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[Christmas] Introducing recommended Christmas songs that are easy to play even for piano beginners

At Christmas, familiar streets are adorned with illuminations, creating a magical, dreamlike world.

While your heart may dance with excitement, some of you might also feel a little wistful as the end of the year approaches.

In this article, we’ll introduce songs perfect for the Christmas season, especially for beginner pianists.

From classic children’s songs and pop to Western hits and classical pieces, there are plenty of sheet music options arranged for beginners.

There are many pieces—from fun and uplifting to beautifully serene—so start by trying to play just the melody!

[Christmas] Introducing recommended Christmas songs that are easy to play even for piano beginners (11–20)

Christmas Time Is HereVince Guaraldi

Christmas Time Is Here – kno Piano Music – Sheet music transcription
Christmas Time Is HereVince Guaraldi

This piece portrays a snow-laden winter scene and a gentle festive mood in a three-beat waltz.

Written for the December 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” it has captivated many with its unique world where the clear harmonies of a children’s chorus intertwine with the language of jazz.

The lyrics, from a child’s perspective, describe the stillness and hope of Christmas, and their simple, unadorned wording—eschewing excessive virtuosity—speaks directly to the listener’s heart.

The piano’s soft arpeggios and resonant spaces convey both the chill and warmth of winter at once.

It’s an ideal song for those who seek inner quiet over showiness, and for anyone wishing to color moments with family or loved ones through music.

For beginner pianists, the note density and certain passages can be challenging, but the tempo is slow, so by practicing carefully with the score, recordings, and keyboard, you should be able to deliver a performance with the right atmosphere.

Merry ChristmasIgirisu min’yō

Congratulations Christmas — We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Merry ChristmasIgirisu min'yō

During the Christmas season, the sound of the piano warms the heart.

Originating in the United Kingdom, this piece carries a special celebratory feel.

With its many repetitions, it’s easy for beginners to learn.

Once you can play it, try keeping a steady beat in the first half and adding freer expression in the second half for more enjoyment.

Why not share the joy of Christmas with this piece when family and friends gather? May you create wonderful Christmas memories accompanied by the sound of the piano.

Ave MariaCharles Gounod

Charles Gounod’s “Ave Maria,” a beloved staple of the Christmas season, is a vocal work that sets the Latin prayer “Ave Maria” over Johann Sebastian Bach’s “The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude No.

1 in C major, BWV 846,” a masterpiece from the Baroque era.

It’s an exquisitely beautiful piece in which an elegant accompaniment supports a graceful melody, yet its very simple structure makes it accessible even for beginner pianists.

With more time spent at home in winter, why not give it a try?

Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline

[Sheet Music] When You Wish upon a Star / Disney / Pinocchio / Hoshi ni Negai wo / Disney / Pinocchio / Piano Arrangement: Miz
Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline

Disney’s beloved classic “When You Wish Upon a Star” is adored around the world.

With its soothing melody and beautiful harmonic progression, the piece is also extremely popular among adult piano learners.

It’s frequently performed at piano recitals.

Since many editions are published, it’s easy to find an arrangement that suits you—another reason for its popularity.

To start, choose an arrangement like this one with minimal left-hand movement; it makes it easier to focus on the right-hand melody, so even beginners can take on the piece without strain.

Jingle Bell RockJoe Beal/Jim Boothe

When it comes to cheerful Christmas songs, “Jingle Bell Rock” is the one with a poppy melody that makes you excited for the holidays the moment you hear it! Am I the only one who’s reminded of those dancing Santa Claus dolls wiggling their hips when this song plays…? In any case, it’s a tune that evokes a “happy Christmas,” so the key on piano is to keep it bright and fun! Try using the sustain pedal sparingly for transitions, and bring out the bouncy dotted rhythms clearly as you play.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerJohnny Marks

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, written and composed by American songwriter Johnny Marks—who left behind numerous Christmas songs—is a piece based on the story from the fairy tale “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It became a long-selling hit, surpassing 150 million in total sales by 1985, the year Marks passed away.

As you warm your heart with the lyrics in which Santa speaks kindly to his reindeer, try performing it with a gentle, soft tone.

[Christmas] Introducing recommended Christmas songs that are easy to play even for piano beginners (21–30)

Jesus, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach [Piano Playing Guide Explained with Video — Absolutely Playable Even for Beginners!] Level: ☆☆
Jesus, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Although originally composed for orchestra and choir, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” is a beloved classic among piano learners and is frequently performed at recitals.

Its elegant, serene atmosphere is perfect for Christmas, when you want to indulge in a slightly richer mood with gifts and festive treats.

It’s also recommended for showcasing at parties or family meals.

You might even enjoy quietly savoring the afterglow of a party while listening to a piano performance of this piece.