[2026] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover
Aren’t there actually quite a lot of people who perform live around Christmas time?
If you’re in a high school club or a university circle, there’s probably a Christmas live.
And if it’s an event during the holiday season, you’ll naturally want to perform Christmas songs with your band!
But don’t you feel like the most classic Christmas songs aren’t really “band” tunes?
So in this article, I’ll introduce plenty of Christmas songs that are great for band covers!
I’ll include some classics, but I’ll also feature lots of rock band tracks—both Japanese and Western—so use this as a reference when choosing songs to perform!
Playlist
| [2026] A roundup of recommended Christmas songs for bands to cover | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | ephemeral blueSIX LOUNGE |  play_arrow | SIX LOUNGE’s wistful winter youth anthem |
| 2 | Christmas songback number |  play_arrow | A bittersweet Christmas love song |
| 3 | Merry ChristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN |  play_arrow | Signature songs of the band BUMP OF CHICKEN |
| 4 | Santa ClausELLEGARDEN |  play_arrow | Early masterpiece by ELLEGARDEN, with the appeal of English lyrics |
| 5 | 1999Hitsuji Bungaku |  play_arrow | End of the century, a heart-stirring winter classic |
| 6 | 27:00Burandē Senki |  play_arrow | A bittersweet song by a rock band from Osaka |
| 7 | silentSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI’s Christmas song |
| 8 | Christmas and Black BootsBLANKEY JET CITY |  play_arrow | A song that portrays the bittersweet emotions of Christmas |
| 9 | Dear SantaKoresawa |  play_arrow | A Hidden Gem of Christmas Songs |
| 10 | Christmas in a studio apartmentCARAMEL CANDiD |  play_arrow | Childhood days waiting for Santa and the loneliness of the present |
| 11 | Christmas cakeSARD UNDERGROUND |  play_arrow | SARD UNDERGROUND’s heartwarming Christmas song |
| 12 | Chris and MassJenīhai |  play_arrow | A serene, urban Christmas aesthetic |
| 13 | Someday Merry ChristmasB’z |  play_arrow | A classic by B’z, a gentle Christmas song |
| 14 | A Wish to Santa Clausraburii samaa chan |  play_arrow | A poignant song that sings of the loneliness and wishes of Christmas |
| 15 | powder snowRemioromen |  play_arrow | Remioromen’s signature winter song, a moving masterpiece that resonates in the heart |
| 16 | Holy NightMOSHIMO |  play_arrow | A song by a rock band from Fukuoka that depicts the feelings of winter love. |
| 17 | Winter MarchHarukamirai |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song that feels like a winter Christmas |
| 18 | On Christmas nightYUTORI-SEDAI |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song where winter’s chill and feelings of love intertwine |
| 19 | daylightChilli Beans. |  play_arrow | A new kind of Christmas song has arrived |
| 20 | Rockin’ Around The Christmas TreeBrenda Lee |  play_arrow | A Christmas classic, sung by Brenda Lee |
| 21 | Love SnowSilent Siren |  play_arrow | Christmas songs, classic hits by girl bands |
| 22 | Last ChristmasWham! |  play_arrow | A classic for Christmas: Wham!’s famous song |
| 23 | Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon |  play_arrow | John Lennon's Christmas song |
| 24 | My lover is Santa ClausSCANDAL |  play_arrow | SCANDAL does a rock cover of Santa Claus |
| 25 | Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | SEKAI NO OWARI’s winter song is enchanting. |
| 26 | Christmasamazarashi |  play_arrow | Christmas song, a masterpiece by amazarashi |
| 27 | All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey |  play_arrow | Joyfully performing classic Christmas songs |
| 28 | wishsumika |  play_arrow | sumika's emotional Christmas song |
| 29 | White LoversKuwata Keisuke |  play_arrow | The Christmas song “Yuki no Furu Machi o” |
| 30 | SharonROSSO |  play_arrow | A wistful, rock-tinged winter song by ROSSO |
| 31 | homeRyukku to soine gohan |  play_arrow | A warm winter song brimming with youthful vibes, “Ruxo.” |
| 32 | Men Who Don’t Know Christmasgagaga supi |  play_arrow | A song by a man with mixed feelings about Christmas |
| 33 | corn potageSaucy Dog |  play_arrow | A winter song depicting growth and warmth |
| 34 | Santa Claus to mewacci |  play_arrow | A wistful Christmas song that portrays love and anxiety |
| 35 | Jingle BallsKorn |  play_arrow | The Christmas song by the metal band Korn is the best. |
| 36 | Hard Days,Holy NightPorunogurafiti |  play_arrow | An exhilarating rock tune of a Christmas song |
| 37 | GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PASTsutoreitenaa |  play_arrow | Sophisticated winter song by Straightener |
| 38 | Christmastoukyou shoki shoudou |  play_arrow | A moving song inspired by Christmas |
| 39 | Silent NightSEKAI NO OWARI |  play_arrow | Christmas songs, classic masterpieces of a snowy night |
| 40 | Thank God It’s ChristmasQueen |  play_arrow | The moving Queen classic of Christmas |
| 41 | Solitude X’masFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas |
| 42 | Tokyo ExtrasI Don’t Like Mondays. |  play_arrow | A song of a wintry nightscape of solitude and prayer |
| 43 | Men Who Don’t Know Christmasgagaga supi |  play_arrow | A famous song by Gagaga SP that depicts the loneliness of Christmas |
| 44 | Merry X’mas Mr. Lonelymandohatsuten |  play_arrow | Dohatsuten’s Christmas song: loneliness and the changing seasons |
| 45 | Night of the 32nd-magnitude StarHakubi |  play_arrow | The poignant world of adult Christmas songs |
| 46 | Burnin’ X’mas (UNDER:COVER 2)T.M.Revolution |  play_arrow | A self-cover version of T.M.Revolution’s signature song |
| 47 | Jingle Bell RockBobby Helms |  play_arrow | Christmas rock, music with a cozy atmosphere |
| 48 | Santa Claus Is Coming to TownThe Jackson 5 |  play_arrow | The Jackson 5’s classic song “Santa Claus” |
| 49 | Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi |  play_arrow | Movie theme, melancholic electronic music |
| 50 | Christmas Nightatarayo |  play_arrow | A trio band that sings of sorrow’s poignant Christmas song |
| 51 | Christmas LightsColdplay |  play_arrow | Coldplay’s moving Christmas song |
| 52 | Entrust me with eternity.DEEN |  play_arrow | A winter love song, DEEN’s classic |
| 53 | White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S) |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by JUN SKY WALKER(S) from the ’80s |
| 54 | Hurry XmasL’Arc〜en〜Ciel |  play_arrow | L'Arc~en~Ciel's 33rd Christmas song |
| 55 | Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)Ramones |  play_arrow | The Ramones' punk Christmas song |
| 56 | Winter StorySCANDAL |  play_arrow | A warm winter love song is captivating. |
| 57 | Hazy Shade of WinterThe Bangles |  play_arrow | Covering a classic by Simon & Garfunkel |
| 58 | Silver BsellTwisted Sister |  play_arrow | A heavy metal song with a Christmas theme |
| 59 | White TreeShido |  play_arrow | Sid's classic masterpiece, perfect for Christmas! |
| 60 | SnowdomeKimura Kaera |  play_arrow | Kaela Kimura’s winter love song, her beautiful voice is captivating. |
| 61 | My Greatest TreasureBIGMAMA |  play_arrow | An early hidden gem by BIGMAMA—catchy and warm. |
| 62 | Christmas is coming soon…SHADY DOLLS |  play_arrow | A classic Christmas ballad by SHADY DOLLS |
| 63 | A town where it snowsUNICORN |  play_arrow | A classic UNICORN song by Tamio Okuda that paints a winter scene |
| 64 | I want to hug you.Mr.Children |  play_arrow | Winter love songs remain popular across generations |
| 65 | Ding DongPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | A timeless Christmas song that resonates with the heart |
| 66 | Fuckin’ XmasNyūrotika |  play_arrow | A Christmas smashed with a punk sensibility |
| 67 | Mistress for ChristmasAC/DC |  play_arrow | AC/DC’s Christmas song, packed with rock appeal! |
| 68 | I totally hate Christmas!! Just kidding.CRAZY KEN BAND |  play_arrow | There’s a gap between their usual self and how they are with Christmas songs. |
| 69 | Merry Christmas, DarlingCarpenters |  play_arrow | A classic song by the legendary duo, The Carpenters |
| 70 | We All Need ChristmasDef Leppard |  play_arrow | Def Leppard’s Christmas acoustic ballad |
| 71 | Step into ChristmasElton John |  play_arrow | Elton’s Christmas song, a gift to a lover |
| 72 | White ChristmasGuns N’ Roses |  play_arrow | Music of Guns N' Roses |
| 73 | Happy Xmas(War Is Over)Hi-STANDARD |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by Hi-STANDARD, pioneers of melodic hardcore |
| 74 | ChristmasJUDY AND MARY |  play_arrow | JUDY AND MARY’s Christmas rock song |
| 75 | Have Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasJohn Legend, Esperanza Spalding |  play_arrow | John Legend's Christmas jazz song |
| 76 | Run Rudolph RunKeith Richards |  play_arrow | Santa’s Reindeer, Song of Hope |
| 77 | The saint is coming to town.LAUGHIN’ NOSE |  play_arrow | A popular punk band song is still popular. |
| 78 | It Snows In HellLordi |  play_arrow | A wistful Christmas song by a Scandinavian band |
| 79 | Merry Christmas BabyOtis Redding |  play_arrow | A classic Christmas song, Otis’s singing |
| 80 | Wonderful ChristmastimePaul McCartney |  play_arrow | An impressive song by Paul McCartney |
| 81 | NEW YORK SNOW: I Want to Hold YouRC sakuseshon |  play_arrow | The love song “FEEL SO BAD” by RC |
| 82 | Third ChristmasSHOW-YA |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love woven by Christmas songs |
| 83 | PRESENTTHE SKIPPERS |  play_arrow | A punk band’s Christmas song |
| 84 | Little Saint NickThe Beach Boys |  play_arrow | A classic Christmas song with a surfing vibe |
| 85 | Christmas TimeThe Darkness |  play_arrow | Glam rock Christmas song |
| 86 | Father ChristmasThe Kinks |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays social satire of Christmas |
| 87 | ChristmasThe Who |  play_arrow | Music that fuses rock and opera |
| 88 | Christmas All Over AgainTom Petty & The Heartbreakers |  play_arrow | The musical charm woven into Christmas songs |
| 89 | Can’t Help Falling In LoveUB40 |  play_arrow | Elvis’s classic, a hit for UB40 |
| 90 | Merry XmasWeezer |  play_arrow | Weezer’s Rivers covers BoA’s ‘Meri Kuri’ in Japanese |
| 91 | Snowy Nights Serenade ~I Want to Connect Even Our Hearts~ X’mas ver.flumpool |  play_arrow | flumpool’s classic Christmas song |
| 92 | Merry, merry, merrygo!go!vanillas |  play_arrow | An inspiring song by a pop rock band |
| 93 | angel song -The Eve’s Bell-the brilliant green |  play_arrow | The Brilliant Green’s famous song, a Christmas theme song |
| 94 | The happiest Christmas everMioyamazaki |  play_arrow | The allure of a Christmas song in Mio Yamazaki’s style |
| 95 | Christmas EveSasaki Kentaro |  play_arrow | The Christmas classic “Christmas Eve” |
| 96 | Christmas Time in Blue -Whistling on the Holy Night-Sano Motoharu |  play_arrow | A reggae-style winter song with a warm message |
| 97 | Christmas EveYuuri |  play_arrow | The bittersweetness and love woven into Christmas songs |
| 98 | Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” is an eternal classic. |
| 99 | Sercret Love StoryKishidan |  play_arrow | A Christmas song, a sweet and bittersweet tune that resonates with the heart |
| 100 | CHRISTMAS BOOGIECanned Heat |  | A long-running blues rock band performs their classic hits. |
| 101 | Ding DongTOKIO |  play_arrow | A refreshing Christmas song by TOKIO, used as a TV drama theme song. |
| 102 | Christmas roseTUBE |  play_arrow | TUBE's Christmas love song |
| 103 | Winter SongDREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | DREAMS COME TRUE’s moving Christmas song |
| 104 | Soulful ChristmasJames Brown |  play_arrow | Funky in JB’s Christmas song |
| 105 | Last ChristmasJimmy Eat World |  play_arrow | The appeal of the classic Christmas song “Last Christmas” |
| 106 | Please Come Home for ChristmasJohnny Winter |  play_arrow | Johnny Winter's Christmas song |
| 107 | Merry Xmas EverybodySlade |  play_arrow | The biggest hit Christmas song |
| 108 | Silent NightThe Dickies |  play_arrow | An intense Christmas song cover by a punk band |
| 109 | Christmas, Baby Please Come HomeU2 |  play_arrow | Christmas songs that are easy to cover |
| 110 | Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | Shogo Hamada’s 80s ballad “Sadness Like Snow” |
| 111 | Devil’s Merry ChristmasSeikima II |  play_arrow | The unique charm of Seikima-II’s Christmas songs |
| 112 | presentHagiwara Kenichi |  play_arrow | A timeless Christmas song that resonates with the heart |
| 113 | AnnaKai Band |  play_arrow | A winter classic by Kai Band, a bittersweet love |
| 114 | Wicked Scheme ~ Merry Christmas, Mr. LawreROTTENGRAFFTY |  play_arrow | Hidden gem by a rock band, twin vocals |
| 115 | Presents for ChristmasSolomon Burke |  play_arrow | A soulful, passionate performance of a Christmas song |
| 116 | Christmas All Over AgainTom Petty And The Heartbreakers |  play_arrow | A warm song that sings of the joy of Christmas |