[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 Songs to Play on the Piano! A Selection of Classics and Famous Pieces (41–50)
Christmas WishAmuro Namie
An English-lyric Christmas song written by Namie Amuro in 2016 for 7-Eleven’s Christmas campaign.
Its classic pop style interwoven with warm strings creates a romantic atmosphere that becomes even more chic and beautiful when performed on piano.
The theme—entrusting one’s feelings for a lover to a wishing star on a snowy night—resonates even more deeply through the timbre of the piano.
As evidenced by topping the request rankings on cable broadcasting for four consecutive years, it is a timeless masterpiece that touches the heart.
DEAR…againHirose Kōmi
A signature winter ballad by Kōmi Hirose, known as the “Queen of Winter.” Familiar as the theme for Alpen’s commercials, the song was released in November 1996 and reached No.
7 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It expresses the aching feelings for a lover far away, delicately portraying a woman’s state of mind as she spends anxious days without even a phone call, wishing he would return by Christmas.
Although Kōmi Hirose is known for many up-tempo tracks, this piece is a gently sung love ballad.
The piano arrangement gives it a beautifully mellow atmosphere as well.
Six Pieces for Children (Christmas Album), Op. 72: No. 2 in E-flat major, Andante sostenuto, MWV U 170Felix Mendelssohn
Composed as a gift for children, Mendelssohn’s piano piece is enveloped in a gentle and tender atmosphere.
Written in E-flat major, it features a delicate touch and refined harmonic progressions, and despite its brevity at just 42 measures, it conveys profound musicality.
Set at a leisurely Andante sostenuto tempo, its warmly expressive melody has a calming charm.
Among the six pieces in this collection, it is particularly approachable, making it an ideal choice for those just beginning piano study or for listeners interested in Romantic-era music.
Do They Know It’s Christmas?Band Aid
“Do They Know It’s Christmas” is a Christmas song recorded by a gathering of British pop stars in the 1980s.
It was a Band Aid charity project created to help people suffering from famine in Ethiopia, and it reached number one on the charts in the UK and various other countries, selling over three million copies.
While the original features a band sound with drums and synthesizers, the melody is so beautiful that it still sounds very cool when performed at a more relaxed tempo.
White ChristmasBing Crosby
Composed by Irving Berlin, this piece has long been cherished as a symbol of Christmas.
It beautifully depicts Christmas scenes such as quiet landscapes blanketed with snow and children enjoying sledding.
Recorded by Bing Crosby in just 18 minutes on May 29, 1942, the song deeply resonated with people during World War II and offered precious comfort, especially to soldiers far from home.
When played on the piano, it brings out a different kind of poignancy and beauty from the original.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to savor the Christmas atmosphere or reflect on memories with loved ones.
Jingle BellsJames Lord Pierpont
This piece is beloved as a winter tradition.
Composer James Lord Pierpont published it in 1857 under the title “The One Horse Open Sleigh.” It was originally written to celebrate Thanksgiving, but later became closely associated with Christmas.
With its lively rhythm and cheerful lyrics, it vividly portrays winter sleigh rides.
It also deftly conveys youthful romance and a spirit of adventure, offering a glimpse into the freer attitudes toward love at the time.
There are many piano arrangements available, so be sure to find a score that suits you and give it a try.
Carol of the BellsMykola Leontovych
A classic Christmas song widely sung overseas and featured in the movie Home Alone is Carol of the Bells.
It was composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, based on a Ukrainian folk song.
Its slightly eerie minor-key melody is striking and suits the piano perfectly.
As the right hand repeats the melody and the left-hand accompaniment changes in various ways to build excitement, it makes for a very cool arrangement when you can play it well.