Heartfelt: Recommended Touching Ballad Songs for Christmas [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

When you think of Christmas, many people picture it as an event for couples.

Because of that, there are lots of ballads with a romantic theme among Christmas songs.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of classic ballads that are perfect for the holiday season!

They range from songs that depict happy couples to ones that portray heartbreaking breakups.

Besides love songs, there are also moving tracks that are sure to touch your heart, so be sure to find the one that matches your mood.

Now, let’s dive into the world of Christmas ballads!

Heart-Touching: Recommended Emotional Christmas Ballad Songs [2026] (41–50)

Silent EveKarashima Midori

Silent Eve / Midori Karashima

Silent EveKarashima Midori

Anyway, this song is so pure and beautiful that it even gives off a sacred feeling perfect for Christmas, and it’s incredibly popular as a Christmas song, isn’t it? The sensational lyrics, which depict a woman’s inner resolve to part ways with the man she cherishes during the Christmas season, are particularly striking.

Though it tells a calm and heartrending story, the melody that carries those lyrics is exceptionally beautiful—especially the chorus, which has a dignified beauty like a vast, snowy plain.

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A Christmas Promiseyuzuoda

Christmas Promise / YuzuOda Photo Ver.

A Christmas Promiseyuzuoda

Yuzu-Oda is a group formed by Yuzu and Kazumasa Oda on the music program “Christmas no Yakusoku” (Christmas Promise).

The harmony of the three is incredibly gentle and heartwarming.

Their calming melody and vocals are perfect as background music for a warm Christmas time.

It’s truly a song that feels like a Christmas present from Yuzu and Kazumasa Oda.

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Merry Christmas to the worldCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] Merry X'mas to the World / CHAGE and ASKA

Merry Christmas to the worldCHAGE and ASKA

A gently soothing and beautiful Christmas ballad sung by CHAGE and ASKA.

Their lovely harmonies craft a slow-tempo, mellow melody line that draws you in and makes you listen closely.

While many Christmas songs are love songs or cheerful tunes, this one focuses on peace.

It carries the hope that everyone around the world can live in peace and happiness—today and in the future.

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White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)

JUN SKY WALKER(S) – White Christmas

White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)

Accompanied by bell chimes that color the winter atmosphere, a melody unfolds that sinks deeply into the heart.

Released in November 1989, this JUN SKY WALKER(S) track is a superb ballad that vividly portrays the scenes of lovers imagined on Christmas night.

Both aching and warm, it offers solace to anyone who has experienced heartbreak.

Chosen as the CM song for Matsushita Electric (now Panasonic) CD radio-cassette players, it became the band’s first No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

As more listeners relate to it and lend an ear to the melody that echoes in their hearts, their own unique Christmas memories are sure to resurface.

It’s a gem you should definitely hear to help overcome the pain of a broken heart.

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Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster – Tie a Ribbon on Tenderness / THE FIRST TAKE

Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster

It’s a Christmas song by the female vocal group Little Glee Monster, and many of you may have heard it in a Coca-Cola commercial.

It’s a superb ballad that especially highlights the beauty of their harmonies—their signature charm—and it’s so beautiful it can give you goosebumps.

They also performed this song on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, where you can enjoy an even more raw, authentic vocal performance, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.

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