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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] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover (111–120)

AnnaKai Band

When it comes to Kai Band’s winter classics, this one is a must.

With Yoshihiro Kai’s moving vocals, it has long been cherished as a staple winter ballad.

The lyrics, which express a bittersweet longing for a distant lover, make it a song that truly touches the heart.

Since its release in 1979, it has continued to be loved by many, and a remake version was released in 2012.

It’s the perfect song to listen to on a cold winter night while thinking of someone special.

It also suits band covers, so performing it at a Christmas live show would surely fill the venue with a warm atmosphere.

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Wicked Scheme ~ Merry Christmas, Mr. LawreROTTENGRAFFTY

[TV] Evil Schemes / Violence / Toxicology @ Kansai Rock Party - ROTTENGRAFFTY
Wicked Scheme ~ Merry Christmas, Mr. LawreROTTENGRAFFTY

If you’re into loud rock bands, this might be the song that comes to mind.

It’s a hidden fan favorite by ROTTENGRAFFTY that’s only performed a few times a year even at their live shows! It uses backing tracks, and the rap-style lyrics delivered by twin vocals make it pretty challenging.

That said, with elements like a melody that pays homage to a classic by Ryuichi Sakamoto and a gripping guitar solo, it’s packed with moments guaranteed to hype up the crowd.

Hane Keisuke
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Presents for ChristmasSolomon Burke

Solomon Burke – Presents For Christmas (Atlantic Records 1967)
Presents for ChristmasSolomon Burke

A Christmas song performed passionately by the late soul/R&B legend Solomon Burke, who sadly passed away in 2010.

True to his gospel roots, he lifts listeners with high-energy vocals that make you feel as if you’re in church.

The track is included on Soul Christmas, a various-artists compilation released by the renowned soul/R&B label Atlantic in 1968.

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Christmas All Over AgainTom Petty And The Heartbreakers

With the chime of Christmas bells and a vibrant band sound that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit, this is a Christmas number by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Included on A Very Special Christmas 2, released in October 1992, the song celebrates the joy that comes around every year at Christmastime.

Tom Petty’s warm vocals and the comfortable guitar tones vividly portray trimming the Christmas tree and the happiness of reuniting with family and friends.

If you cover it with a band, it’s a tune that can keep the rock flavor while also creating a festive Christmas vibe—sure to get the crowd going live!

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In conclusion

We’ve put together a generous list of recommended songs to play with your band at Christmas.

In addition to the classics you hear every single year, we’ve picked out famous tracks that rock fans will recognize, from both Western and Japanese artists.

With so many songs to choose from, we’re sure it’ll help with your setlist.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!