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

Christmas and Black BootsBLANKEY JET CITY

THE BLANKEY JET CITY / “Christmas and Black Boots” Music Video directed by Toshiaki Toyoda 2024

This song was included as the B-side to the single “Winter Sweater,” released at the end of 1991, and was later featured on the 1992 album “BANG!” The lyrics, which pair the glamorous motif of Christmas with the symbolic image of black boots, depict a sense of loneliness and introspection lurking behind the festivities, while the medium-tempo performance heightens the poignancy.

The arrangement intertwines the taut ensemble unique to a three-piece band with a lyrical guitar sound, offering a strong sense of cohesion when covered by a band.

It’s a recommended choice for bands looking to present a Christmas song with a more personal perspective—something a little different from the standard fare—at a holiday live show.

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.

Christmas in a studio apartmentCARAMEL CANDiD

[One-Room Christmas] MV CARAMEL CANDiD

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.

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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A Wish to Santa Clausraburii samaa chan

A Wish to Santa Claus

A bittersweet Christmas song that portrays wishes and loneliness that don’t fade even after growing up.

It’s a track by Lovely Summer-chan, released in 2019 as the double A-side single “LSC2000 / Santa Claus ni Onegai,” and later included on the album “THE THIRD SUMMER OF LOVE.” The sound blends band-driven shoegaze-to-alternative rock textures with electronics, accented by lush strings.

The performances by top-tier musicians—such as Hibiki Yoshizawa on drums and Makoto Migita on bass—are a major draw.

It’s a piece that moves you with the feeling of waiting for someone, even while knowing the gap between past dreams and reality.

Perfect for creating a slightly sentimental mood at a Christmas live show.