[1] The album received generally positive reviews, with critics complimenting the lyrical content of the original songs and the overall sound.

Aly & AJ promoted the album mainly on CD USA and at the 2006 Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade.

[2] Antonina Armato and Tim James who worked on the duo's debut album and several other Disney-related acts, were recruited to executive produce the effort.

Aly & AJ, along with executive producers Armato and James, adapted and arranged most of the cover songs on the album.

[4] The album is mainly composed of cover versions of Christmas carols and contemporary holiday classics, while two original numbers are included.

"Joy to the World", "We Three Kings", "The First Noel", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", and "Silent Night" are religious traditional carols.

[3] Logan Leasure of Jesus Freak Hideout commended Aly & AJ's "powerhouse" vocals on the tracks, but said carols such as "The First Noel" and "Deck the Halls" were a bit boring, due to the acoustic feel of the set.

[5] Overall, Leasure said "This album has its good share of standout tracks that are sure to satisfy any fan of modern Christmas music.

[5] Tampa Bay Times critic Sean Daly praised the duo's original songs, on which they "ditch the wispy routine".

[6] On the chart dated November 25, 2006, nearly two months after initial release, Acoustic Hearts of Winter debuted at number 114 on the Billboard 200.

[12] On November 21, 2006, it was released as a single on the iTunes Store in conjunction with Radio Disney, as the song was packaged with an interview with the duo on the station.