A Christmas Wave, The Chi-Tones (self-issued)

This is a band led by Chi McClean and for 2025 they dropped this EP of familiar holiday favorites done surf-instrumental style. I get that there's a lot of this out there, but if you haven't encountered any music in this style lately, these guys will make you happy you took a chance on them. Upbeat swinging takes on "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," "Frosty the Snowman," "Sleigh Ride," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "What Child Is This" will brighten your holiday playlists and take them over entirely if you want to.