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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 (31–40)

Christmas songback number

[Easy Slow Piano] Christmas Song / back number [Piano Tutorial Easy & Slow]
Christmas songback number

Released in 2015, “Christmas Song” has become an indispensable part of Christmas in Japan.

This track, which marked back number’s biggest hit to date, also drew attention as the theme song for the popular drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” starring Satomi Ishihara and Tomohisa Yamashita.

Why not enjoy playing it on the piano while picturing those heart-fluttering moments when you can’t help but think about that special someone at any time, and wishing for a happy Christmas?

Santa Claus the ScatterbrainYoshioka Osamu / Kobayashi Asei

Hurried Santa Claus: Easy Christmas Piano with Do-Re-Mi Notation
Santa Claus the ScatterbrainYoshioka Osamu / Kobayashi Asei

“Awatenbou no Santa Claus” is a classic Christmas song that’s almost always sung in daycares and kindergartens.

Santa Claus rushes in to deliver presents and—plop!—falls down the chimney, yet still dances cheerfully and heads home.

It’s an adorable Christmas song that comically portrays Santa.

Since the melody stays mostly within a single octave, it’s easy for beginner pianists to follow the notes.

Once you’re comfortable playing the melody, try challenging yourself with two-handed playing that includes the bass line!

Amazing GraceJohn Newton

“Amazing Grace” [How to Play Piano—Absolutely Playable for Beginners!] ☆1
Amazing GraceJohn Newton

This hymn, born in 18th-century Britain, was written by John Newton, a former slave trader.

His turbulent life and awakening to faith imbue the piece with profound emotion.

It’s said that his experience of praying to God during a storm in 1748 became the origin of the hymn.

The lyrics, which sing of the joy of being saved by God’s grace, resonate with many people.

Its beautiful melody, simply played on the piano, is approachable even for beginners.

It’s recommended for those who wish to quietly reflect on themselves during the Christmas season.

fir treeDoitsu min’yō

O Christmas Tree (Easy Piano) · Slow · Beginner Practice · Elementary Tutorial
fir treeDoitsu min'yō

Originally born as a German folk song, this piece is beloved around the world as a symbol of Christmas.

It was originally a love song, but in 1824 Ernst Anschütz rearranged it as a Christmas carol.

The evergreen fir tree came to symbolize fidelity, and stanzas with ethical and religious content were added.

Its simple yet heartfelt melody and timeless message are captivating.

It is also popular as a piano repertoire piece that helps create a Christmas atmosphere, and there are numerous arrangements by many composers, including Bastien and Lange.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor the warm feeling of Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

[Easy Piano] Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence / Ryuichi Sakamoto
Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

A solo piano piece composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto for the film Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence.

It features a simple yet striking melodic line.

Based on the pentatonic scale, the piece masterfully fuses Eastern and Western musical elements, and its repeated patterns built on fourths leave a deep emotional impression on listeners.

Released in 1983, it became a significant work in Sakamoto’s career and helped elevate his international reputation.

Even if it’s not the original version, there are easy arrangement scores available, so beginners at the piano should definitely give it a try.

[Christmas] Introducing Recommended Christmas Songs That Are Easy to Play Even for Piano Beginners (41–50)

Winter WonderlandFelix Bernard / Richard Bernhard Smith

Known as a romantic piece that portrays winter scenes, this song was created in 1934 by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernard Smith.

It’s said that Smith, while recuperating from tuberculosis, wrote the lyrics inspired by snowy landscapes in Pennsylvania.

The lyrics—filled with the joys of winter such as building snowmen and sledding—are especially memorable.

Its lively, cheerful melody is perfect for piano performance.

Though loved as a Christmas song, it actually depicts the winter season as a whole.

Playing it while gazing at a wintry view is sure to lift your spirits.

It’s also a great choice for those who have just started learning the piano.

All ye faithful, make hasteLowell Mason / Georg Friedrich Händel

“Joy to the World” is beloved as a classic Christmas song.

It’s the familiar tune you hear almost daily every December—in shopping malls, on streets lit with illuminations, and in TV commercials.

With its easy-to-remember melody and beginner-friendly chord progression, it’s one of the most accessible Christmas songs to play.

It’s great for performing at Christmas parties, enjoying as a parent-child duet, and it’s also highly recommended on a toy piano, whose sparkling tone is perfect for the season!

In conclusion

This time, we introduced Christmas songs that color the winter season and are easy to play on the piano.

If you choose sheet music with a simple arrangement, even those who have just started playing the piano should be able to try without difficulty.

The joy of playing melodies that everyone—from children to adults—can hum along to with your own hands is truly special.

Start by getting used to the right-hand melody, then gradually step up by adding the left hand, and it won’t be long before you can perform in front of family and friends on Christmas night.

Find your favorite Christmas song and enjoy a cozy winter moment with music.