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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 (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.

Let’s decorate with holly.u~eruzu min’yō

A Christmas carol based on an old Welsh folk tune, created in the 16th century.

It was originally a New Year’s song, but in the 19th century the Scottish poet Thomas Oliphant added English lyrics, and it became widely loved as a Christmas song.

Set to a lively, cheerful melody, it describes decorating the home with holly branches and celebrates the festive Christmas atmosphere.

The repeated “fa-la-la-la” phrase imitates the sound of the harp, adding a buoyant feel to the piece.

Despite its simple structure, the tune conveys the joy and hope of Christmas, making it perfect for beginner pianists.

It’s a delightful piece to play while savoring the season.

Silent Nightfranz Xaver Gruber

When it comes to Christmas classics that are easy for piano beginners to try, “Silent Night” is a beloved carol enjoyed around the world! Because it has few notes and a very simple chord progression, choosing an arrangement with a single-melody right hand and bass notes makes it easy for those who’ve just started playing to enjoy performing.

The basic chords are simple, but another great feature of this piece is that changing the chords can give it a stylish, distinctive feel.

Once you get used to it, try gradually taking on accompaniments with more movement or more complex arrangements.

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

“Christmas Eve” by Tatsuro Yamashita [How to Play on Piano – Absolutely Playable for Beginners!] ☆3
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Released in December 1983 by Tatsuro Yamashita, a singer-songwriter regarded as one of Japan’s finest, this work has remained a beloved Christmas classic for many years.

While it centers on heartbreak, its lyrics convey a sense of hope, paired with a soothing melody.

Musically, it’s captivating, featuring chord progressions inspired by Baroque music and an interlude that incorporates Pachelbel’s Canon.

It was also used in a JR Tokai commercial, and it’s a song you’ll often hear around town every Christmas season.

Many arrangements are relatively easy for beginner pianists, making it a perfect piece to perform at Christmas parties.

O BethlehemLewis Redner

Known as a classic Christmas song, this piece was composed in 1868 by American composer Lewis Henry Redner.

Redner, who was an organist at a church in Philadelphia, set music to a poem by Reverend Phillips Brooks and is said to have composed it all at once on Christmas Eve.

Depicting the quiet night in Bethlehem, the work sings of the hope and peace brought by the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is characterized by a gentle, soothing melody and a serene, ballad-like tone.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor the Christmas atmosphere or are looking for a heartwarming song.

Last ChristmasWham!

[Easy Piano] Last Christmas / Wham! [With Do-Re-Mi Notes, For Beginners] Wham! – Last Christmas
Last ChristmasWham!

The pop duo Wham!, emblematic of the 1980s, released a Christmas song in 1984 that continues to be loved around the world.

Written and composed by George Michael, it’s a bittersweet love song that sings of the pain of heartbreak and the hope of new love.

It features a poppy, catchy melody with distinctive synthesizer tones and the sound of jingle bells.

It’s also relatively easy to play on the piano, making it a great choice for those trying a Christmas song for the first time.

If you focus on keeping a steady tempo with your left-hand accompaniment, the right-hand melody becomes easier to play and your performance will feel more stable!

powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen - “Konayuki” that even beginners can definitely play [Piano • 80% speed]. Play at 1.25x to match the original tempo.
powder snowRemioromen

Here’s a ballad that portrays heartbreak and bittersweet memories.

It’s a song released in November 2005 by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture.

It was also used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” The lyrics evoke the feeling of winter and the poignancy of love, leaving a strong impression and resonating especially with younger listeners.

It depicts fragile feelings of love like powdery snow and two people passing by each other in a crowd, expressing a sense of longing for what has been lost.

Recommended for those who can relate to the loneliness of the cold season and the emotions of lovers who drift apart.

It’s enjoyable to play the melody on the piano alone, so do give it a try.