[2026] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover
Aren’t there actually quite a lot of people who perform live around Christmas time?
If you’re in a high school club or a university circle, there’s probably a Christmas live.
And if it’s an event during the holiday season, you’ll naturally want to perform Christmas songs with your band!
But don’t you feel like the most classic Christmas songs aren’t really “band” tunes?
So in this article, I’ll introduce plenty of Christmas songs that are great for band covers!
I’ll include some classics, but I’ll also feature lots of rock band tracks—both Japanese and Western—so use this as a reference when choosing songs to perform!
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[2026] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover (61–70)
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
This song is cherished as a classic winter love ballad.
Released in December 1992 as Mr.Children’s second single, it didn’t attract much attention at the time and peaked at No.
56 on the Oricon chart.
Even so, over the years it has come to be loved by many listeners, surpassing 50 million total streams in June 2023.
It has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, becoming a timeless masterpiece supported across generations.
With its gentle melody and emotionally resonant lyrics, it’s a song that makes you want to sing your feelings for someone special.
It’s also well-suited for band covers and can be performed with a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar, making it a recommended staple for Christmas live shows.
Ding DongPRINCESS PRINCESS
A heartwarming melody and bittersweet lyrics make this a classic Christmas song.
Accompanied by the sound of bells, the scenes of past love coming back to life are depicted with delicate nuance.
Released in 1989, this track is included on PRINCESS PRINCESS’s album “PRINCESS PRINCESS” and stands as one of the songs that symbolize the band’s peak.
In contrast to the bustling city streets, the protagonist’s loneliness is deeply moving.
When covering it with a band, it’s best to sing as if gently speaking to the listener.
If you play it softly to close a Christmas party, it’s sure to become a song that lingers in the heart.
Fuckin’ XmasNyūrotika
“FUCKIN’ Xmas”—the title says it all.
Our beloved Neurotica’s hard-hitting sound, razor-sharp vocals, and two-beat punk number will smash the perfect Christmas in the most exhilarating, cathartic way.
It’s the perfect track to fully enjoy the dark-side vibes of the season.
Mistress for ChristmasAC/DC
This is a Christmas-themed song by AC/DC, a hard rock band beloved around the world.
Since it’s an AC/DC track, there are plenty of guitar spotlights from Angus Young! It’s a great recommendation for bands that want to cover a full-on rock song.
Consider whether the title “Mistress for Christmas” carries the same meaning—be sure to read the lyrics and think about it.
I totally hate Christmas!! Just kidding.CRAZY KEN BAND
A Christmas song I recommend for those in funk bands, neo-soul bands, or dad bands is CRAZY KEN BAND’s “I Hate Christmas!! Just Kidding.” As you can probably tell from the title, it’s a very playful and cute Christmas tune.
The contrast with Ken Yokoyama’s dandy vocals is what really completes the song.
If a band that usually keeps it sharp covers this track, the gap will definitely capture the audience’s hearts!
Merry Christmas, DarlingCarpenters
The brother-and-sister duo The Carpenters have released countless classic songs into the world, and their music continues to be listened to without losing its shine even today.
Here is one of their dramatic Christmas songs.
It’s a beautiful track with gently delivered vocals.
If you cover it, it might be nice to add strings with a synthesizer and include a trumpet solo.
Do your best with the backing vocals too!
We All Need ChristmasDef Leppard
This acoustic ballad by the British rock band Def Leppard is packed with Christmas spirit.
It’s included on their best-of album The Story So Far – The Best Of Def Leppard, released in November 2018.
Celebrating the warmth, bonds, and hope of Christmas, the song stands out with a gentle sound that differs from their hard rock style.
Over the comforting tones of acoustic guitar, Joe Elliott’s tender vocals shine.
Despite its simple arrangement, it beautifully captures the special atmosphere of the holiday season.
It’s a perfect song to sing along with the audience at a Christmas live show.
It’s said that fans also appear in the music video.