From Mariah Carey to Billy Joel and Twisted Sister: 8 Christmas songs with Long Island connections

This time of year, all the classic Christmas songs get spun repeatedly. Change it up by adding a little bit of local flair. Here’s a holiday-themed playlist featuring seasonal songs with a Long Island connection.

"All I Want for Christmas is You" — Mariah Carey

The Huntington-raised singer became the Queen of Christmas when this song, which has sold more than 16 million copies, became a new Yule staple off her 1994 "Merry Christmas" album.

"Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town" — Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

The Boss recorded a rockin’ version of this old Christmas song live on stage with The E Street Band at C.W. Post College in Brookville 50 years ago on Dec. 12, 1975.

"The Magic of Christmas Day (God Bless Us Everyone)" — Celine Dion

Why is a Celine Dion song on this list? Very simple, it was written by Baldwin’s own Dee Snider, lead singer of Twisted Sister, for Dion’s multiplatinum 1998 holiday album, "These Are Special Times." The song was recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove and produced by Ric Wake.

"Hey Santa!" — The Brian Setzer Orchestra

When The Stray Cats' lead singer/guitarist decided to go from 1950s rockabilly to 1940s big band, he recorded two popular Christmas albums, "Boogie Woogie Christmas" (2002) and "Dig That Crazy Christmas" (2005). This original track, penned by  Massapequa native Setzer, is a popular pick off the latter album.

"She's Right on Time" — Billy Joel

The Piano Man, who grew up in Hicksville, sang, "Turn on all the Christmas lights cause baby's coming home tonight. I can hear her footsteps in the street" to lead off this track from his favorite album, "The Nylon Curtain," released in 1982 with a holiday-themed video.

"Little Drummer Boy" — Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Long Beach's Joan Jett put her spin on this traditional Christmas song in 1981 as the final track on her "I Love Rock ’n Roll" album, which was recorded at Long Island's Kingdom Sound Studios and Soundworks Studios.

"Christmas Star" — Debbie Gibson

The pop princess from Merrick dropped this original holiday single in 2021 and the following year included it on her holiday album, "Winterlicious."

"There’s a lot of cynicism and pain in the world but there is always room for change and shifting that energy. ‘Christmas Star’ speaks to forgiving yourself, others and of being the change you want to see in the world by making changes in yourself," Gibson, 55, told Newsday in a 2021 phone interview. "Holiday time always feels like a chance for a fresh start!"

"Heavy Metal Christmas" — Twisted Sister

Long Island’s own bad boys of hair metal rewrote the "The 12 Days of Christmas" using the lyrics: "On my heavy metal Christmas, my true love gave to me ... 12 silver crosses, 11 black mascaras, 10 pairs of platforms, nine tattered t-shirts, eight pentagrams, seven leather jackets, six cans of hairspray, five skull earrings, four quarts of Jack, three studded belts, two pairs of spandex pants and a tattoo of Ozzy!"

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.