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Lovely Christmas

[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!

[2026] Recommended Christmas Songs for Bands to Cover (71–80)

Step into ChristmasElton John

“Step into Christmas,” released in 1973 by Elton John, features happy lyrics you’ll want to sing to your lover, saying, “I want to spend a wonderful Christmas with you.” If you’re a vocalist confident in your high notes, definitely give it a try!

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White ChristmasGuns N’ Roses

When it comes to rock bands you can’t leave out Guns N’ Roses.

Lately they’ve been getting renewed attention thanks to a parody performed by the comedy duo Sisun.

Though they’re the very embodiment of rock ’n’ roll, they also performed a Christmas song—none other than the classic White Christmas, known for its elegant choral style.

Their version is quite far removed from the original image, so you might only notice the difference when you compare them.

White Christmas belted out with a bold, thunderous sound—definitely try playing it with your band.

Yoimachi Jēn
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Happy Xmas(War Is Over)Hi-STANDARD

Guitar Performance Log #55: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) / Hi-STANDARD
Happy Xmas(War Is Over)Hi-STANDARD

A pioneer that built Japan’s melodic hardcore boom and brought a fresh breeze to the punk scene, Hi-STANDARD delivers a hard-edged cover of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” While this song is widely known as a global Christmas classic, you might discover a new side to it through this hardcore arrangement.

Be sure to cover it with your band and make it feel great!

Murakami Shinpei
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ChristmasJUDY AND MARY

This is a Christmas song by JUDY AND MARY, a band that colored the Japanese rock scene.

The lyrics portray a straightforward love that wants to spend Christmas together, and it really warms your heart! Meanwhile, the track itself has their signature, very rock-edged finish, and I think it would shine in a live performance.

The guitar phrases—whether in the riffs, backing, or fills—are incredibly cool.

Hane Keisuke
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Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasJohn Legend, Esperanza Spalding

John Legend – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Official Audio)
Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasJohn Legend, Esperanza Spalding

A collaborative Christmas song by singer-songwriter John Legend and jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding.

It’s a sophisticated jazz number featuring a full horn section and electronic organ.

Perfect for Christmas concerts—highly recommended for jazz bands!

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Run Rudolph RunKeith Richards

This was released by Chuck Berry in 1958, but I’m going to discuss the version Keith Richards covered as a solo artist in 1975.

“Rudolph” refers to the red-nosed reindeer, and it’s a song that urges him to “Run for Santa!” The lyrics are cute, aren’t they?

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The saint is coming to town.LAUGHIN’ NOSE

LAUGHIN’ NOSE - The Saints Are Coming to Town (PV)
The saint is coming to town.LAUGHIN' NOSE

LAUGHIN’ NOSE is a Japanese punk band that was active in the 1980s.

This song is an American spiritual that became widely known through jazz covers, and these days you hear it quite often in various contexts.

It’s straight punk rock, and I find the simple rock sound appealing.

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