Snow is an enchanting phenomenon that has captivated imaginations for generations. Whether it heralds the icy cold of winter, inspires joy at the thought of all the fun you can have in the snow, or brings nostalgic memories of the holiday season.
In this list, we check out the best songs that feature snow in the title or lyrics. These songs cover a broad spectrum of genres, highlighting the appeal of snow as a lyrical hook for musicians. Let’s dive right in!
“Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Frank Sinatra
Album: Christmas Songs by Sinatra
Genre: Christmas / Traditional Pop
Released: 1950
This legendary tune is undoubtedly one of the most popular and familiar songs about snow on this list. Original written in 1945 by Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne it has become one of the most beloved Christmas songs ever.
While the original is fantastic, the smooth crooner Frank Sinatra arguably offers up the most timeless version. But the Dean Martin version comes in at a close second. A joyous celebration of snow that invokes the wonderful feeling of feeling warm inside while the snow gently falls outside.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Fire
“White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes
Album: Fleet Foxes
Genre: Alternative Indie / Folk
Released: 2008
Indie Folk group Fleet Foxes are not exactly a household name, but for those in the know, they are an accomplished and creative band with an instinctual ability to craft hauntingly beautiful songs. A band that is worth exploring, even for people who might not be fans of folk music.
White Winter Hymnal has all the hallmarks of their unique style, with superb use of the word snow within the lyrics. Its captivating presence has inspired several covers from superstars like Birdy, Kim Wilde, and the acapella group Pentatonix.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Heat
“Snow Day” by Stephen Sharer
Album: Single Release Only
Genre: Pop
Released: 2017
Stephen Sharer is a perfect example of a YouTube personality branching out and experiencing success. With a couple of popular songs already under his belt, this playful track has amassed millions upon millions of views since its release.
Don’t get me wrong, this is no masterpiece, but the infectious joy that this bubbly pop track invokes is undeniable. A perfect song to bust out when the kids are celebrating a snow day!
Similar Playlist: Stormy Weather Songs
“Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Album: No More Shall We Part
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2001
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is one of the most popular and influential rock bands to emerge from Australia. Formed in the early 80s, they have released new albums consistently, with seventeen albums and counting to their name.
Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow is an amazingly haunting track. Its interesting lyrics can be interpreted in various ways, lending to its appeal and highlighting the creative songwriting of lead singer Nick Cave.
Similar Playlist: Thunder Songs
“Snow (Hey Ho)” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: Stadium Arcadium
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2006
Snow (Hey Oh) is one of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ most popular songs from their double album Stadium Arcadium. It sold 4 million copies in the United States and reached the top 10 in several countries worldwide.
It’s an interesting song with a strong, soft, and melodic edge, a sound the band has embraced over the years. With a theme of starting fresh after making poor choices, some interpret this as a song about dealing with addiction and the battle to overcome it and start over.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Weather
“Angel in the Snow” by Elliott Smith
Album: New Moon
Genre: Indie Folk
Released: 2007
Elliot Smith (real name Steven Paul Smith) was a talented musician and singer-songwriter who tragically died at the young age of 34 in what appeared to be a suicide. However, some believe it was possibly homicide.
Angel in the Snow was part of a selection of songs released after his death as part of the New Moon album. It’s a hauntingly beautiful song that, much like most of his work, is an understated showcase of his incredible ability to craft engaging music.
Similar Playlist: Songs About The Wind
“Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” by Laura Marling
Album: I Speak Because I Can
Genre: Folk
Released: 2009
Laura Marling has a knack for crafting unique and introspective folk songs that resonate with both young and old. With albums dating back to 2008, she has been nominated and won multiple awards.
Goodbye England (Covered in Snow) was from her second album and further cemented her reputation as a talented singer and songwriter. Its themes of homesickness and forging your own path are wonderfully executed within this song.
“Snowbird” by Anne Murray
Album: This Is My Way
Genre: Folk Pop / Soft Rock
Released: 1970
Anne Murray is one of the greatest performers to emerge from Canada, with over 55 million copies of her albums sold worldwide. One of her most popular releases is Snowbird which thrust her into the limelight.
The song was a chart success reaching number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in her home country of Canada. Its got a wonderfully joyous and uplifting vibe and is flawlessly sung by Anne.
“50 Words for Snow” by Kate Bush
Album: 50 Words for Snow
Genre: Pop
Released: 2011
Pop superstar Kate Bush is no stranger to the charts, but she never let herself fall into repetition as she got older. Instead, she continued to strive to innovate with a string of unconventional and experimental takes on pop music.
The album 50 Words For Snow features an eclectic mix of songs, and the title track is among the most bizarre. A hypnotic song that literally lists fifty words for snow, with the occasional interjection from Kate. Is it strange? Yes. Is it also awesome? Yes!
“Amid The Falling Snow” by Enya
Album: Amarantine
Genre: New Age
Released: 2005
The legendary Enya needs no introduction. With a career spanning decades, she has been at the forefront of modern Celtic music, with over 26 million album sales in the United States alone.
This song comes from her sixth studio album and has all the trademark hallmarks of an Enya song. Sweeping and haunting vocals with a distinctly ethereal composition. If you prefer your snow songs enchanting, this is a must-listen.
“Cold Rain and Snow” by Grateful Dead
Album: The Grateful Dead
Genre: Rock / Blues / Folk
Released: 1967
Let’s close out this list of the best songs about snow with this all-time classic from the Grateful Dead. Released in 1967 as part of their debut album, it remains one of their most popular releases.
The Grateful Dead has a striking sound that blends various influences into a unique sound that has earned them a legion of fans and a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The popularity of this debut album has seen it re-issued multiple times throughout the years.
8 Bonus Songs About Snow
“The Fox in the Snow” by Belle and Sebastian
“Velvet Snow” by Kings of Leon
“While I Shovel the Snow” by the Walkmen
“Snowblind” by Black Sabbath
“20 Years of Snow” by Regina Spektor
“Snowblind Friend” by Steppenwolf
“Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson
“Frosty the Snowman” by Ray Conniff
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
