Holiday songs that twist tradition in a funny way often become firm favourites. Many people can sympathize with the idea of overindulgence during the holiday season, whether it's from eating too many Christmas cookies, to being unable to resist that extra glass of eggnog.
Merry Muntjac's Christmas release for 2024 is an amusing festive song based on the idea of Santa developing a drinking problem. At every stop on his Christmas Eve journey, he encounters a boozy gift, and Santa discovers that he is unable to resist the temptation. The song is a tongue in cheek idea that plays with the classic image of Santa. It might ruffle some traditionalists, but for those who enjoy a bit of humour with their festivities, we hope you might enjoy it! After all, even Santa deserves to let loose once in a while - just maybe not when he's flying the sleigh. Please have a listen to "Santa's Off The Wagon" below and we'd love to hear your comments. Merry Christmas everyone, from the team at ConcertHotels!
Christmas songs are all about spreading cheer, warmth, and sometimes, some unexpected laughs! Over the years, holiday classics have blessed us not only with catchy melodies and warm feelings but also with some downright hilarious lyrics that keep us chuckling through the holiday season. Just below our video of Santa's Off The Wagon, you'll find a lighthearted look at our funniest Christmas song lyrics from the past 50 years—ranked for their humor, quirkiness, and the occasional raised eyebrow. So, grab a mug of eggnog, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
Santa's Off The Wagon – Merry Muntjac (2024)
Funniest Lyric
"Mince pies without brandy please / Nan, sup up all your sherry"
Why It’s Funny
The idea of Santa being so tempted by alcohol that families have to change their entire holiday traditions around him is comedic. The thought of grandmothers quickly downing their sherry so Santa can't get to it is a scene straight out of a Christmas comedy.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas – Gayla Peevey (1953)
Funniest Lyric
"I want a hippopotamus for Christmas / Only a hippopotamus will do!"
Why It’s Funny
It’s a classic request, isn’t it? The kind of gift every kid dreams of! This 1950s hit features a kid who would settle for nothing less than a giant hippo under the tree. The absurdity of imagining a hippo wandering around the living room is comedy gold. Plus, the idea of a hippo being preferable to, say, a puppy or a toy train makes it even more hilarious.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer – Elmo & Patsy (1979)
Funniest Lyric
"She'd been drinking too much eggnog / And we begged her not to go."
Why It’s Funny
This song is essentially a tragicomedy set to a catchy country tune. The imagery of Grandma, in her holiday spirits (both literally and figuratively), meeting her end at the hands—erm, hooves—of Santa’s reindeer, is as morbid as it is funny. It’s the ultimate tale of a holiday gone hilariously wrong, and it never fails to get a chuckle (even if you feel a little guilty about it).
Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt (1953)
Funniest Lyric
"Come and trim my Christmas tree / With some decorations bought at Tiffany’s."
Why It’s Funny
The song’s flirty tone and luxurious wish list are already pretty amusing, but Eartha Kitt’s sultry delivery of such an outrageous request makes this a classic. Asking Santa for diamonds, yachts, and high-end decorations makes “Santa Baby” the anthem for all the greedy and fabulous gift-getters out there. It’s not what she’s asking for that’s so funny—it’s the audacity to ask Santa for it all.
Dominick the Donkey – Lou Monte (1960)
Funniest Lyric
"Hey! Chingedy ching, (hee-haw, hee-haw) / It’s Dominick the donkey!"
Why It’s Funny
This one’s for the animal lovers who’ve always wondered: Why don’t donkeys get more holiday representation? Enter Dominick, the Italian Christmas donkey, who helps Santa deliver presents in the hills of Italy. With its silly “hee-haw” chorus and the upbeat, almost polka-like rhythm, this song is so delightfully weird that you can’t help but smile. It’s a little gift of joyful absurdity.
The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin & The Chipmunks (1958)
Funniest Lyric
"We can hardly stand the wait, please Christmas don’t be late."
Why It’s Funny
Alvin and the Chipmunks bring their squeaky charm to this holiday classic, and while the entire song is endearingly funny, it’s the impatience of the Chipmunks that makes it a standout. Who hasn’t felt that same sense of childlike urgency for Christmas to arrive? Alvin’s relentless demands for a hula hoop and the chipmunks’ banter with Dave make this song a family favorite—and a guaranteed laugh.
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – Spike Jones (1944)
Funniest Lyric
"Gee, if I could only have my two front teeth, then I could wish you Merry Christmas!"
Why It’s Funny
Few things are as cute (and funny) as a kid with a lisp, which is exactly what this song delivers. The humor lies in the exaggerated pronunciation and the idea that of all the things to wish for during the holidays, it’s the kid’s missing teeth that take priority. It’s charmingly silly, and its sense of childhood innocence makes it all the more endearing.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Various Artists)
Funniest Lyric
"All of the other reindeer / Used to laugh and call him names."
Why It’s Funny
The funny part here lies in the unintentional relatability—Rudolph's tale is like a classic schoolyard story of overcoming bullies. The idea that reindeer, those majestic creatures of folklore, would be such merciless little jerks is somehow very amusing. Plus, the resolution of Rudolph saving the day with his glowing nose adds a touch of sweet holiday humor.
Walking ‘Round in Women’s Underwear – Bob Rivers (1993)
Funniest Lyric
"Later on, if you wanna / We can dress like Madonna / Put on some eyeshadow too."
Why It’s Funny
A parody of “Winter Wonderland,” this cheeky tune from Bob Rivers flips traditional holiday music on its head. It imagines a guy enjoying the season in some rather unconventional attire, and the results are as hilarious as they are unexpected. With clever wordplay and a playful approach to holiday norms, this one’s for those who appreciate a little spice in their seasonal soundtrack.
Santa Claus Is Watching You – Ray Stevens (1962)
Funniest Lyric
"He's everywhere, he's everywhere!"
Why It’s Funny
Ray Stevens brings a humorous twist to the traditional "Santa’s watching" narrative with his catchy tune. The song goes to great lengths to remind kids that Santa has eyes everywhere—even in the doghouse! It’s like the holiday version of a spy thriller, with Santa becoming a Big Brother-esque figure who knows all of your naughty deeds. This one’s great for a laugh... and maybe a little paranoia.
The Twelve Pains of Christmas – Bob Rivers (1988)
Funniest Lyric
Finding a Christmas tree / Rigging up the lights! / One light goes out, they all go out!"
Why It’s Funny
Ah, the reality of holiday preparations, distilled into a hilarious Christmas anthem. Bob Rivers’ classic parody of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” captures the frustrations of the holiday season, from tangled lights to awkward Christmas card moments. Anyone who’s ever struggled with a massive to-do list around the holidays will find themselves laughing (and nodding in agreement) as they listen to each verse. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t always perfect—but that’s what makes it funny.
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