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

ephemeral blueSIX LOUNGE

ephemeral blue

This is a song by SIX LOUNGE, a three-piece rock band from Oita Prefecture.

It’s included on the EP “Sansan,” released in October 2025, and delicately portrays winter motifs such as station-front illuminations, snow, and unfulfilled feelings, along with the bittersweetness of youth.

The protagonist’s emotions—harboring feelings for someone while sensing a distance—are woven with a tender, bittersweet touch, highlighting the loneliness and impatience that can exist beneath the sparkle of Christmas.

It’s a mid-tempo number rooted in rock ’n’ roll yet distinguished by its lyrical melody, and its structure makes it easy to perform as a band ensemble.

It’s the perfect track when you want to deliver raw, not-too-sweet emotions at a Christmas live show.

Christmas songback number

back number – Christmas Song (full)

How about a slightly bittersweet Christmas love song? It’s a track by back number, a three-piece rock band from Gunma Prefecture.

Released in 2015 as their 14th single, it drew attention when it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five To Nine.” Since the tempo is relaxed, cherish each word and sing it with heartfelt emotion.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

27:00Burandē Senki

Brandy Senki – 27:00 (Official Music Video)

A young rock band from Osaka, Brandy Senki, released this track in November 2024.

The lyrics weave in themes of loneliness and complex feelings toward another person, along with seasonal motifs like Christmas and mistletoe, creating a world where poignancy and warmth coexist.

Featured on their first full-length album, “BRANDY SENKI,” the song combines driving drums, a groovy bass, and alternative-style guitar phrases for a striking sound—a rock tune that really shines at Christmas shows.

The rhythm section, in particular, may be challenging for beginners, but the melody has a catchy, kayōkyoku-like quality that makes it easy to draw the audience in.

Merry ChristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN『Merry Christmas』Full Ver.

It’s a band song with a stylish vibe reminiscent of Irish music.

It’s a track by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, also known for songs like “Tentai Kansoku” and “Karma,” and it was released in 2009 as the single “R.I.P./Merry Christmas.” Because it features a variety of instrumental timbres, it’s recommended as a cover for a large ensemble band.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Santa ClausELLEGARDEN

[All by myself] Santa Claus – ELLEGARDEN – Full Band Cover [One-person band] ELLEGARDEN #13

Because it’s a simple, straightforward song, it’s recommended even for beginner bands.

It’s a track by ELLEGARDEN, a rock band from Chiba Prefecture, included on their first album, “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US,” released in 2002.

Since it features English lyrics, memorizing it might be a bit tough, but that’s exactly what makes it rewarding.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

1999Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – 1999 / THE FIRST TAKE

Set on Christmas Eve at the end of the century, this winter classic by Hitsujibungaku beautifully portrays a stirring shift in emotions.

Against the backdrop of 1999—a moment where the end of an era intersects with a new beginning—it delicately expresses the protagonist’s inner conflict and their relationship with a loved one.

Originally released as a single in December 2018, an English version followed in November 2021, cementing the song’s status as one of the band’s signature works.

The music video, rich in narrative, invites each viewer’s own interpretation.

It’s a perfect song to play with friends on a long winter night, layering your feelings as you enjoy it together.

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.