Bayside is getting into the Christmas spirit with its new single, “Best Christmas Yet,” and this is one holiday song I can see myself listening to for years to come.
Released November 4, 2026, the song brings the band’s signature pop-punk sound into the holiday season with a catchy melody, excellent musicianship, and lyrics that capture what Christmas should really be about.
The song kicks off with traditional Christmas bells before Anthony Raneri’s unmistakable vocals take over. Guitarist Jack O’Shea, bassist Nick Ghanbarian, and drummer Chris Guglielmo round out a band that knows how to write a well-crafted song without overcomplicating things.
What I love most about this song is the lyrics. Instead of focusing on expensive gifts, perfect decorations, or trying to create some unrealistic Christmas experience, Bayside reminds listeners that the people around us are what make the holidays special.
The song reflects on childhood Christmas memories, relationships, and the realization that the greatest present isn’t something you can wrap and put under a tree.
It’s a message that I think a lot of people need to hear, especially during a season when we can get so caught up in shopping, spending money, and trying to make everything perfect.
Musically, this is an incredibly well-crafted Christmas song. It has enough holiday cheer to fit right alongside traditional Christmas music while maintaining the band’s pop-punk identity. I can easily imagine hearing this playing in department stores during the Christmas season for years to come. It’s that catchy and accessible.
Bayside has been making music for more than 25 years, and it’s encouraging to hear a veteran band continuing to release quality material. “Best Christmas Yet” is another example of their songwriting abilities.
As someone who enjoys Christmas music with a little more rock and roll, I’m always looking for songs to add to my annual holiday playlist. This one has earned a spot alongside Stryper, Twisted Sister, Helix, House of Heroes, Jars of Clay, Austrian Death Machine, August Burns Red, and the Happy Christmas albums released by Tooth & Nail Records.
But perhaps the best review came from my eight-year-old daughter, Kalli, who listened to the song and simply said, “This is good, really good.”
I couldn’t agree more!
The accompanying lyric video makes it easy to follow along and appreciate the message. There’s nothing overly complicated about the presentation, and that’s perfectly fine. The lyrics deserve the attention.
Whether you’re a longtime Bayside fan or simply looking for something new to add to your Christmas playlist, give “Best Christmas Yet” a listen. It’s fun, meaningful, catchy, and has the potential to become a holiday favorite.
Christmas isn’t about having everything perfect. It’s about making memories with the people who matter most.
Bayside got that message right.
Special thanks to Atom Splitter PR for providing the music and press information.
