Sounds, part 2

W Hotel

THEY PLAY
“Dis-Christmiss” by Bootsy Collins, “The Christmas Song” by the Raveonettes

Reason why
This hotel’s a little douchey. But the music is so cool, you might discover a sub for Run-D.M.C.’s “Christmas in Hollis.” “We play artists with a funky edge,” says the chain’s Rebecca Rand. Various locations; go to starwoodhotels.com

Urban Outfitters

THEY PLAY
“This Christmas Girl” by James Pants, “Santa’s Rap Party” by Super Jay, “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” by the Ramones

Reason why
Wry clothes, wry songs. “We always include a bunch of ironic Christmas music in our in-store playlist,” says creative director Kevin Lyons. Various locations; go to urbanoutfitters.com

Uniqlo

THEY PLAY
“Charlie Brown Cut Up” by Colossus, “White Christmas (Kaskade Remix)” by Bing Crosby

Reason why
Uniqlo works with Activaire, a company that fits background music to brands. The result: “Songs that are contemporary remixes of the classics,” says the store’s Linda Faello. 546 Broadway between Prince and Spring Sts (917-237-8800)

Soho Grand Hotel

THEY PLAY
“A Change at Christmas (Say It Isn’t So)” by the Flaming Lips, “Maybe This Christmas” by Ron Sexsmith

Reason why
Chill hotel, chill songs. “We chose music that would stir up that nostalgic, cozy feeling of the holidays, and at the same time mixed in fresh tracks,” says creative director Tommy Saleh. 310 West Broadway between Canal and Grand Sts (212-965-3000)

Marion’s

THEY PLAY
“Winter Wonderland” by Barry Manilow, “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

Reason why
“You might hear Eartha Kitt do ‘Santa Baby,’ and then later you’ll get the Madonna version,” says owner Richard Bach. “You know it’s working when you see the bodies start swaying before they even realize it.” 354 Bowery between Great Jones and E 4th Sts (212-475-7621)

The Pleasure Chest

THEY PLAY
“These Are Special Times” by Celine Dion, “Silent Night” by Josh Groban

Reason why
“Everything we picked this year was very classical,” says the sex-toy shop’s Brian Aarons. And when you’re brandishing a John Holmes dildo, even Celine Dion sounds good. 156 Seventh Ave South between Charles and Perry Sts (212-242-2158)

Rodeo Bar

THEY PLAY
“A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Alan Jackson, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by the Stray Cats

Reason why
This bar scores points by default, spinning cool Nashville covers because…they have to. “They’re country-themed and that’s what we are,” says manager Bia Rich. 375 Third Ave at 27th St (212-683-6500)

Kate’s Paperie

THEY PLAY
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Diana Krall

Reason why
Corny? No—it’s classic. “We’re doing a lot of crooner Christmas music,” says manager Michelle Beshaw, “trying to mix it up a bit.” 8 W 13th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-633-0570)

Brooklyn Diner USA

THEY PLAY
“Sleigh Ride” by the Ronettes, “Gounod’s Ave Maria” by Barbra Streisand

Reason why
This cheesy diner picks some cool standards—even Babs. “She sings the Lord’s Prayer on there, and, I mean, she’s Jewish,” says manager Alexis Reyes. 212 W 57th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-977-1957)

Serendipity 3

THEY PLAY
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

Reason why
Um. Wow. Mariah. “We get families, teenagers,” says the store’s Joann Lee. In other words, American Idol fans. How could we not include it in a Billboard chart? 225 E 60th St between Second and Third Aves (212-838-3531)

Deck the halls

Forgo that played-out Vince Guaraldi. Here, Williamsburg DJ $mall ¢hange brings you an exclusive mix: “Make Up to Break Up,” a “bittersweet soul mix for the semidepressing forced gift giving put-on-your-happy-helmet holiday season,” he says. “F’real tho.”