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

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.

Winter MarchHarukamirai

Fuyuno March

A track included on the album Eternal Flower, released in January 2019.

It’s a richly emotional number that blends Harukamirai’s signature delicate lyrics with a full band sound.

With winter imagery like Christmas Eve and Silent Night scattered throughout the lyrics, it’s perfect for a seasonally themed setlist.

Its lyrical world, depicting a breakup and wavering emotions, has a unique charm where poignancy and warmth coexist.

The guitar cutting and rhythmic accents create a sense of drive, and the alternation between calm and intensity makes for an arrangement that shines live.

A recommended song for those who want to set the mood for a refined, adult Christmas.

powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow

Since the hiatus was announced, the members of the three-piece rock band Remioromen have each been active in their own pursuits.

This is their eighth single overall.

The song was used as an insert track in the TV drama “1 Litre of Tears” and is known as a number that could be called Remioromen’s signature.

Its ethereal, winter-evoking ensemble and wistful lyrics are perfect for creating the atmosphere of a Christmas live show.

While the overall arrangement is simple, if you’re the vocalist-guitarist, you’ll need to sing the high notes in the chorus while playing, so be sure to practice so you don’t go off pitch.

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Hoshino Takashi

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On Christmas nightYUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – On Christmas Night - [Official Music Video]

YUTORI-SEDAI’s Christmas song, where the chill of winter intersects with the warmth of love, is perfect for a band cover.

Released in November 2021, this piece stands out with its poignant lyrics and soothing melody, beautifully painting the scenes of a Christmas night.

The lyrics liken feelings for a loved one to falling snow, resonating with younger listeners.

Performed live, it would surely transform the atmosphere of the venue.

It’s a warm, comforting track you’ll want to hear in the cold season—highly recommended for those troubled by love or dreaming of spending Christmas with someone special.

daylightChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – daylight (Official Music Video)

A winter night so quiet you can’t even hear the bells.

Beginning with that scene, this song is a new kind of Christmas tune that captures the desire to escape the holiday bustle.

Released by Chilli Beans.

in December 2022, it features their signature, striking choral work.

It came out in multiple formats: CD, CD + Blu-ray Disc, and a limited-edition cassette tape.

Unlike traditional Christmas standards, it voices the feelings of young people seeking freedom, making it perfect for a band cover.

A recommended track for anyone who wants to spend Christmas in their own way, unbound by conventional values.

Rockin’ Around The Christmas TreeBrenda Lee

Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree (Official Music Video)

As the Christmas season draws near, the atmosphere in the city suddenly becomes lively, doesn’t it? When it comes to timeless songs perfect for this time of year, this track is a must.

Sung by Brenda Lee when she was 13, the song has been adored ever since its 1958 release.

Its upbeat rhythm and brassy sound are striking, and you can almost picture people happily dancing around the Christmas tree.

After it was featured in the 1990 film Home Alone, it began drawing attention every holiday season, and in 2023 it finally reached No.

1 on the Billboard chart.

If you cover it with a band, it’s great to emphasize the groove with guitar and drums and add a horn section.

It’s the perfect song for boosting the party mood.

Last ChristmasWham!

Wham! – Last Christmas (Official Video)

A song by Wham!, the British pop duo formed by classmates from elementary school that released numerous hits in the 1980s.

It’s a famous track covered by many artists and is beloved in Japan as a classic Christmas song.

Thanks to its laid-back arrangement, it’s easy for bands to perform, and since it’s a tune almost everyone has heard at least once, it really energizes live shows.

For rock bands covering it, it’s fun to keep just the melody and rearrange the rest—an ideal pop tune for Christmas gigs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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