[Christmas] Songs That Sound Cool on Piano! A Pick of Classics and All-Time Favorites
When it comes to Christmas songs, there are works across a variety of genres and styles—classical, Western pop, J-pop, film music, and more.
With so many sheet music publications available, many of you have probably played some of them on the piano.
In this article, we’ve picked out songs—mainly from Japanese and Western music—that sound incredibly cool when played on the piano, even among the many Christmas classics.
The original versions are, of course, wonderful, but piano arrangements give them an even more chic atmosphere.
Why not enjoy Christmas with the sound of the piano—listening side by side with the originals or actually trying to play them yourself?
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[Christmas] Cool if you can play them on piano! A selection of famous and classic pieces (11–20)
Santa Claus Is Coming to TownHaven Gillespie／John Frederick Coots
Known in Japan under the title “Santa ga Machi ni Yattekuru,” with lyrics adapted by Takao Kobe, this song is a Christmas classic composed in 1934 by American songwriters Haven Gillespie and John Frederick Coots.
Gillespie is said to have written the lyrics right after his brother’s funeral, and Coots completed the melody in just ten minutes.
Characterized by its cheerful, upbeat feel, the song carries the message that Santa Claus is watching over children.
It’s often arranged in jazz and pop styles, and has been covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby and the Jackson 5.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to heighten the Christmas spirit!
HAPPY XMAS（WAR IS OVER）John Lennon／Ono Yōko
Speaking of classic Christmas songs, there’s this piece released in 1971 by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Although it didn’t make a huge splash when it first came out, it has re-entered the charts every Christmas season and has now become an indispensable favorite.
While many Christmas songs sing of love and romance, this one carries a wish for peace.
As you play it gently and calmly, pray that everyone around the world can enjoy a happy, conflict-free Christmas.
SilentSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI has created a song that’s perfect for Christmas.
This gentle piece warmly illuminates the softly glowing winter nights.
The elegant piano melody paints a world where a quiet snowy night seems to steal away all sound.
As pure white snow falls, the lyrics, expressing emotions held back and lingering regrets, sink deep into the heart.
It was also selected as the theme song for TBS’s Tuesday drama “Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka” (Shall We Warm Up This Love?).
The delicate touch added by the piano arrangement highlights its beauty even more.
Why not try playing this song on the piano—an ideal choice for a special night?
The White LoversSazan Ōrusutāzu
When it comes to Japanese Christmas songs, Keisuke Kuwata’s “Shiroi Koibito Tachi” is a must.
In the music video, Kuwata plays and sings at the piano, so the piano really stands out, and I imagine many people want to try playing that iconic intro.
It’s in G major, which uses only one black key, making it relatively easy to perform—that’s another selling point.
Start gently and make use of the higher register at the beginning, then in the chorus, incorporate the lower notes to widen the range for a cool effect.
It’s a number you often hear as Christmas approaches, so it’s a classic known across generations.
Give it a try!
powder snowRemioromen
A winter classic from Remioromen, known for delicately portraying everyday scenes and emotions.
Used as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” this piece expresses the longing for what has been lost and the bittersweet desire to draw close again.
Its beautiful melody fully evokes the feeling of winter, and Ryota Fujimaki’s poetic lyrics resonate deeply.
When playing it on piano, it’s best to convey the dynamics that lead from the gentle intro into the powerful chorus.
A perfect choice for those seeking a mellow song with a serene atmosphere to listen to on a quiet winter night.
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi
Released in October 1992 by Junichi Inagaki, one of Japan’s leading AOR singers, this work is a classic that gently wraps a winter love story.
Marking his first major hit in a decade, the song portrays a bittersweet yearning perfect for the Christmas season.
The lyrics express missed connections in love and inner conflict, capturing the protagonist’s hope to find an answer when the Christmas carols begin to play.
It’s also ideal for piano, and recommended for anyone wanting to create special Christmas memories.
[Christmas] Songs That Look Cool When Played on Piano! A Pick of Classics and Standards (21–30)
Trepak from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky
The Russian Dance appearing in Act II of The Nutcracker by Pyotr Tchaikovsky was received so enthusiastically that it was encored at the suite’s premiere in March 1892.
Characterized by a driving, breathless momentum in 2/4 time and a strong, Cossack-style rhythm, it has been featured in Disney’s Fantasia and in video game music, making it beloved across generations.
Though short, the piece radiates exuberant energy—perfect for livening up a party or expressing the festive spirit of Christmas.
Played on the piano, it offers a different kind of vitality and brilliance from the orchestral version.