version by Chicago Alternative? version by Pomplamoose Gower Wassail by the Oh Hellos Acapella version by Rockapella Barbershop version by Bank of Harmony
Apr 28, 2025 · 52 min
76: Joy to the World
This month, Duane and Scott reveal the history of the hymn "Joy to the World". Versions played in this episode: Celtic Women The Altar Billies (Rockabilly) Brian Setzer Orchestra (Big Band) Orion’s Reign feat. Minniva(Heavy Metal) Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble & The Tabernacle Choir Lift Up Your Heads (Handel) Lindsey Stirling (Modern Violin) The Petersens (Bluegrass) Christafari (Reggae) Randy Travis (Country) Mannheim Steamroller (Synth Rock) No Doubt - Oi to the world (Ska) To participate in The Great Tinsel Tunes Music Battle 2025, vote using this link: https://pollforall.com/pkvj4eyo
Mar 31, 2025 · 49 min
75: Good King Wenceslas
This month, Duane and Scott explore the history of “Good King Wenceslas”. Versions played in the episode: Blackmore’s Night The Irish Rovers Chris Hendricks Tori Amos Reggae All-Stars Stan Kenton Jazz Orchestra Matthew Green’s Orchestral Rainbow Mannheim Steamroller Odyn Here's the link to the poll to vote for your favorite song from this episode:https://pollforall.com/p346dorm Here’s the clip from “Love Actually”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4-35TN6Amw This is the 13th century spring carol “Tempus dest Floridum” that gave us the melody for Good King Wenceslas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv8PgukSLX0 From listener Bob in Utah, here’s the link to the Majestica album “A Christmas Carol”: https://youtu.be/nq5No8qsowA?si=Y37SJX4F5g4w5cE4 From listener Steve Banks, here’s a the reggae playlist “Reggae Christmas Parade”: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZH6rGilSmg9p4VxF2ubkU?si=IMf_S2cuSGyMYHqwDxPp7Q&pi=AO2eqAlHT0SeM&nd=1&dlsi=5cc261712ab14247
Feb 28, 2025 · 56 min
74: Auld Lang Syne (Revisited)
This month, Duane and Scott discuss the history of “Auld Lang Syne”. Here’s the poll to vote for your favorite song from this episode: https://pollforall.com/plz67252 When Harry met Sally quote: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/auaVllEHehQ Rod Stewart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7ONqrdscY Boney M: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZRXFuh5_E Home Free (Acapella): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFcSfqYqHs4 Youtuber Amy Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IALSCIyUPXI Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (Big Band): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik7ktS3PqEs Highland Saga (Celtic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX47kd9L6oc Fiddler’s Green (Folk Rock): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5jd3wjBJfQ Reel Big Fish (Ska): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJEP16sH3I0 The Holophonics (Ska): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICbkmUHAKkM The Herald’s Hymnal (Metal): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK35pHIzVPI A Twist of Metal (Guitar Instrumental): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOkp81P4Mj8 Die Toten Hosen (Punk): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5egd2VF5Us Cooper Alan’s “Plead the fifth” (Parody): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uwxYkaH9ts
Dec 16, 2024 · 50 min
73: Deck the Halls
This month, Duane and Scott dive into the surprising history of "Deck the Halls". Songs played in this episode: Nos Galan Nos Galan (instrumental) Deck the Hall by Cambridge Singers New Year's Night by Haydn Deck the Halls by Red Hot Chili Peppers Deck the Halls by SHeDAISY Deck the Halls/War Pigs Mashup by Aaron Gage Genre versions played in this episode: Orion’s Reign (Heavy Metal) Rob Halford (Judas Priest) Relient K (Pop/Punk) Christafari (Reggae) Chiptune Celtic Women The Myrrhderers (Ska/Punk) Sonny Vande Putte (Acapella) George Strait (Country)
Dec 4, 2024 · 15 min
72: New Music for 2024 Season
In this bonus episode, join Duane as he unwraps 8 fresh Christmas tunes for the 2024 season, spotlighting independent and lesser-known artists. Get ready to discover your next holiday favorites! 🎄🎶 Step Carse - The True Miricle of Christmas Annie Vander - Ornamental Christmas Laura Pursell - Three Miles from Christmas Stella Cole - It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Vanna and Me - Christmas Across My Mind Alison Wahl and Brian Berggoetz - Christmas Is the Right Time for Us Kerry Kearney - Santa’s Got a Brand-New Bag The English Assassin - Peace at Christmas What was Duane's favorite? What will be your new favorite?
Nov 30, 2024 · 46 min
71: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
This month, Scott and Duane discuss the iconic song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Versions played in this episode: Thurl Ravenscroft Voice Play (Acapella) Small Town Titans (Rock) Brittany Smith (Contemporary Christafariband (Reggae) Famous for a Century (Metal) Matt Forbes (Jazz/Crooner) Darius Rucker (Country) Matrtrixx (Trap) Greg Kerr (Pop Punk) The Holophonics (Ska)
Oct 27, 2024 · 45 min
70: O Come, All Ye Faithful
This month, Duane and Scott dive deep into the history of "O Come, All Ye Faithful". Songs played in this episode: Freddie McGregor (Reggae) For King and Country (Acoustic) Brett Eldredge (Country) Twisted Sister (Heavy Rock) Matthew Green's Orchestral Rainbow (Rock Opera) Luther Vandross (R&B/Soul) Jigsound (Chiptune) Bad Religion (Punk Rock) Strada9 (Ska) City High (Hip Hop) We didn't play this one, but Duane wanted to include Olivia Newton John's "reimagined" version.
Sep 29, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
69: Christmas with The Fizz
Scott and Duane are joined by Adam Parker from the Merry Britsmas podcast to listen to the 2018 album "Christmas with The Fizz".

Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast

87: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

86: Mele Kalikimaka

08 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town (re upload of deleted episode)

85: Happy New Year 2026 - Fan Driven Year

84: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

83: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

82: The Christmas Truce

81: I Saw Three Ships (with Tim Babb)

80: Away in a Manger

79: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (with Brian Earl)

78: Jazz Christmas Music

77: Here We Come A-Wassailing

76: Joy to the World

75: Good King Wenceslas

74: Auld Lang Syne (Revisited)

73: Deck the Halls

72: New Music for 2024 Season

71: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

70: O Come, All Ye Faithful

69: Christmas with The Fizz