[Christmas] Classical music to listen to at Christmas: recommended sacred Christmas songs

All ye faithful, make hasteLowell Mason

Joy to the World (2017) – Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble & The Tabernacle Choir

A work beloved around the world as a representative Christmas hymn.

In Japan, it was included in a hymnal in 1923, and for over a century since then it has been cherished as a staple in churches and choirs, as well as a popular Christmas song.

Its opening motif is shared with Handel’s oratorio Messiah, and its bright, dynamic melody powerfully conveys the joy of celebrating Christ’s coming.

When you want to spend Christmas night in a sacred atmosphere, why not lend it your ear?

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We Wish You A Merry Christmas – Christmas piano sheet music

This piece, said to have originated between the 16th and 17th centuries as a traditional Christmas carol from western England, grew out of the custom of going from house to house singing and asking wealthy households for sweets and festive treats.

It has been included in choral collections and covered by various artists, and is now loved around the world.

Its bright, lively melody and easy-to-sing repetitive structure are part of its charm, and it helps lift the festive Christmas spirit.

It’s great for singing together with family and friends, or for playing as background music at a Christmas party.

Hymn No. 312: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”Charles C. Converse

Hymn No. 312: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

This piece has been loved around the world as a song that sings of trust in our friend Jesus.

It expresses, along with a simple yet touching melody, the peace of entrusting everything to God in prayer and the presence of Christ as a compassionate friend.

Included in hymnals, it has long been sung in quiet settings of prayer, such as worship services and weddings.

In Japan, it is also cherished as a classic Christmas song.

It’s an ideal piece not only for festive parties but also for moments when you want to quietly reflect on the sacred meaning of the holy night.

Hymn No. 115: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”Lewis Redner

O Little Town of Bethlehem (Hymn No. 115)

A beautiful Christmas carol that calms the heart.

Set on a night when the holy town of Bethlehem lies in quiet slumber, its lyrics depict eternal light shining into dark alleyways, gently conveying the hope of the Savior’s birth.

Though the melody was written to be simple for children, this piece—filled with deep prayer and gratitude—is perfect not for a flashy party, but for spending a serene, intimate Christmas Eve.

Why not light some candles and listen to it on a peaceful Christmas night shared with those you hold dear?

The Nutcracker “Trepak”Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Trepak from the ballet The Nutcracker — Tokyu Silvester Concert 2023–2024

This is a dynamic piece from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker, inspired by Russian folk dance.

Performed in the second act of the ballet, which premiered in St.

Petersburg in December 1892, the piece is notable for its rapid tempo and leaping rhythms, brimming with energy reminiscent of a Cossack dance.

It has been embraced beyond the classical sphere, appearing in works such as Disney’s Fantasia and in video game music.

Its bright depiction of the bustling scenes in the Land of Sweets helps heighten a cheerful holiday mood.

Agnus DeiSamuel Barber

Agnus Dei – Samuel Barber LIVE

Samuel Barber’s choral work, known as music of serene devotion, is a perfect piece for savoring the sacred atmosphere of Christmas.

Originally composed in 1936 as an instrumental work for strings and released in 1938 in a string orchestra version, it was later arranged by the composer himself in 1967 for mixed chorus (SATB).

Setting Latin liturgical text, the piece begins with a gentle pianissimo sonority, and its wave-like melodies carry the words of prayer forward.

At the climax, all voices rise to a fortissimo before gradually returning to silence—an arc that mirrors prayer itself.

It’s especially recommended listening while envisioning a quiet Christmas spent with family.

Rocking Carol

Rocking Carol – Choir of New College Oxford

This Christmas carol originates from a Czech lullaby.

It depicts the gentle scene of rocking the infant Jesus in a cradle, and its lyrics, filled with maternal tenderness, are especially appealing.

It has long been cherished in the repertoires of churches and choirs.

In the 1960s, it drew renewed attention when Julie Andrews recorded it.

Its calm, warm melody is perfect for those who wish to spend a quiet holy night or celebrate Christmas in choral song.

It’s a piece that creates a solemn, reverent atmosphere.