New and updated Christmas albums for 2022: From Cliff Richard and Backstreet Boys to Alicia Keys and Sia

Christmas is one of the most lucrative times of the year to be a pop star. 

Fancy recording an album of Christmas covers? Or maybe writing your own? Looks like you have a festive hit on your hands either way.

Below, we've complied a list of new and updated Christmas albums by some of your favourite acts for 2022.

MORE: New Christmas songs of 2022

Christmas With Cliff - Cliff Richard

You can't keep Cliff Richard down. Now more than 60 years into his career, Sir Cliff's newest album - a collection of Christmas covers, from When A Child Is Born to Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (!) - entered into a very unlikely chart battle with none other than Stormzy (!!). 

Santa Baby - Alicia Keys

Newly minted as an independent artist following the end of her long-term relationship with RCA, Alicia Keys' first release on her own label was also her first-ever Christmas record. Produced by Keys alongside Tommy Parker and YNG Josh, of course she has her own take on the Eartha Kitt classic, as well as two original offerings, including one - Not Even The King - co-written by Emeli Sande. 

A Very Backstreet Christmas - Backstreet Boys

Backstreets Back, and they've brought the festive cheer with them. Originally set for release in 2021, A Very Backstreet Christmas does finally arrive this year and comes resplendent with production from Ariana Grande hitmaker Tommy Brown (Positions, Thank U, Next) on a series of covers ranging from White Christmas to Last Christmas.

Everyday Is Christmas (Snowman Deluxe Edition) - Sia

Sia originally released her manic, original take on Christmas music in 2017, and has re-issued it several times with new tracks. In 2022, she's re-released the Snowman Deluxe Edition, which includes five new songs, all co-written and co-produced by her frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson, Lily Allen).

Merry Christmas, Love - Joss Stone

Yes, that's right. The actual Joss Stone. The ninth (!) album from the Super Duper Love songstress, Merry Christmas, Love was released in September of this year, which is in the actual autumn, but we can let keenness slide, we suppose. Joss also wrote two original songs - If You Believe and Bring On Christmas Day - to sit alongside her takes on Silent Night and Winter Wonderland.

Winterlicious - Debbie Gibson

80s teen mall-pop icon Debbie Gibson adds a little sparkle to proceedings here. The LP includes a newly re-mastered mix of her 1992 cover of Sleigh Ride, while she duets with her father Joe on White Christmas. 

A Neil Diamond Christmas - Neil Diamond

A Neil Diamond Christmas is, apparently, jam-packed. There's a monster 25 tracks to sink your teeth into here, from the ones you would expect (Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town) and some that you wouldn't (Mary's Boy Child).