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

Sercret Love StoryKishidan

Kishidan – Secret Love Story

It’s Kishidan’s fourth single, released in 2003.

Many of you probably know that the idol group Momoiro Clover Z covered it in 2016.

It’s a sweet, bittersweet, and gentle Christmas song that somehow brings tears to your eyes.

Actress Erika Sawajiri appears in the music video.

CHRISTMAS BOOGIECanned Heat

CANNED HEAT – CHRISTMAS BOOGIE

Canned Heat is an American blues-rock band that has been active from the 1960s to the present.

This track is a number included on their 2007 Christmas album, and their gritty boogie is alive and well here, too! How about covering the combination of heavy guitar riffs and slide playing with twin guitars?

Ding DongTOKIO

Christmas songs by SMAP and TOKIO

TOKIO, who have become a one-of-a-kind presence through their atypical idol activities—crafting high-quality songs themselves and showcasing agricultural skills—released this as their 27th single.

Used as the theme song for the TV drama “Yan Papa,” it was issued as a double A-side single together with “glider.” Opening with beautiful choral work, the song is guaranteed to hype up Christmas concerts.

With its refreshing arrangement and catchy pop melody, it’s a Christmas tune that makes everyone on stage and in the audience want to sing along.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas roseTUBE

Tube Christmas Rose [cover]

When you think of TUBE, summer songs may be the first thing that comes to mind, but they also have a love ballad about Christmas! Sung with the passionate voice of vocalist Nobutoki Maeda, it tells a story set on Christmas Eve, just as the snow begins to fall.

The lyrics portray a man heading out to confess his feelings to the woman he loves.

Alongside the lyrics that convey a strong, straightforward love, the guitar solo woven into the song seems to express the rising emotions as well, making it a hidden gem of a Christmas ballad that will leave your heart feeling warm by the time the song ends.

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Hane Keisuke

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Winter SongDREAMS COME TRUE

WINTER SONG (from DCT-TV special WINTER FANTASIA 2009 〜 DCTgarden “THE LIVE!!!”)

Affectionately known by its abbreviation “DoriCam,” the two-piece band DREAMS COME TRUE captivates fans with their commanding vocals and pop-driven songs.

This is their 14th single, the English-lyric version of their 8th single “Yuki no Christmas.” It was used as the opening theme for the film “Sleepless in Seattle” and as an insert song in “July 7th, Sunny.” From the striking intro that evokes snowy scenery to the emotional melody, it’s packed with elements that make it perfect for a Christmas live performance.

Playing “Yuki no Christmas” as is is of course great, but singing it in English is sure to elevate the crowd even more—an iconic winter song that vividly conjures scenes of the season.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Soulful ChristmasJames Brown

James Brown ” Soulful Christmas “

A Christmas song by the Godfather of Funk, James Brown.

The track has that familiar 100% funky JB style, but the chorus might really hype up the crowd if you cover it at a party.

A key point is adding “I love you” right after that.

Last ChristmasJimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World – Last Christmas

When it comes to Western Christmas songs, Last Christmas is almost always mentioned as a classic, right? It’s a timeless hit covered by many artists both in Japan and abroad, and among them, Jimmy Eat World—famous for Sweetness—delivered a cool take that keeps the original’s sparkling, Christmassy feel while adding their signature guitar-driven approach.

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Hane Keisuke

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