[2026] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover

It Snows In HellLordi

Lordi – It Snows In Hell (Video)

A winter ballad by Lordi, the Finnish hard rock band highly popular across Europe.

Don’t mistake them for a novelty act just because of their flashy monster costumes.

It’s a poignant Christmas song where the frigid Nordic night sky intertwines with feelings of love.

Merry Christmas BabyOtis Redding

Otis Redding – Merry Christmas Baby

A soulful Christmas song sung by Otis Redding, the ‘King of Soul.’ It’s a classic that’s sure to make you smile from the Christmas-packed intro alone.

Covering Otis’s vocals is undoubtedly challenging, but if you nail the break in the middle, it would be seriously cool, don’t you think?

Wonderful ChristmastimePaul McCartney

Paul McCartney – Wonderful Christmastime HD

A 1979 solo number by former Beatle Paul McCartney.

If you can cover the distinctive synth sound that plays from the opening throughout the track, the rest can be a simple band performance that everyone can enjoy together.

As expected, the bass part is also very satisfying to play.

The vocals consist of short phrases repeated many times, so it’s also great for lively performances at parties and the like.

NEW YORK SNOW: I Want to Hold YouRC sakuseshon

NEW YORK SNOW by RC SUCCESSION

A sweet love song included on RC Succession’s 1984 album “FEEL SO BAD.” The lyrics depict lovers walking through a cold city after buying champagne, wine, and fried chicken.

As the song progresses, the vocals become increasingly sensual—making it a tempting choice to cover.

Third ChristmasSHOW-YA

Show-Ya – The Third Christmas (3-Dome no “Christmas”)

“The Third Christmas” is a Christmas song by SHOW-YA, the hard rock band that led Japan’s girl-band scene from the 1980s onward.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi—a golden duo—the track stands out for Keiko Terada’s emotional vocals, making it a number overflowing with wistfulness.

When a band known for intense rock performs a more subdued piece, it stirs listeners’ emotions even more.

This song, too, sings of a sorrowful love on a holy night, and its coolness may move you profoundly.

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hiyori

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PRESENTTHE SKIPPERS

THE SKIPPERS – PRESENT Music Video

“PRESENT” is a song released in 2014 by The Skippers, a punk rock band from Osaka.

Punk and Christmas might not seem like a natural fit, but for events or live shows with a Christmas theme, it’s the kind of track you’ll want in your set.

It’s a perfect recommendation for those occasions! Even as a punk band, you can deliver a very heartwarming, warm Christmas song.

Before you decide, “We’re a punk band, so Christmas isn’t really our thing…,” give this one a listen.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Little Saint NickThe Beach Boys

The Beach Boys – Little Saint Nick

This song, which opens with cheerful sleigh bells that let you fully soak in the Christmas spirit, was released in December 1963 as The Beach Boys’ tenth single.

Its lyrics about Santa Claus and a hot-rod sleigh cleverly weave in the surf culture of the time, naturally putting listeners in the mood to sing along.

Beloved by many, it reached No.

3 on Billboard’s special seasonal Christmas Singles chart.

It’s a great pick for livening up Christmas parties and events.

With its brisk rhythm and catchy melody, it’s perfect for a band cover.