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

Merry, merry, merrygo!go!vanillas

Merry, merry, merry

A four-piece rock band, go!go!vanillas, whose pop-infused songs blend rock ’n’ roll and country music and have garnered support especially among younger listeners.

This track, included on their indie debut album “SHAKE,” features a guitar phrase that pays homage to John Lennon’s classic “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” which really stands out.

The light, shuffle-beat–driven arrangement is perfect for livening up Christmas live shows.

However, since the groove switches between a standard 8-beat and a shuffle beat mid-song, be careful to keep the band’s timing tight.

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Hoshino Takashi

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angel song -The Eve’s Bell-the brilliant green

[HD] the brilliant green – angel song - Eve's Bell

This is the 11th single by the music unit the brilliant green, which currently functions as vocalist Tomoko Kawase’s de facto solo project.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Midsummer Merry Christmas,” it features an arrangement that lifts the energy: from verses spotlighting dry guitar sounds and a cute vocal tone, it surges into an intense rock ensemble in the chorus.

The overall performance is simple, but because of the relaxed shuffle beat, the drums require care to avoid rushing or drifting out of time.

With its mystical melody that adds color to Christmas, it’s a rock tune that also fires up live crowds.

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Hoshino Takashi

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The happiest Christmas everMioyamazaki

The happiest Christmas ever

A Christmas song by Mio Yamazaki, who has written numerous love songs from a woman’s perspective.

Mio’s bright yet steady vocals give it a pop feel.

The track itself is very upbeat with a super catchy melody, so even people who don’t know the song should be able to enjoy it live! Matching that vibe, the first half portrays the excitement of Christmas, but in the second half the mood turns ominous and the signature Mio Yamazaki flair explodes! I think it’s a song that can entertain the audience through its lyrics as well.

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Hane Keisuke

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Christmas EveSasaki Kentaro

Kentaro Sasaki (Analogfish) “Christmas Eve” (Official Music Video)

This is “Christmas Eve,” a track released as the first solo work by Kentaro Sasaki of Analogfish.

It’s perfect for bands that want to perform lesser-known hidden gems rather than the usual Christmas standards! The guitar chords are easy to play if you use a capo, so it’s great for the vocalist to do an acoustic guitar sing-along.

Also, if members from other parts can join in with chorus vocals, it will feel even more Christmassy.

Give it a solid practice!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Christmas Time in Blue -Whistling on the Holy Night-Sano Motoharu

Christmas time in blue

A track from Motoharu Sano’s fifth album, “Café Bohemia,” which was also released as a lead single.

Despite its reggae rhythm, the effective use of echo creates a wintry atmosphere.

It conveys the message, “There are all kinds of people and all kinds of things going on, but let’s have fun tonight!”—making it a very warm and heartfelt song.

Christmas EveYuuri

Yuuri 'Christmas Eve' Official Music Video

Songs that capture the bittersweetness of Christmas can warm the heart on cold winter nights.

Released in November 2022, this track was Yuuri’s first Christmas song.

It overlays lost love and loneliness onto the special day of Christmas Eve.

With delicately poetic touches characteristic of Yuuri—such as likening the dimming and extinguishing of candlelight to love gradually fading—the song shines with nuance.

Also included on the album “Ni,” the piece highlights Yuuri’s expansive vocals and emotional expressiveness.

It sounds perfect for a group sing-along at karaoke, too.

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

Among Japanese Christmas songs, Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is one of the absolute classics, always vying for the top spot.

It’s a song you can’t go a year without hearing somewhere! Although it was released in the 1980s, it still feels completely timeless—that’s exactly why it’s been loved for so long.

Please try to capture that sense of excitement and sparkling beauty.

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Hane Keisuke

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