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

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.

Night of the 32nd-magnitude StarHakubi

Hakubi – Night of the 32nd-Magnitude Star [MV]

A Christmas song by Hakubi wrapped in a festive holiday atmosphere.

It’s an adult Christmas tune that expresses the loneliness and emptiness one can feel despite the bustle of Christmas night, conveyed through a tender, heartrending vocal.

Released in November 2022, the track is also included on Hakubi’s second album, “Eye.” The music video, directed by filmmaker Norie Enokizono, has also been generating buzz.

It’s a perfect song to perform at live shows during the Christmas season.

If you cover it with a band, it could be interesting to preserve the lyrical world while adding a rock flavor to the arrangement.

Burnin’ X’mas (UNDER:COVER 2)T.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution Burnin’ X’mas (UNDER:COVER 2) TV LIVE

This song is one of T.M.Revolution’s signature tracks, but the version we’re introducing here is his self-cover.

It’s been reborn as a Christmas song featuring Takanori Nishikawa’s emotional vocals and a driving, heavy band sound.

The track is said to center on a “pathetic man tossed around by love,” giving it a Christmas vibe that’s a bit different from the norm.

The characters are a provocative woman and a man whose smoldering feelings erupt.

Crank up this passionate Christmas song—one that blows away the usual holiday mood of cozy nights with lovers or family, or lonely nights after a breakup—with its high-energy sound!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

hiyori

Report a problem

Jingle Bell RockBobby Helms

Jingle Bell Rock / Bobby Helms 1957

Even if you don’t know the song title or the artist, you’ve probably heard it before, right? It’s a rock-style Christmas song with an oldies vibe! The tempo feels calm, yet it has a refreshing, happy feel that makes it so pleasant to listen to.

To capture this groove, it looks like the band members will need to practice together thoroughly.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Santa Claus Is Coming to TownThe Jackson 5

Jackson 5 -Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town

The Jackson 5 version of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,’ included on their 1970 Christmas album.

If the original feels a bit lacking and you want a beat with a strong off-beat groove, cover this one instead.

And if you can hit those high notes, definitely go for it!

Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Composed as the theme for the film Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence, this piece is surely one that almost everyone has heard before.

Its melody carries a hint of melancholy while remaining highly catchy and pleasing—so compelling that you want to keep listening.

Created by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1983, it marked a significant turning point in his musical career.

The synthesizer-centered electronic timbres are striking, beautifully conveying both the realities of war and the complexities of human emotion.

Performed at a Christmas concert, it would envelop the entire venue in a warm atmosphere.