As a worship leader, finding the right upbeat Christmas worship songs that work as service openers can be a challenge. You need songs that do several things at once. Specifically, you need upbeat Christian Christmas songs that:
- Create excitement as people arrive
- Are easy for everyone to sing
- Feel celebratory without feeling gimmicky or shallow
- Work for your team’s skill level (this is very important for worship teams)
- Invite a joyful response to the story of Advent
Finding songs that accomplish all of the above can feel overwhelming. The good news is that upbeat Christmas worship songs that will serve your congregation well do exist. Below you will find 20 suggestions to consider for opening your Christmas services. We want to set the right tone at the start of the service. We want to invite people to participate and not just spectate. We want to celebrate the joy of the Christmas story well!
In our previous posts we shared 34 Christmas Worship Song Ideas to Keep Things Fresh and then 32 More Christmas Worship Songs. In these posts we covered everything from quiet hymns to modern arrangements. Today, however, we’re focusing on upbeat Christmas worship songs that are perfectly suited as service openers.
Why Upbeat Christian Christmas Songs Matter for Service Openers
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why your opening song choice matters. Specifically, why do upbeat Christmas worship songs often work so well?
First impressions set the trajectory for the service. People arrive at Christmas services with different expectations. For instance, some are excited while others are tired from holiday activities. Therefore, your opening song needs to cut through the noise. Moreover, it needs to redirect attention toward worship. Upbeat Christmas worship songs do this well. They are more than attention grabbers. The right service opener can help distractions fade away and invite participation right from the start of your service.
Christmas guests need immediate on-ramps. Many churches see visitors during Christmas. Typically, these guests don’t attend regularly. As a result, they need upbeat Christian Christmas songs they can engage with quickly. Specifically, they need familiar melodies or simple song structures. Try to give everyone an easy entry point at the start of your service by choosing a modern arrangement of a widely known Christmas hymn.
Joy fits Christmas theology. The birth of Christ is good news! Therefore, upbeat Christian Christmas songs aren’t about fake hype. Rather, they’re about real celebration. They celebrate the reality that God came to rescue us. Starting the service with energy honors what we’re celebrating.
Upbeat Christmas worship songs aren’t about fake hype. Rather, they’re about the real celebration of God coming to rescue us.
What Makes Great Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs
Not every upbeat song works well as a service opener. Instead, the best upbeat Christian Christmas songs share these qualities:
- A driving rhythm that invites appropriate movement like clapping hands
- A singable melody that people can catch onto quickly
- Clear Christmas themes that point people to a worshipful response
- They invite participation rather than being a performance people merely watch
- Build and release in a way that creates a strong dynamic journey
- Have theological substance that tells the story of Advent
Now let’s explore 20 upbeat Christmas worship songs. Consider these song suggestions to open your services this Advent season.
20 Upbeat Christian Christmas Songs for Service Openers
1. Angels (Glory To God) – Phil Wickham
This modern arrangement is sure to work its way into a lot of Christmas services this season. Phil Wickham takes the familiar “Gloria” refrain and adds contemporary elements. As a result, the song feels both fresh and timeless. Additionally, it builds beautifully with driving drums and layered vocals.
Why it works as an opener: First, the familiar melody means instant engagement. Additionally, the modern arrangement creates a sense of excitement about what we’re celebrating. Moreover, the lyrics—”Glory to God in the highest”—set a worshipful tone.
Musical note: The driving rhythm makes this feel anthemic. Furthermore, most teams can handle the chords confidently.
2. Joy To The World (Joyful, Joyful) – Phil Wickham Version
Phil Wickham’s version transforms this classic, yet maintains the familiar melody everyone knows.
Why it works as an opener: Everyone knows “Joy To The World.” Therefore, there’s no learning barrier. Additionally, the high-energy arrangement invites immediate participation in a bold proclamation.
Pro tip: Use this as song one. Then follow with something slightly more reflective. As a result, the contrast creates variety while maintaining a worshipful focus.
3. Joy To The World – Hillsong Worship
Hillsong’s version offers another powerful option. Similarly, this arrangement feels anthemic and invites congregational singing. Furthermore, the simple added refrain of “We will sing joy, joy to the world” adds enough interest to prevent people from tuning out thinking this is just another vanilla version of “an old Christmas song.”
Why it works as an opener: The familiar framework creates immediate accessibility. Moreover, multiple generations can engage at once as you can hear toward the end of the song with a kids choir coming into the arrangement.
4. Go Tell It On The Mountain – Maverick City Music
This spiritual has always had natural energy. However, Maverick City Music’s Gospel arrangement brings this to another level. Additionally, the call-and-response structure invites participation. As a result, the rhythmic drive will get people moving.
Why it works as an opener: First, the Gospel energy is contagious and invites movement. Additionally, it invites participation naturally with the call and response type structure of the arrangement. Furthermore, the familiar melody combined with fresh arrangement creates perfect balance. In fact, this song almost requires people to engage—it’s that energetic.
Setlist tip: This pairs well with another high-energy song. Alternatively, it can transition into a reflective moment for contrast. Just be aware of some of the Gospel complexities of this arrangement. If your team isn’t used to this type of arrangement it can be a good stretch for them, but perhaps allow for some extra rehearsal to pull it off!
5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Elevation Worship
Elevation’s epic arrangement adds modern worship production and driving energy. Consequently, it remains fresh while feeling deeply familiar. Moreover, the full band arrangement makes this ideal for service opening as it can also be prepared with some other creative opening elements like a video montage.
Why it works as an opener: First, it balances tradition and innovation well. Therefore, it engages both longtime members and younger attendees. Additionally, the theological richness combined with high-energy arrangement makes this powerful. As a result, it’s both accessible and substantive.
6. Angels We Have Heard On High – for KING + COUNTRY
This classic Christian song will not disappoint, especially with the touch that for KING + COUNTRY brings to this arrangement. Specifically, they add driving percussion and layered vocals. Furthermore, this version feels cinematic and energetic while remaining accessible for congregational singing.
Why it works as an opener: The production adds excitement and creates immediate energy, while the song structure remains simple enough for participation.
7. The First Noel – Phil Wickham
This carol is traditionally gentler. However, Phil Wickham’s upbeat shuffle type arrangement transforms it into a high-energy anthem. Specifically, the driving tempo creates momentum while the familiar melody ensures accessibility.
Why it works as an opener: This arrangement proves traditional carols can carry real energy. Additionally, the familiar melody means instant participation. This option is also less “in your face” than some of the ideas above. It might be well suited if your congregation is not used to super anthemic driving rock openers.
Worship leader insight: The storytelling lyrics engage both hearts and minds at once.
8. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – Meredith Andrews
Some versions of this Charles Wesley hymn are reflective. However, Meredith Andrews’ upbeat arrangement could open a service. Specifically, the driving tempo transforms this 1744 hymn into a contemporary anthem with real energy among upbeat Christmas worship songs.
Why it works as an opener: First, the song title speaks of expectation fulfilled—perfect themes for Christmas celebration. Additionally, the familiar hymn melody combined with modern energy works across generations.
9. Behold – Phil Wickham & Anne Wilson
This newer song while not a Christmas classic has a very memorable chorus. Furthermore, the word “Behold” becomes a declaration inviting people to look at Christ. The familiar refrain “We give You all the glory” will invite participation and also focus everyone on what the true reason for the celebration is all about.
Why it works as an opener: First, the contemporary sound connects with current worship styles and feels natural in your setlist.
10. King of Kings / Angels We Have Heard On High – TRIBL
While this medley isn’t the most upbeat song on this list, it is still effective. Why? The fact that it combines the modern anthem with a traditional carol can help people to remember that we aren’t just singing Christmas carols for nostalgia. King of Kings is a great representation of the Gospel story. This can be very effective for new guests coming into your service for the first time. They literally will hear the Gospel in song from the first note of your service.
Why it works as an opener: The medley format gives you two songs in one, maximizing engagement. Additionally, “King of Kings” provides modern accessibility while the carol honors tradition.
11. Christmas Day – Chris Tomlin & We The Kingdom
This contemporary Christmas song captures the joy of Christmas morning perfectly. The song’s rhythmic drive and memorable hooks will help to remind people why we gather to celebrate Christmas.
Why it works as an opener: It’s high-energy without being frantic. Moreover, it’s accessible without being simplistic and joyful without losing theological grounding. As a result, the contemporary worship style feels natural alongside regular Sunday songs. This can be critical for the weeks leading up to Christmas services.
12. Born Is The King (It’s Christmas) – Hillsong Worship
Hillsong’s original Christmas song feels playful. This can be a great song especially if you are involving a kids choir in your Christmas service opener. Specifically, the driving beat invites the congregation to clap along. The declaration “It’s Christmas!” becomes a celebratory proclamation you can even invite people to shout out throughout the song.
Why it works as an opener: The contemporary sound likely feels familiar, so even if people haven’t heard it before, they can engage across generations. The structure of the song invites participation from the start.
13. The Joy / Joy To The World – The Belonging Co
This medley combines the original song “The Joy” with the classic carol seamlessly. If you use “The Joy” regularly in your sets, this creates an easy way to bridge to Christmas sets very naturally.
Why it works as an opener: The focus on joy makes this rich—both as a fruit of the Spirit to cultivate, and a right response to Christmas.
14. Angels Medley (Hope Has Come) – Lakewood Music
Lakewood Music’s arrangement blends “Angels We Have Heard On High” with modern worship. The result is a high-energy medley combining familiar melody with fresh expression. Moreover, the driving energy makes this ideal as a Christmas service opener.
Why it works as an opener: The medley format touches on familiar themes while creating something fresh. Additionally, the energy level is consistently high, making it perfect for engaging people immediately.
15. Christmas Worship Medley – Gateway Worship
Gateway Worship has done a masterful job at combining 3 Christmas classics. They’ve taken “Noel” then “Joy To The World” and finally “O Come All Ye Faithful” and combined them into a seamless Christmas medley. The way the medley starts is a perfect way to start a Christmas service. It’s not an “in your face” anthem, but it is upbeat and invites participation from the start of the service.
Why it works as an opener: You get the best of 3 Christmas hymns. The reason this works so well is often people come hoping they will hear their personal favorite Christmas Carol. Using a medley can be a great way to capture the best of all of these Christmas hymns. Yes, even when time is limited and we can’t cover them all in their entirety, a medley does the job.
16. Influence Christmas Medley – Influence Music
Here is another medley that will work well as a service opener for the same reasons as above. This one combines parts of “O Come All Ye Faithful” with “What Child Is This?” as well as “O Holy Night” and then finally “Go Tell It On The Mountain” which is a great way to start your Christmas services.
17. Christmas Campfire Medley – Saddleback Worship
Here is another medley that works really well as a service opener. This one combines “Joy To The World” with “Angels We Have Heard On High” with “O Come All Ye Faithful” and finally “He Shall Reign” a more modern worship song by Hillsong Worship. This helps to bring the focus on celebrating Jesus not just as a humble baby in a manger, but as the reigning King that He is!
18. Christmas Medley – HIS LIFE WORSHIP
Here is one last medley to consider. Again these medley’s invite a lot of participation as people naturally come hoping to hear their personal favorite Christmas hymn. While we don’t want to simply appease people in our song selections, we do want to acknowledge the weight that many of these Christmas hymns carry in people’s stories. Beyond simple nostalgia, these Christmas songs bring back memories and can even serve as markers of what God has done in seasons past throughout people’s lives.
19. Hark The Herald Angels Sing / King Of Heaven – Paul Baloche
Paul Baloche’s medley combines a classic Christmas hymn with his song “King of Heaven.” Consequently, it creates a seamless blend with driving energy throughout. Additionally, the familiar hymn melody transitions naturally into the anthemic modern chorus.
Why it works as an opener: The medley creates a journey within a single song while maintaining high energy throughout. Moreover, the theological connection between the songs creates natural flow as Christ is proclaimed as the heavenly King that He is.
20. Angels We Have Heard On High – Chris Tomlin
While this is older now, the iconic electric guitar riff to open the song is an immediate attention grabber for the top of a Christmas service. The fact that the original melody of the song remains intact, also invites participation.
Why it works as an opener: For contemporary churches, this arrangement invites immediate engagement. Additionally, the familiar melody anchors the song even for guests that aren’t used to hearing modern worship arrangements of Christmas carols.
How to Lead Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs Effectively
Now you have a list of upbeat Christian Christmas songs to consider using to open your Christmas services this year. Let’s talk about leading them effectively.
Start with Confidence and Authority
Upbeat Christmas worship songs require confident leadership. Therefore, if you seem uncertain, the congregation will mirror that energy. Instead, lead boldly from the first note and invite people into celebration through your own engagement. Remember your body language should communicate that this is worth celebrating.
Build Your Instrumentation Thoughtfully
Upbeat Christmas worship songs benefit from the right instrumentation. For example, drums create rhythmic drive and momentum. Bass provides a solid foundation and groove. Keys can add lots of texture through creative chord voicing. Electric guitar can cover a lot of ground from rhythmic driven hooks and melody to creamy texture and layers in more ambient moments. Lastly, if you’ve got strings, this would definitely be the time to use them. Christmas songs really lend themselves to strings being involved.
However, with all this said, don’t feel you need a massive band. Instead, even a simple acoustic line up can serve your congregation well. In fact, if you typically have a full driving band, maybe stripping things back this year could provide a nice contrast?
Mind Your Tempo Carefully
There’s a difference between “upbeat” and “frantic.” Therefore, choose tempos that create energy without feeling rushed. Additionally, your congregation should articulate words clearly while singing. However, if the tempo makes that difficult, don’t hesitate to slow things down just a few bpm.
Test tempos during rehearsal and adjust as needed. Sometimes, slowing down slightly can actually increase energy by creating more groove.
Use Transitions Wisely
What comes after using any of these upbeat Christmas worship songs matters significantly. Therefore, consider whether you’ll:
- Maintain high energy with another upbeat song
- Create contrast with a reflective song
- Build further toward a peak moment
- Transition into a medley
As a result, your opener should set up the journey you want to create. Therefore, plan your full set with intentional flow. Be sure to check out the other articles for further suggestions that can fill out your whole set.
Master Your Dynamics
Even upbeat Christian Christmas songs benefit from dynamic variation. For example, consider these approaches:
- Start with less instrumentation and build throughout
- Create a dynamic drop before the final chorus and let the voices sing out
- Use instrumental or interlude sections to bring in some Scripture readings on Advent texts
Consequently, dynamics keep engagement high and prevent monotony. Additionally, a song that’s loud throughout has less impact than one using dynamics strategically.
Dynamics keep engagement high and prevent upbeat Christmas worship songs from becoming monotonous or all about hype.
Prepare Your Team Thoroughly
Christmas worship songs often have more musical complexity. Therefore be sure to give your team adequate rehearsal time.
Furthermore, provide click tracks for practice and record your rehearsals so team members can practice between sessions. Additionally, make sure your drummer and bass player have locked in the groove together. By the way, if you need proven training pathways to develop the musicianship on your team, be sure to grab this free resource here.
Lead the Room, Not Just the Song
As worship leader, your job is inviting the whole room to participate. Therefore, make eye contact with your congregation and smile to show joy. Additionally, use hand motions that invite singing and move with the music in ways that communicate engagement.
Consequently, your role is pastoral, not just musical. In other words, you’re shepherding people into worship. Therefore, your leadership should communicate that this is worth celebrating together.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Upbeat Christian Christmas Songs
Let’s address mistakes we can make as worship leaders searching for the perfect upbeat service openers.
Pitfall #1: Choosing songs that are too complex. Just because a song is energetic doesn’t mean it’s accessible. Therefore, if your team can’t execute it confidently, it will create frustration. Instead, choose songs your team is capable of executing confidently.
Pitfall #2: Sacrificing substance for energy. Not all high-energy songs have solid content. Therefore, don’t choose upbeat Christmas worship songs solely because they’re energetic. Instead, make sure the lyrics are worth singing since energy should serve theology, not replace it.
Pitfall #3: Ignoring your congregation’s preferences. Every congregation has different comfort levels. Therefore, what works in one context might fall flat in another. Consequently, know your people and choose songs accordingly.
Pitfall #4: Creating whiplash with poor transitions. If you open with intense energy but immediately shift completely, you can lose people. Therefore, plan your full set with intentional flow since your transitions matter as much as your song choices.
Pitfall #5: Performing rather than leading. Upbeat Christmas worship songs can easily become performances. However, remember that your role is facilitating congregational worship. Therefore, the energy should invite participation, not showcase your skills.
Pitfall #6: Never creating contrast. If every song is high-energy, you create worship fatigue. Therefore, use your opener to create momentum but build in moments of reflection throughout your set. Consequently, dynamic variety keeps people engaged.
Pitfall #7: Pushing tempo too fast. Sometimes we push tempos beyond what’s singable. Therefore, if your congregation can’t articulate words clearly, you’ve lost them. Instead, remember that fast doesn’t always equal energetic since a slightly slower tempo with strong groove often creates more energy.
Building Complete Sets Around Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs
Upbeat Christmas worship songs are just one piece of a complete set. Here’s a few suggestions to build cohesive Christmas worship experiences. If you need help building strong sets, be sure to check out this free resource.
Set Structure Example #1: Energy to Intimacy
- Song 1: Angels (Glory To God) – Phil Wickham [High-energy opener]
- Song 2: Christmas Day – Chris Tomlin [Maintain energy]
- Song 3: O Holy Night – Reflective [Strong contrast]
- Song 4: Silent Night [Intimate finish]
This structure starts with powerful energy and gradually creates space for reflection and response.
Set Structure Example #2: Worshipful Finish
- Song 1: Joy To The World – Phil Wickham [High-energy opener]
- Song 2: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus [Slight pullback]
- Song 3: Behold – Phil Wickham [Rebuild energy]
- Song 4: King of Kings [Peak moment]
This structure uses upbeat Christmas worship songs to open with a joyful tone, but then it pulls back slightly before closing with a focus on worshipping the King of kings!
Set Structure Example #3: Medley Heavy Flow
- Song 1: King of Kings / Angels We Have Heard On High – TRIBL [High-energy medley]
- Song 2: The Joy / Joy To The World – The Belonging Co [Maintain energy]
- Song 3: O Come, O Come Emmanuel [Reflective transition]
- Song 4: Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery [Modern hymn finish]
This structure uses medleys to pack multiple songs into your set while maintaining clear flow from energy to reflection.
Set Structure Example #4: Consistent Celebration
- Song 1: Go Tell It On The Mountain – Maverick City Music [High-energy opener]
- Song 2: Born Is The King – Hillsong Worship [Maintain energy]
- Song 3: Christmas Day – Chris Tomlin [Slight pullback but still upbeat]
- Song 4: Joy To The World [Congregational anthem finish]
This structure maintains celebratory energy throughout. Therefore, it’s perfect for Christmas Day morning services where joy is the primary theme.
The key is intentionality. Consequently, every song should serve the worship journey you’re creating.
When to Choose Reflective Songs Instead of Upbeat Christmas Worship Songs
This article focuses on upbeat Christmas worship songs. However, they’re not always the right choice. Therefore, consider starting with something more reflective when:
- Your service has a contemplative theme (particularly during Advent)
- You’re doing a Christmas Eve candlelight service
- Your congregation is naturally more reserved or traditional
- You’re creating intentional contrast to a high-energy pre-service
- The service focus is more on intimacy and wonder than celebration
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to opening worship. Therefore, the best choice depends on your specific context. However, for many Christmas services—particularly Christmas morning—upbeat Christmas worship songs effectively capture the joy and celebration appropriate to the occasion.
Final Thoughts on Planning Christmas Worship Sets
As you plan your Christmas worship sets, remember this truth. Specifically, choosing upbeat Christmas worship songs isn’t about entertainment or hype. Rather, it’s about creating appropriate celebrations of the most significant event in history—God becoming flesh to rescue us.
The upbeat Christian Christmas songs on this list give you options to start services with energy. Additionally, they provide accessibility and theological substance while inviting immediate participation. Furthermore, they ground people in the Christmas story and honor both tradition and contemporary expression.
As you select upbeat Christmas worship songs from this list, pray through your choices. Additionally, ask God to lead you in ways that serve your congregation while considering your team’s capabilities and your people’s preferences. Furthermore, plan early enough to rehearse well since upbeat Christian Christmas songs require confident execution. Therefore, lead with authority, knowing that Christ’s birth is worth celebrating with joy and power.
Most importantly, don’t let Christmas planning pressure steal your own worship. Instead, remember these upbeat Christmas worship songs aren’t just tools for leading others—they’re invitations for your own heart to celebrate. Therefore, take time to personally engage with the truths you’ll be leading. Additionally, let the joy of these upbeat Christian Christmas songs minister to you personally. If you need some done-for-you devotionals to take your team through, be sure to check out this resource.
The most effective Christmas worship leaders are caught up in the wonder themselves. Specifically, they’re genuinely caught up in the incarnation. When you lead from overflow—from personal engagement with the Christmas story—that authenticity creates space and allows others to encounter Christ. Consequently, your congregation can tell the difference between fake hype and genuine celebration that flows from a gospel-captured heart.
The most effective Christmas worship leaders are caught up in the wonder of the incarnation themselves. Your congregation can tell the difference between fake hype and genuine celebration that flows from a gospel-captured heart.
May this Christmas season be one of joyful celebration in your church. Remember the sacred privilege we have as we get to orient hearts toward the Christ child in the manger. May you experience fresh wonder at the reality we celebrate—God loved us enough to enter our world, live among us, and offer salvation to all who believe.
If you need help planning your Christmas services, as well as support the rest of the year as you faithfully lead your worship ministry be sure to check out the Worship Ministry Training Academy. We’re a community of worship leaders committed to growing together and serving our churches with both excellence and heart.
What upbeat Christmas worship songs have worked well in your church? Specifically, have they worked as service openers? Additionally, are there upbeat Christian Christmas songs we should add to this list? Furthermore, how do you balance energy and substance when opening Christmas services?
Share your experience in the comments below. Consequently, your insights might be exactly what a fellow worship leader needs to hear!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why are upbeat Christian Christmas songs important for service openers?
Upbeat Christian Christmas songs set an energetic and joyful tone for worship services, engaging the congregation right from the start and creating a vibrant atmosphere that honors the Christmas season.
What characteristics make a great upbeat Christmas worship song for opening services?
Great upbeat Christmas worship songs for service openers typically have energetic rhythms, memorable melodies, and lyrics that celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth. They should be uplifting without being overly frantic, allowing worshippers to participate enthusiastically.
Can you recommend some popular upbeat Christian Christmas songs suitable for service openers?
Yes! Some popular choices include “Angels (Glory To God)” by Phil Wickham, “Joy To The World (Joyful, Joyful)” by Phil Wickham, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by Maverick City Music, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Elevation Worship, and “Christmas Day” by Chris Tomlin & We The Kingdom, among others.
How can worship leaders effectively lead upbeat Christmas worship songs?
Effective leadership involves starting with confidence and authority, thoughtfully building instrumentation to support the energy without overwhelming it, minding tempo to maintain excitement without causing chaos, using transitions wisely between songs, mastering dynamics for impact, preparing the team thoroughly due to musical complexity, and leading the congregation to participate fully.
What common pitfalls should be avoided when using upbeat Christian Christmas songs in worship?
Common pitfalls include choosing songs that are too frantic or complex for the congregation to follow, neglecting smooth transitions which can disrupt flow, failing to prepare the worship team adequately leading to performance issues, and not leading the room effectively which can reduce engagement.
When should reflective Christmas songs be chosen instead of upbeat ones in worship services?
Reflective Christmas songs are ideal when the service calls for moments of contemplation and reverence rather than high energy. While upbeat songs energize and celebrate joyfully, reflective songs help congregations meditate on the significance of Christ’s birth during more solemn parts of the service.
