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.
