[Christmas] Songs That Sound Cool on Piano! A Pick of Classics and All-Time Favorites

March from The NutcrackerPyotr Tchaikovsky

1. March: Tchaikovsky = Pletnev, from The Nutcracker 🎄 / March / Tchaikovsky = Pletnev / Piano

Painted with a scene both vigorous and endearing—like toy soldiers forming ranks and marching out on Christmas night—this piece captivates the imagination.

In the suite version premiered in Saint Petersburg in March 1892, nearly every number was so well received that encores were demanded, and this particular piece is known for leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Its bouncing rhythms and clear harmonies distill a sense of festivity; played on the piano, you can almost feel children’s springy footsteps and the toys’ awkward movements.

It’s a concise, self-contained work that nonetheless conveys the splendor of Christmas when performed at parties or events.

Christmas Stories

[Piano Sheet Music] Christmas Stories | Tokyo Disneyland Parade Song

A piece that has long been beloved as the music for the Christmas parade at Tokyo Disneyland, it has remained in the hearts of many guests.

Its bright, festive march-style melody skillfully weaves in classic Christmas songs such as “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Joy to the World,” and when played on piano, it offers a delicate, warm atmosphere that differs from the bustle of the parade.

It was created for the parade that has been performed since 2015 and was included on the album “Tokyo Disney Resort Winter Fun!” in November 2021.

In November 2024, a final-year version was also released, bringing the parade to a close together with its sponsor, Japan Airlines.

Why not try playing it when you want to revisit your Christmas memories through music or enjoy a bit of the park atmosphere at home?

CanonJohann Pachelbel

Jarrod Radnich – Christmas Canon (Pachelbel – Canon in D) – Virtuosic Piano Solo

A chamber work from the Baroque era woven from delicate, beautiful harmonies.

Composed by Johann Pachelbel around the late 17th century, this piece was long forgotten but came to be loved worldwide after a 1968 recording by the Paillard Chamber Orchestra.

It was also used as the theme music for the 1980 film “Ordinary People,” and has become a wedding-processional staple; its blend of solemnity and romance continues to captivate listeners.

Its gently flowing melody and warm, layered chords are perfect for a quiet Christmas night.

Performed on the piano, you can enjoy a refined tone color that differs from the original.

Ode to Joy (arranged by Liszt)Ludwig van Beethoven

[Symphony No. 9, 4th Movement “Ode to Joy” Piano] Beethoven / Arr. Liszt

This work is Franz Liszt’s solo piano arrangement of the final movement of Symphony No.

9, beloved as a year-end tradition.

Published in 1865 by Breitkopf & Härtel, the arrangement is an ambitious attempt to recreate the grandeur of orchestra and chorus on a single piano.

The original themes—imbued with ideals of humanism and universal brotherhood—are conveyed more intimately through the piano’s delicate timbres, offering both enveloping power and introspective depth.

Demanding a fusion of transcendental technique and spiritual insight, this piece showcases the piano’s expressive range; performed at a year-end house party or salon concert, it is sure to leave listeners deeply moved.

Do you want to build a snowman?Kristen Anderson-Lopez,Robert Lopez

[Easy Piano] Frozen - Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (Disney) Level ★★★☆☆ (Intermediate)

Released in March 2014 as an insert song for Disney’s Frozen, this piece poignantly portrays Anna repeatedly calling to her sister Elsa—who has shut herself away—through the door, asking, “Do you want to play?” With a simple arrangement centered on piano and strings, its melody is easy to remember and the fingering is beginner-friendly, making it a great choice for those just starting piano.

This Christmas season, enjoy performing this heartwarming music while feeling the bonds between sisters and family.

The Son of God, this very nightJohn Francis Wade

O Come, All Ye Faithful – Sheet music transcription

The Latin hymn “Adeste Fideles,” sung since the 18th century, became widely known in English as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” and in Japan it has long been beloved under the translation “Izaya tomo yo, morotomo ni, isogi yukite ogamazu ya.” Its majestic melody and the powerful refrain calling “Come, let us adore Him” vividly proclaim the joy of Christmas.

Since its score was first printed in 1751, it has been performed in a variety of settings—chorus, organ, brass band—and has become indispensable to Christmas services.

Played on piano, it offers a warm resonance within a solemn atmosphere.

It is well suited not only for church performances, but will also be welcomed at home gatherings with family and friends.

Shepherds, keeping their flocksJohn Gardner

The First Noel – kno Piano Music – Sheet music transcription

An angel announcing the birth of Jesus Christ to shepherds, and Magi journeying from the East guided by a star—this arrangement refines a traditional English carol that has long passed down this biblical story in a simple melody, using the fresh harmonies of 20th-century British choral writing and the propulsive power of the organ.

Included in the choral collection “Sing Nowell,” published by Novello in 1963, this version is scored for SATB and organ, and features a well-balanced style suitable for both liturgical use and concert performance.

Built on a chorale-like presentation of the traditional tune, it employs harmonic progressions that heighten the sense of festivity, making it a beloved staple of choral repertoire.

Even when played on the piano, the piece is highly recommended for Christmas services or moments at home, as the repetition of the simple melody and the recurring calls form the core of the work.