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

Christmas TimeThe Darkness

The Darkness – Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) (Official Music Video) [HD]

It’s a classic Christmas song by The Darkness that incorporates flamboyant glam-rock elements! Released in December 2003, it reached No.

2 on that year’s Christmas chart.

Blending quintessentially Christmassy sounds like children’s choruses and sleigh bells with the band’s signature high-energy performance, the track creates a fun yet slightly bittersweet atmosphere.

Produced by Bob Ezrin and recorded at Abbey Road Studios, it boasts a luxurious finish.

The witty lyrics are also a highlight.

It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to amp up the Christmas mood with a full band.

Why not sing it together and enjoy it while taking in the meaning of the lyrics?

Father ChristmasThe Kinks

The Kinks – Father Christmas (Official HD Video)

A bold Christmas song by The Kinks that satirically portrays the joys of the season! Released in November 1977, this track overturns traditional notions of Christmas and delivers a sharp message about social inequality and materialism.

Featuring pub rock-style guitar chords and Christmassy sleigh bells, it’s a piece that really showcases the band’s character.

It offers a different kind of appeal from The Kinks’ signature hits like “You Really Got Me” and “Lola.” If you cover it live, highlighting the irony in the lyrics while bringing the heat of rock ’n’ roll to the forefront could make for a surprising performance.

It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to make an unconventional pick for a Christmas concert.

ChristmasThe Who

The Who- Christmas

Have you ever listened to what’s called a rock opera? As the name suggests, it’s a fusion of rock and opera.

It’s a style where the songs unfold along with a narrative, and it’s known as a genre established by the rock band The Who.

The song “Christmas” is included on the album Tommy, released in 1969.

The album tells the story of a young boy named Tommy who witnesses his father committing murder and is so traumatized that he loses his sight, hearing, and ability to speak.

In this song, the lyrics express Tommy’s inner voice in response to those around him who despair because he can’t share in the Christmas celebration.

It’s an epic, almost cinematic work—perfect for a band to sink their teeth into!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Christmas All Over AgainTom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty Christmas All Over Again With Lyrics

A Christmas song by American singer-songwriter Tom Petty, who sadly passed away in 2017.

It’s a track that feels refreshingly brisk while still evoking rock ’n’ roll.

The original layers a sparkling wealth of sounds in a Wall of Sound style, but it could be interesting to arrange it into a simple band sound and cover it.

Can’t Help Falling In LoveUB40

UB40 CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE

Originally released by Elvis Presley in 1961, the song was covered by the British reggae band UB40 in 1993 and spent seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 in the U.S.

While reggae is often associated with summer, it actually suits winter surprisingly well, too.

Merry XmasWeezer

Weezer Merry Christmas / Weezer Merikuri

It’s an unexpected cover of BoA’s classic “Meri Kuri” by Rivers Cuomo, the vocalist of Weezer, who’s famous for being a huge Japanophile.

It’s surprising enough that Weezer, a globally popular American power-pop band, covered J-pop, but it’s even more astonishing that he sang the entire song in Japanese.

How about taking on a cover of this love-filled cover yourself?

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Murakami Shinpei

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Snowy Nights Serenade ~I Want to Connect Even Our Hearts~ X’mas ver.flumpool

flumpool “Snowy Nights Serenade ~I Want to Connect Even Our Hearts~ X’mas ver.” Music Video

Flumpool is a band that has produced many heartrending ballads.

When it comes to their Christmas songs, “Snowy Nights Serenade ~I Want to Connect Even Our Hearts~ X’mas ver.” is the one that comes to mind.

The melody itself is beautifully evocative of Christmas, making it perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere.

First, take your time to read the lyrics carefully and immerse yourself in the song’s world.

If you’d like to practice with the CD recording afterward, buying their best-of album is also recommended.

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yamamoto

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