Do you have any Mariah Carey or Michael Bublé juniors in your church? If so, these songs will definitely ROCK the stage this season!

In the 21st century, churches face the challenge of keeping the seats filled, as the busyness of the holidays sweeps families away. This list of Top Upbeat Worship Songs will undoubtedly compete with the best of modern Christmas music playing on the radio.

Your people will be more excited about this than mistletoe, eggnog, and even the Starbucks red cups!

These are songs you can realistically play without needing multiple 10-hour band practices or purchasing all the multi-tracks to make up for lack of a trumpet section or professional violinist. Enjoy!

7 Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs

These 7 Upbeat Christmas Worship songs are perfect for worship service, your church's Christmas party, or for singing Christmas carols in your neighborhood.

1. Angels We Have Heard On High by King & Country

Angels We Have Heard on High is a true classic. For King & Country, with their mix of instrumentalists and vocals, has indeed brought this song into the 21st century in a usable way for churches both traditional and contemporary. Unlike most traditional hymns, this rendition features a faster tempo and a more energetic feel. It makes it easy to get your congregation involved in the celebration and joyous praise!

What I love about this remake of an old classic is the catchy instrument tag and emphasis on vocal harmony. The dynamics in this song are pretty amazing too. Drummers will NOT get bored and the tag will get stuck in your head.

2. My Soul Magnifies The Lord by Chris Tomlin

If the recent success of Taylor Swift and Morgan Wallen proves anything, country music is BACK! Mainly driven by vocals and an acoustic guitar, My Soul Magnifies The Lord really resonates with congregations that love country music. The beginning strum could easily be mistaken for one of those country love songs by Brad Paisley. The catchy tag of My Soul Magnifies the Lord is sure to be a recurring reminder to exalt the Lord above all else.

OK, hear me out. This version by Chris Tomlin may not be traditional or new, but it is a fairly upbeat song that is vocally driven and easy to learn. Being that it's driven mainly by vocals and acoustic guitar makes this a perfect song for student ministry as well.

3. Oh What a Glorious Night by Sidewalk Prophets

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

“… that’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” (Linus shuffles off the stage and enters: Oh What A Glorious Night by Sidewalk Prophets.)

Just go listen to this song and tell me it wouldn’t be the perfect encore to any Christmas message! This joy-filled, energetic anthem relays the joy the shepherds felt after meeting Jesus for the first time that glorious night! It would be the perfect song for those who will potentially meet Jesus for the first time this Christmas season; or as you sing this song, reflect on that glorious night you called upon His name for the first time!

You probably thought... "Sidewalk Profits... that's not a name I've heard in a while". Same here! But this song is so good. Much like the previous Tomlin song, this Christmas song can still be energetic without all the instrumentation. If you want to start this song off even stronger, start it with the Glorious Bridge at the very beginning with just vocals and a kick. Trust me 😎

4. Today is the Savior's Day by Rend Collective

Disclaimer: This song starts with lots of “La las” and doesn’t stop there. 63 times by my count. But… that’s just part of it’s sheer awesomeness. With a unique rhythm and even a surprise key change, Today is the Savior's Day produces a dynamic sound that will unveil all sorts of Christmas cheer. After all, as Christians, we should be celebrating the Savior every day!

If you want something different for this Christmas season that has the feel of a hymnal, this is for you. If you don't have a 7-octave range like Chris Llewellyn (who does), you can always split the vocals between a couple of vocalists if needed.

5. The First Noel by Phil Wickham

This energetic version of The First Noel by Phil Wickham remains one of the most recognizable songs of the Christmas season. You can easily substitute the ole’ xylophone with a piano or electric guitar if needed. (I’ve always wanted to play the triangle, I think that could work here too!) Either way, this will certainly not be the “Last Noel” as this song is a long-loved favorite all around the world.

6. Let Us Adore by David & Nicole Binion

If you’re looking for a song to really get your congregation involved in this season’s time of praise, this is it! Especially if they’re into clapping (like really into it, not exaggerating); clapping is actually mandatory. This rendition of Let Us Adore by David & Nicole Binion seeks to inspire hearers to lift their voices and clap their hands in adoration for Christ the King, as they reflect on the heart of the Christmas message.

Dynamically, this Christmas song is about as good as it gets. Your bass player and drummer will get instant "Stank Face" on this because it GROOVES! Since this song is a fusion of the traditional Let Us Adore Him, your people might initially get thrown off for the first 30 seconds. I'd personally give your congregation a heads-up so they don't look like a reindeer in the headlights.

7. Little Drummer Boy by Lincoln Brewster

If you can shred (or have an electric guitarist who can), this song is LEGIT! Between the constant high energy and slick guitar lead, it's definitely a crowd favorite.

This wouldn’t be a true playlist of Top Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs without Little Drummer Boy! If your whole congregation isn’t singing by the end of this one, I don’t know what to tell you! This is one of those classic Christmas jams that has not just survived time but thrived. To perform this fast-paced, upbeat take on the song all you need is an electric guitarist lead that can really play— like shred. I should warn you though, this rendition does come with the possibility your guitarist could get arrested if the shredding gets them in too much “treble”! I digress.

We’ve really only grazed the surface of the Top Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs. From the timeless hymns and carols of old, to the modern, contemporary anthems of praise, these songs have one commonality. Between each musical note, they tell the story of a lowly manger, a starry night, and a Savior who would change the world.

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (Bonus Song)

It's not a praise or worship song, and you probably won't sing this in your church, but I believe I'm legally required to mention Mariah Carey's smash hit on any list of Christmas songs! Ladies and gentlemen: All I Want for Christmas is You.

Have other upbeat Christmas song ideas? Join the ChurchTrac Users Group today to share song ideas, Christmas ministry tips, and more.

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