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

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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Silent NightSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI「Silent Night」

This is SEKAI NO OWARI’s cover of the beloved Christmas classic “Silent Night.” It was a fan club–exclusive track that was released on YouTube in 2014.

The romantic sound conjures up images of snow falling on Christmas night.

It’s perfect to perform as entertainment at a party.

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Araki Jakkan

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Thank God It’s ChristmasQueen

Queen – Thank God It’s Christmas (Official Lyric Video)

A warm, timeless classic that feels as if it’s been touched by Christmas magic.

Freddie’s lustrous vocals layer over a gently opening piano melody, creating a song that sinks deep into the heart—a masterpiece of a Christmas song born from QUEEN.

Released in November 1984, it was composed by Brian May and Roger Taylor, and perfected by the vocals of Freddie, the very soul of the band.

The lyrics, which sing of seeking a moment of peace from stressful days, are universally relatable.

When singing it at karaoke, be mindful of the structure that starts quietly and gradually swells, and pour your emotions into it.

Solitude X’masFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

Solitude X’mas

A Christmas track by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, a loud rock band known for their unique style that fuses heavy sounds with electronic elements.

It’s included on their first full-length album, Dance & Scream, released in November 2010, and features English lyrics that depict snowy landscapes, city illuminations, and the bittersweet feeling of waiting for a loved one to return.

The interplay between intense screams and clean vocals, and the explosive jump from quiet sections into pounding drums, is truly breathtaking.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to hype up a venue with a loud arrangement that stands apart from typical Christmas songs, or for fans of electrocore-style sounds.

Tokyo ExtrasI Don’t Like Mondays.

Tokyo Extra (Audio)

This work overlays the quiet heartache of a protagonist harboring unspoken feelings in a corner of the city with a winter nightscape.

The lyrics, spun from a lonely perspective—“in someone else’s story, I’m nothing more than an extra”—capture the sadness that exists behind the glitter of the Christmas season with striking realism.

The characteristically groovy sound of I Don’t Like Mondays.

is joined by gospel-style chorus vocals from Azumi Takahashi, the first Japanese winner of the Apollo Theater’s Annual Championship, creating an urgency that feels like a prayer.

Released digitally in November 2020 and later included on the album Black Humor, it’s the kind of song that, when performed at a winter live show, is sure to draw the audience into a hushed, attentive atmosphere.