With winter and the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to refresh your playlist and set the tone for the colder months ahead. Whether you’re bundling up for a walk in the crisp air, enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, or simply getting into the reflective mood that this season brings, the right music can make all the difference. From cozy indie folk to atmospheric alternative rock, we’ve pulled together a selection of tracks that capture the essence of winter—both its peaceful beauty and its subtle melancholy. Let’s jump into some of our favorites that we think you’ll love, with sounds that will carry you through snowy days and long, contemplative nights.

White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes (2008)

Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call by Bleachers (2024)

Christmastime by The Smashing Pumpkins (1997)

February Stars by Foo Fighters

How to Disappear by Lana Del Rey

January Hymn by The Decemberists

Wintering by The 1975

Bags by Clairo

Winter Winds by Mumford & Sons

Frozen Pine by Lord Huron

Cherry Wine by Hozier

Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

Blood Bank by Bon Iver

Meet Me in the Woods by Lord Huron

In the Cold, Cold Night by The White Stripes

Winter Birds by Ray LaMontagne

Snow (Hey Oh) by Red Hot Chili Peppers

With this curated mix of alternative and indie tracks that capture the quiet, reflective atmosphere of winter. These songs blend modern and nostalgic sounds, featuring the harmonized beauty of “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes, the wistful charm of “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers, and the soft melancholy of “February Stars” by Foo Fighters.

With introspective cuts like Lana Del Rey’s “How to Disappear” and Clairo’s “Bags,” alongside wintry folk and rock tones from Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, and The Decemberists, this collection creates a soundscape that feels both chilled and comforting.

These songs are perfect for quiet nights, snowy days, and moments of solitude, these songs evoke the stillness, beauty, and subtle weight of the colder months.