Gay pop artist and media personality On Mekahel is making spirits bright – and a little bit naughty – with the release of his new holiday album, A Hoe-y Christmas. A joyful, sexy, and unapologetically queer celebration of the season, the album blends playful originals with reimagined holiday standards, offering a fresh soundtrack for anyone who likes their Christmas with a wink and a smile.

“I wanted to create an experience for people who love the holidays but want something a little different,” says Mekahel. A Hoe-y Christmas is less about picture-perfect families and more about real love, fun, and connection. “These songs still have that warm holiday feeling, but with a sexy twist to keep things interesting,” he adds.

The album features a mix of originals and reinvented classics, including “Hoe-y Night” and “Jingle Bells,” along with a soulful queer take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Each track blends Mekahel’s trademark humor and heart while celebrating the inclusive, joyful energy that defines his music and message.

One standout moment is his cheeky remake of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” reimagined as “Hark! The Herald Who?” “It was always one of my favorite jingles,” Mekahel laughs. “But growing up in Israel, I used to wonder, ‘Who’s Harold?’ and why is he singing with angels?” That playful curiosity inspired one of the album’s most campy and fun reinterpretations. “That’s the spirit of this whole record,” he continues. “It’s about making the holidays your own.”

The album’s romantic centerpiece, “Under the Blanket,” was written by Mekahel’s husband and creative partner, Dave. “The song is about exactly where I want to be during the holidays: with Dave under the blanket,” Mekahel shares. “Every year we escape to our cabin with our puppies, turn off our phones, and just enjoy the snow, the fire, and each other. The song captures that cozy intimacy perfectly.”

For Mekahel, A Hoe-y Christmas is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a celebration of queer joy and chosen family. “I grew up in Israel, where we didn’t celebrate Christmas,” he explains. “But I always loved the decorations and the lights. When I met my husband, Christmas became part of my life, too. Our first Christmas together was one of the most magical moments of my life, and I wanted to share that warmth with everyone who listens.”

While the title and tone are undeniably cheeky, Mekahel says the project comes straight from the heart. “The whole album is a love letter to the holidays,” he says. “It’s emotional, it’s sexy, it’s cozy, and it’s authentically me.”

If you could describe A Hoe-y Christmas in three words to someone who hasn’t
heard it yet, what would they be?

Sexy because the whole EP has this sultry, playful energy running through every track. Warm because I poured my heart and natural warmth into these songs. Cozy because A Hoe-y Christmas is all about that feeling of being cuddled up with good vibes and holiday spirit all around you.

What inspired you to create the album?

I wanted to create an experience for people who love Christmas and the holidays but from a different perspective than the wholesome, family-oriented one we’re used to. I wanted the songs to feel festive and familiar, but with a sexy twist. Something a little less traditional, a little wild, and definitely fun. You’ve included a mix of originals and reimagined holiday standards like “Hoe-y Night” and “Hark the Herald Who?”.

How did you decide which classics to twist and make your own?

I chose my favorite traditional holiday songs and simply added a little of me to them. For example, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” has always been one of my favorites, but coming from a culture where I didn’t grow up with these songs, I used to wonder: who’s Harold? So I decided to explore that in a playful way. And “Silent Night” is such a beautiful song full of spirit, but I turned it into “Hoe-y Night” because that felt a little more like me; still warm, but cheekier.

Your version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” brings a queer, soulful
warmth to a timeless favorite.

I sang it exactly the way I’ve always sung it. I wanted to keep it authentic to how I naturally perform it. Our pianist, Ark, followed the melody the way I’ve always done it, and we recorded it raw and soulful

“Under the Blanket” sounds like it could be the perfect cozy (or steamy!) winter
anthem. What’s the story behind it?

That one was written entirely by my husband, Dave, who writes most of my music with me. I only gave him the title, because that’s exactly where I want to be with him during the holidays. The song really captures one of our winter traditions. Every year, we go up to our cabin with our puppies and spend a few days, just the two of us. No work, no distractions, just snow, a fireplace, and each other under the blanket.

The humor in A Hoe-y Christmas really stands out, but so does its heart. How did
you strike the balance between campy fun and genuine holiday emotion?

The whole EP is full of emotion. I wanted every song to flow naturally into the next, creating a cozy little journey. Between the traditional covers and the originals, everything came from a place of love.

On Mekahel’s A Hoe-y Christmas is available November 14 on all major streaming platforms.