A recent 2023 survey conducted by Yahoo revealed that a significant 54% of respondents believe that holiday music has been starting “too early” in recent years. This statistic indicates a growing sentiment among listeners who prefer to keep the festive tunes at bay until they feel the season truly calls for them.

If you find yourself among the 46% who enjoy holiday music as soon as Halloween wraps up, you might want to check out a different article, such as Rock’s Biggest Christmas Songs: The Stories Behind 15 Classics, to quench your festive music thirst. However, for those who are not as enamored with holiday tunes, there are plenty of alternatives to indulge in this winter.

This December, let’s take a moment to consider the tastes of those who prefer to steer clear of traditional holiday music, yet still wish to embrace the winter spirit. We present to you a curated list of 30 Wintertime Songs That Aren’t Holiday-Related, offering a delightful mix for every listener.

1. “Cold as Ice,” Foreigner
From: Foreigner (1977)

While Foreigner’s iconic track “Cold as Ice” is primarily interpreted as a metaphor for a frigid lover, it also resonates with a real-world chill. In an interview with Classic Rock in 2021, Mick Jones shared, “It wasn’t aimed at anyone specific. Well, there was one girl at school that dumped me, so maybe that trauma stayed with me over the years.” He also noted that the songwriting coincided with a bone-chilling minus 20 degrees in New York, contributing to the song’s icy atmosphere.

2. “Snowballed,” AC/DC
From: For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)

AC/DC’s “Snowballed” lends itself to various interpretations. On one hand, it could be an allusion to cocaine with the lyric “Snowballed out of my mind.” Alternatively, it might embody the idea of quickly accumulating circumstances, as reflected in the lines, “The howl of the wolf, snow in his eye / Waiting to take you by surprise.” This multifaceted approach adds depth to the song, making it relatable on different levels.

3. “Snowblind,” Black Sabbath
From: Vol. 4 (1972)

Black Sabbath’s “Snowblind” leaves little room for ambiguity, as it directly references cocaine with lines like “Fill my dreams with flakes of snow / Soon I’ll feel the chilling glow.” The band once considered naming their iconic album Vol. 4 as Snowblind itself. However, as detailed in Tony Iommi’s autobiography Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell With Black Sabbath, the powers that be at Vertigo Records vetoed that idea.

4. “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” Simon & Garfunkel
From: Bookends (1968)

The transition from fall to winter carries a sense of melancholy, beautifully captured in Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Hazy Shade of Winter.” The duo sings, “Hang on to your hopes, my friend,” a poignant reminder during this time of year. The song reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. After enjoying this version, don’t miss the chance to listen to the Bangles’ 1987 cover, which became an even bigger hit.

5. “Wintertime Love,” The Doors
From: Waiting for the Sun (1968)

Ever heard of summer love? The Doors explore the concept of wintertime romance in their evocative track “Wintertime Love.” It’s akin to summer love but set against a backdrop of snowy landscapes, emphasizing the warmth a partner can bring during the chilly months. Ray Manzarek noted in the liner notes to 1997’s The Doors: Box Set that the piano and guitar interplay in this song was uniquely beautiful, likening their collaboration to the legendary jazz duo Bill Evans and Jim Hall.

6. “Snow Blind,” Ace Frehley
From: Ace Frehley (1978)

When you first listened to Ace Frehley’s “Snow Blind,” you might have imagined it was simply about being lost in a snowstorm. However, as you matured, you likely recognized the deeper implications behind the lyrics. The line “I’m snow blind, think I’m lost in space” hints at something much more profound, suggesting a disconnection from reality that can accompany the season.

7. “Trapped Under Ice,” Metallica
From: Ride the Lightning (1984)

Metallica’s “Trapped Under Ice” can be interpreted in two compelling ways. On one level, the lyrics express the emotional confinement of the narrator, as seen in lines like “Frozen soul, frozen down to the core / Break the ice, I can’t take anymore.” Alternatively, it could evoke a more chilling scenario, where the narrator finds themselves literally cryogenically frozen, depicted in the eerie lines, “Crystallized as I lay here and rest / Eyes of glass stare directly at death.”

8. “Winter,” The Rolling Stones
From: Goats Head Soup (1973)

Despite the somber themes in “Winter,” it was penned by The Rolling Stones in the warm climes of Jamaica. Interestingly, this is one of the few tracks where Keith Richards does not contribute his signature guitar sound; instead, Mick Jagger plays rhythm guitar, while Mick Taylor takes on lead and slide guitar. Nicky Hopkins lends his delicate piano skills, and the strings are arranged by Nicky Harrison, who also worked on the classic track “Angie.”

9. “A Winter’s Tale,” Queen
From: Made in Heaven (1995)

Freddie Mercury wrote “A Winter’s Tale” at a picturesque lake house in Montreux, Switzerland, a location known for its snowy landscapes. Tragically, he did not live to see the release of the track in 1995’s Made in Heaven. Guitarist Brian May recorded the solo after Mercury’s passing, stating, “I could hear it in my head, long before I actually got to play it.” This sentiment highlights the deep emotional connection still present in the music after Mercury’s departure.

10. “Winterlude,” Bob Dylan
From: New Morning (1970)

While “Winterlude” may not be Bob Dylan’s most intellectually stimulating composition, it carries its own charm. The title refers to a girl, as expressed in the lyrics: “You’re the one I adore, come over here and give me more / Then Winterlude, this dude thinks you’re fine.” Interestingly, years after its release, the name inspired an annual winter festival called Winterlude in Canada’s National Capital Region, showcasing the song’s unexpected cultural impact.

11. “Cold,” Annie Lennox
From: Diva (1992)

Just a glance at Annie Lennox’s music video for “Cold” evokes a sense of chill. Her porcelain skin and frosty blue-gray lips set the tone for the song. The lyrics, “Cold is the color of crystal,” paired with the haunting imagery, create a vivid representation of the winter season and its emotional depth.

12. “Snowbound,” Genesis
From: …And Then There Were Three… (1978)

13. “Winterlong,” Neil Young
From: Decade (1977)

Neil Young’s “Winterlong” captures a profound sense of longing that often accompanies the winter season. Black Francis from Pixies has expressed admiration for the song, noting its unique structure devoid of a traditional chorus yet resonating deeply. The song’s classic chord shapes evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of ’50s rock, while its nuanced arrangement sets it apart from typical compositions.

14. “Writes of Winter,” Jimmy Page
From: Outrider (1988)

Jimmy Page’s instrumental track “Writes of Winter” might not overtly scream winter, but it offers an engaging listening experience. In an interview with Guitar World, Page remarked, “I just play the guitar, don’t I?” Highlighting his signature style, he aimed for a back-to-basics approach with this album, focusing on the layering and textures of sound to create a captivating auditory experience.

15. “December,” Weezer
From: Maladroit (2002)

“December” serves as the closing track on Weezer’s 2002 album Maladroit. The intertwining guitar melodies in the song emerged purely by chance. Rivers Cuomo shared that during the recording, he and co-guitarist Brian Bell had never heard each other’s parts until they combined them, resulting in a beautifully harmonious outcome that showcases their artistic chemistry.

16. “February Stars,” Foo Fighters
From: The Colour and the Shape (1997)

The Foo Fighters’ “February Stars” is a powerful track that harks back to Dave Grohl’s early musical endeavors with Nirvana. An early version of the song featuring only Grohl and Krist Novoselic exists, dating back to the band’s final recording sessions, adding a layer of nostalgia to this beloved song.

17. “Cold Rain and Snow,” The Grateful Dead
From: The Grateful Dead (1967)

Before the Grateful Dead’s rise to fame, Jerry Garcia immersed himself in folk music, playing acoustic guitar and banjo in bluegrass bands. “Cold Rain and Snow,” a traditional folk song with origins dating back to 1917, seamlessly transitioned into the Grateful Dead’s repertoire, showcasing their roots in folk culture.

18. “40 Below,” David Lee Roth
From: A Little Ain’t Enough (1991)

Leave it to David Lee Roth to inject a sexual metaphor into a song about frigid temperatures. In the track, he sings, “Call me 40 below and I’ll be whippin’ in your window,” crafting playful imagery that both amuses and intrigues listeners, showcasing his characteristic style of blending humor and rock ‘n’ roll.

19. “Out in the Cold,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
From: Into the Great Wide Open (1991)

“Out in the Cold” is a notable track from Tom Petty’s 1991 album Into the Great Wide Open. Petty expressed mixed feelings about the album, citing the production style with Jeff Lynne as a factor. Nonetheless, “Out in the Cold” stands out as a prime example of strong songwriting, blending rock ‘n’ roll with introspective themes.

20. “California Dreamin,’” The Mamas and the Papas
From: If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966)

This classic tune is for those who endure harsh winters, longing for a glimpse of sunshine. The Mamas and the Papas capture the essence of this feeling in “California Dreamin’,” expressing the desire for warmth and light during the bleak winter months. It’s a nostalgic anthem for anyone shoveling snow and dreaming of better weather.

21. “2000 Miles,” The Pretenders
From: Learning to Crawl (1984)

Chrissie Hynde’s poignant “2000 Miles” was penned in memory of Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, who tragically passed away due to a drug overdose. The moving lyrics, “The snow is falling down / Gets colder day by day / I miss you,” resonate with anyone who has experienced loss, further amplified by the accompanying music video featuring Hynde braving the elements.

22. “Winter Time,” Steve Miller Band
From: Book of Dreams (1977)

“Winter Time,” performed by the Steve Miller Band, showcases the incredible talents of Bob Glaub on bass, who has collaborated with rock legends from John Lennon to Journey. The haunting harmonica solo at the beginning, played by Norton Buffalo, sets a mystical tone that complements the song’s contemplative lyrics.

23. “Bare Trees,” Fleetwood Mac
From: Bare Trees (1972)

Fleetwood Mac’s Bare Trees album marked a significant point in their evolution, as it was the last to feature Danny Kirwan. The song “Bare Trees,” penned by Kirwan, showcases his immense creative talent. Mick Fleetwood reflected, “Danny was a quantum leap ahead of us creatively,” highlighting Kirwan’s vital role in shaping the band’s sound.

24. “Mandolin Wind,” Rod Stewart
From: Every Picture Tells a Story (1971)

Rod Stewart’s “Mandolin Wind” is a touching ballad that explores themes of love and longing. The lyrics, “Through the coldest winter in almost 14 years, I couldn’t believe you kept a smile,” are complemented by Ray Jackson’s mandolin, creating a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. This song’s emotional depth resonates with anyone who has suffered through a cold winter of the heart.

25. “A Winter’s Tale,” The Moody Blues
From: December (2003)

The Moody Blues’ “A Winter’s Tale” is a cover of a song originally recorded by David Essex in 1982. Their rendition appeared on the band’s final album, December, showcasing their enduring legacy. The song encapsulates the beauty and nostalgia of winter, demonstrating the timeless quality of the themes they explored throughout their career.

26. “The White Snows of Winter,” REO Speedwagon
From: Not So Silent Night … Christmas with REO Speedwagon (2009)

Interestingly, “The White Snows of Winter” is one of the few non-holiday tracks on REO Speedwagon’s 2009 album, Not So Silent Night…Christmas With REO Speedwagon. While the album features various Christmas-themed songs, this particular track stands out, emphasizing the band’s versatility and ability to create music that resonates beyond the holiday season.

27. “Latitude 88 North,” Electric Light Orchestra
From: Out of the Blue (2007 Reissue)

“Latitude 88 North,” from the Electric Light Orchestra’s reissued album Out of the Blue, refers to the Arctic region known for its extreme cold. This geographical nod adds an intriguing layer to the song, inviting listeners to explore the chill and beauty of winter landscapes through ELO’s signature sound.

28. “Sometimes in Winter,” Blood, Sweat & Tears
From: Blood, Sweat & Tears (1968)

In the self-titled album by Blood, Sweat & Tears, “Sometimes in Winter” features lead vocals by Steve Katz, a departure from the band’s usual frontman David Clayton-Thomas. This track beautifully captures the emotional landscape of winter, showcasing the band’s versatility and the poignant storytelling that characterized their music.

29. “End of the Season,” The Kinks
From: Something Else by the Kinks (1967)

In “End of the Season,” Ray Davies artfully uses weather changes as a metaphor for lost love. With lyrics like “Summer birds aren’t singing since you went away / Since you’ve been gone, end of the season, winter is here, close of play,” he effectively conveys the emotional turmoil that accompanies separation, enhanced by actual bird sounds at the track’s beginning.

30. “Urge for Going,” Joni Mitchell
From: 1972 B-side

Joni Mitchell’s “Urge for Going” poignantly captures the feeling of drifting apart from a partner as seasons change. Originally recorded by Tom Rush in 1968, Mitchell’s version was released in 1972 as her only non-album B-side. This track underscores her lyrical mastery and ability to convey complex emotions through the lens of changing seasons.