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

Santa Claus to mewacci

Santa Claus to me

A Christmas song where a romantic night intersects with a wistful wish.

A track by wacci, it carefully portrays winter scenes, tender feelings of love, and a touch of anxiety.

The protagonist’s feelings for Christmas and the desire to give the other person an unforgettable day ride on a warm yet bittersweet melody.

It was included in December 2014 as the B-side of their fourth single, “Kiramaki / Fuwari / Santa Claus wo Boku ni.” With its lively rhythm and arrangement that makes the most of a band setup, this piece is especially appealing—play it at a Christmas live show and it’s sure to envelop the venue in a gentle atmosphere.

Men Who Don’t Know Christmasgagaga supi

Men Who Don't Know Christmas

A gem of a track included on Gagaga SP’s May 2009 album “Give Me Money!! Give Me Love!! Give Me Freedom!!,” representing the youth punk scene.

It portrays the feelings of a lonely man far removed from the glittering, happiness-symbolizing Christmas, set to a wistful melody and candid lyrics.

Unlike their high-speed punk sound, this medium-tempo rock number vividly depicts unfulfilled romance and mounting impatience.

Despite its simple guitar-bass-drums setup, the song’s structure, which captures emotional shifts, makes it rewarding to perform.

It’s perfect for those who want to create a rough-edged atmosphere unlike typical Christmas songs—give it a try live.

Merry X’mas Mr. Lonelymandohatsuten

Dokatsu Ten / Merry X’mas Mr. Lonelyman

The title track of a strictly limited-edition single by Sapporo-born Japanese rock band Dohatsuten.

Released in November 2010, the song vividly depicts Christmas scenes with a lavish string arrangement accented by sleigh bells and castanets.

The lyrics overlay the feelings of a lonely man onto Christmas Night, and the track was created as an answer song to the summer number “Manatsu no Kirigirisu” (The Midsummer Grasshopper).

The protagonist’s changing state across the seasons is expressed through a powerful rock sound.

It’s a song where the band’s signature performance intensity fuses with festive, Christmas-style ornamentation—sure to fire up the floor when played live.

Jingle BallsKorn

Jingle Balls by Korn

Korn, the American metal band.

Their wicked track “Jingle Balls” is the best.

It’s the ultimate Christmas song—nothing more needs to be said.

Be sure to perform it in dramatic scenes or moody settings.

The technical drumming and the vocalist’s distinctive tone make it a song you’ll want to replicate perfectly from top to bottom.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Hard Days,Holy NightPorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti “Hard Days, Holy Night (Band Session)”

A Porno Graffitti track whose signature features are a distinctive beat infused with Latin rhythms and a catchy melody.

Included on their 13th single “Ai ga Yobu Hou e,” it marked the band’s first Christmas song.

While it incorporates the crystalline sound typical of holiday tunes, its pop arrangement remains a straightforward rock ensemble—sure to fire up any Christmas live show.

Despite the occasional sudden meter changes and melodic complexity, it’s a refreshing rock tune meant to be driven through with event-style excitement and momentum.

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Hoshino Takashi

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GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTsutoreitenaa

STRAIGHTENER – GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

The song, which has that sophisticated coolness characteristic of Straightener, is “GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST.” Despite its mellow mood, you can really feel the band’s groove.

It’s a track that captures not only the happy vibe of Christmas but also the band’s cool factor, so it’s definitely a song you’ll want to try.

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Hane Keisuke

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Christmastoukyou shoki shoudou

CRISTMAS

A four-piece girls’ band active in the indie scene and known by the abbreviation Tokyosyoki, Tokyo Shoki Shodo wields a wide musical range from punk to pop.

This track, included on their second album “End of the World,” delivers exactly what its title suggests: an emotional blend of whispery vocals woven over a dreamy, Christmas-tinged sound.

With its relaxed tempo and simple arrangement, it’s also a great pick when a holiday-season live show gets scheduled at the last minute.

A modern Christmas song that’s sure to captivate the audience.

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Hoshino Takashi

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