[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
December, which wraps up the year, becomes even more beautiful with illuminations lighting up and sometimes snow falling.
There are plenty of events too, like Christmas and New Year’s countdown concerts.
Around this time every year, you hear more Christmas songs and winter tunes on TV and in the streets.
In this article, we’ll introduce winter songs perfect for December, including the latest tracks! From songs that hype up your events to Christmas-themed pieces that warm a chilly heart, enjoy a variety of Japanese winter songs!
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[Songs to Listen to in December] J-Pop and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (71–80)
Hot Lemon (feat. SKRYU) (Remix)nozomi
This is a winter song that delicately captures the gap between the cold of the season and the warmth of the heart.
By adding SKRYU’s rap to Noashi’s signature, true-to-life portrayal of romantic feelings, hip-hop elements blend in, giving it a distinct flavor from the original.
Like a hot lemon warming your fingertips, the frustrating distance of wanting to be close yet unable to be honest stands out, overlapping with the first snowfall and the white cityscape to heighten the poignancy.
Released as a digital single in December 2023, this ambitious work features maeshima soshi as producer.
It’s the perfect song to warm your heart when feelings for someone special overflow in the cold season, or while walking through streets lit with winter illuminations.
Highly recommended for those who want to savor the uniquely bittersweet romance of winter.
Holy ChristmasOnda Masanori
The song released for streaming in November 2023 by singer-songwriter Masanori Onda from Kyoto Prefecture is a beautiful ballad that paints a wintry scene with motifs like snow, trees, and candles.
Its melody, steeped in lyricism and tinged with bittersweetness that echoes memories with a lover, is given an orchestral sheen through strings and a full band arrangement, weaving together quiet moments and dramatic swells.
A music video featuring actor Gai Ueno was also produced, and the track was highlighted as a notable song by USEN.
An acoustic version followed in December 2024, offering a listening experience that spotlights the texture of piano and vocals.
It’s a recommended track for spending Christmas night with someone special or when you want to reminisce about winter memories.
Merry ChiristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN
As a song that colors the winter season, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s winter love song also deserves attention.
Released in November 2009 as a double A-side with “R.I.P./Merry Christmas,” this track’s lyrics express a wish to share kindness and smiles, depicting the Christmas cityscape and the connections between people.
From late November through the Christmas period, it’s sometimes performed as an encore at their concerts.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to feel gentle warmth or add a special touch to a Christmas spent with someone important.
With BUMP OF CHICKEN’s characteristically warm vocals and a melody that resonates deep in the heart, it’s sure to become a wonderful winter memory.
Snow Smile -Ringing Version-BUMP OF CHICKEN
A winter song recommendation from BUMP OF CHICKEN, a rock band that captures listeners’ hearts with emotional lyrics, is “Snow Smile.” First included on their 2004 album “Yggdrasil,” it was also used as the B-side to the single “Sharin no Uta” from the same album.
Unlike the album version, the single version adds bell sounds and a strings arrangement, giving it a more Christmas-like feel.
It’s a heartbreaking masterpiece with lyrics about walking while remembering the times you strolled snowy roads with a former lover.
Winter, againGLAY
Released in 1999, this song is overwhelmingly popular as a winter song sung by a rock band.
Written by TAKURO, who hails from Hokkaido, it carries a message of wanting to show his then-girlfriend the snowy scenery of his hometown.
The lyrics, expressing his strong and straight-from-the-heart feelings for her, are sure to move you.
Of course, the beautiful, catchy melody line woven by TERU’s clear, expansive vocals is also wonderful.
Winter songs are often love songs, and this one perfectly fits that image—an epic, heartwarming track.
Our seasonJO1
A song by JO1, an 11-member global boy group under LAPONE Entertainment, a joint venture between Japan’s Yoshimoto Kogyo and Korea’s CJ ENM.
Released as a double lead single, it serves as the title track of their 5th single, “WANDERING,” and was selected as the main tree performance song for the Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination.
Its dreamy intro and translucent melody evoke a vivid image of snowy scenery.
It’s a refreshing dance tune that warmly colors the winter spent with someone special.
snow jamRin Oto
A signature track by Rin-ne that stands out for its mellow rap laid over a super chill vibe.
The lyrics paint a sweet love story that’s sure to warm your heart in this season.
The writing also captures everyday scenes in familiar, down-to-earth words, making it feel very relatable.
With its overall soft atmosphere and approachable feel, it’s a highly recommended song—even for those who don’t usually listen to hip-hop—to give a listen at least once.