Music News

Lou Pardini, Tony Obrohta, Brett Simons, James Pankow, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Ray Herrmann, Ramon Yslas, Lee Loughnane, Robert Lamm, and Neil Donell of the band Chicago perform at The Grand Ole Opry on December 15, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Chicago is releasing two new compilations of their Christmas songs on November 3, 2023. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

While we may still be in the throes of pumpkin spice season, I can already hear the faint sound of jungle bells in the distance. Before you know it, we’ll be flipping the switch to once again become Christmas K104.7 with 100% Christmas music. Chicago is getting ready for the holidays, too, with a new collection called Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits, which brings together songs from all of the group’s previously-released Christmas albums.

According to the band’s official website, Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits will be out November 3rd on CD, festive red vinyl, and digitally. A green vinyl version will also be available exclusively at Barnes & Noble. The compilation includes holiday favorites from the group such as “Winter Wonderland, “Wonderful Christmas Time” (featuring Dolly Parton), “All Over The World,” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, Chicago has recorded three holiday albums over the course of its 56-year history. Those will be bundled together for Chicago Christmas Complete, which is also being released on November 3rd on a 3-CD set and digital format. That collection includes the complete albums What’s It Gonna Be, Santa? (2003), O Christmas Three (2011), and Chicago Christmas (2019).

You can see the full track listings and pre-order both Chicago Greatest Christmas Hits and Chicago Complete Christmas HERE. And since it’s never too early for Christmas music, here’s a sample:

  • Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (1998)

    Written in July of 1945 during a Southern California heatwave, this song never specifically mentions Christmas or the holiday season. It’s really about weather. Chicago recorded it 1998 for their 25th studio release, Chicago XXV (25): The Christmas Album. That collection was re-released with additional tracks in 2003 as What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?

  • Christmas Time Is Here (1998)

    Here’s another one from Chicago’s very first Christmas album. “Christmas Time is Here” was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson for the 1965 television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

  • This Christmas (2003)

    Originally recorded by soul singer Donny Hathaway in 1970, Chicago’s version of “This Christmas” was part of the expanded 2003 re-release of Chicago XXV (25): The Christmas Album, which had been re-titled as What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?

  • Wonderful Christmas Time (featuring Dolly Parton) (2011)

    Paul McCartney wrote and recorded this holiday gem in 1979. Chicago put their own spin on it with the help of country music icon Dolly Parton. It’s the opening track on the band’s 2011 album, Chicago XXXIII: O Christmas Three, which was recently reissued on CD by Rhino/Warner Music Group.

  • All Over The World (2019)

    This original song was co-written by Neil Donell, Chicago’s lead singer since 2018. “All Over The World” was recorded for their 2019 holiday album, Chicago XXXVII: Chicago Christmas.

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