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

silentSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「silent」

This is the 15th single by SEKAI NO OWARI, a four-member co-ed band whose lyrics weave themes ranging from the intimate to the global, and who have gained popularity for their one-of-a-kind sound and performances often described as fantastical.

The song was chosen as the theme for the TV drama “Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka,” and its Christmas-evoking sound feels enchanting.

The ensemble, featuring strings that create a sense of depth, seems perfect for drawing audiences into its world at Christmas concerts.

While piano and keyboards sit at the core of the sound, it’s also a fun track to arrange in your own way when performing it as a band.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas in a studio apartmentCARAMEL CANDiD

CARAMEL CANDiD “One-Room Christmas” MV

A four-piece girls’ band who champion “sweet and bitter caramel rock,” CARAMEL CANDiD have drawn attention with the contrast between their sugary maid outfits and heartrending lyrics.

Released in October 2024, this track is a lyrical number where childhood memories of leaving milk and cookies by the door for Santa intersect with the loneliness of spending the present in a one-room apartment alone.

While bearing the curse of having grown up, the song earnestly pleads to be allowed to keep dreaming, set to a medium-tempo guitar rock sound.

The protagonist’s feelings as life shifts from a family of three to living alone resonate deeply alongside a serene ensemble.

It’s a captivating song that showcases the band’s delicate worldview, portraying the true, not-just-glittering side of Christmas.

Christmas cakeSARD UNDERGROUND

SARD UNDERGROUND “Christmas Cake” MV

SARD UNDERGROUND, who have established their own musical identity starting from ZARD tributes, present their first original Christmas song.

Inspired by the motif of a pure white cake topped only with whipped cream, the lyrics skillfully weave together complex emotions—sorrow, loneliness, and hope.

It’s a mid-tempo ballad where monologue-like vocals and shimmering chorus lines intertwine, creating a sound that resonates with both poignancy and warmth.

The track is included on the mini-album “Hi no Nagori,” released in September 2022, which reached No.

9 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The music video, featuring a performance amid gently falling powder snow, is beautiful as well.

If you’re looking for a quietly moving Christmas song, this is a perfect fit.

It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to express a deep, distinctive Christmas atmosphere that stands apart from the usual classics.

Dear SantaKoresawa

Koresawa “Onegai Santa Claus” [Lyric Video]

It’s a hidden gem of a Christmas song created by singer-songwriter Koresawa! Originally performed only during the holiday season since her indie days, the track was officially released for the first time in November 2023.

Set to a medium-tempo band sound, its warm, heartfelt lyrics portray the feelings of being alone in the cold winter and a sincere wish to Santa Claus.

Rather than material desires, the song carries a message that asks for the “courage to choose,” making it a Christmas song that also prompts reflection on relationships and personal growth.

If you cover it with a band, sing while feeling the meaning of the lyrics, and value a down-to-earth, genuine emotional expression.

Chris and MassJenīhai

chris to mas

This is a track that captures the Christmas atmosphere with an urban sound.

Written and composed by Enon Kawatani, it stands out for the playful wordplay embedded in its title.

The lyrics delicately depict winter nights and snowy scenes, resonating deeply and creating a world where stillness and sparkle intermingle.

Included on the album “Jenny Star,” released in September 2021, it asserts its presence among the 12 tracks that blend band-driven sounds with pop, distinguished by its relatively serene mood.

Its polished, metropolitan performance showcases a unique hybrid quality born from an unconventional combination: a comedian, a contemporary music composer, and a rock band member.

It’s a perfect choice for setting the tone of a mellow Christmas live show.

Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

Someday Merry Christmas / B’z (Covered by GOODWARP)

“Itsuka no Merry Christmas” has become a staple Christmas song in Japanese music.

For B’z—who are better known for their hard-hitting tracks—it’s a rare acoustic-style ballad.

While matching Koshi Inaba’s beautiful vocals may be challenging, the song is highly recognizable and creates a festive Christmas atmosphere, so it’s a great pick!

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Hane Keisuke

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Holy NightMOSHIMO

MOSHIMO 「Holy Night」 MV

A winter love song by the Fukuoka-born rock band MOSHIMO.

The track was included on KOGA RECORDS’ Christmas compilation album “HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM SHIMOKITA,” released in November 2020.

It captures the mix of last-minute jitters and sweet anticipation right before Christmas, carried by a powerful band sound.

While the arrangement showcases guitar-driven rock that makes the most of the full band setup, it also preserves the seasonal mood, making it a song that shines live.

Co-written by Saki Iwabuchi and Takayuki Ichinose, the lyrics candidly portray wavering emotions of love and are highly relatable.

Recommended for those who want to create a different atmosphere from the usual setlist at a Christmas live show.