[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 that feels like winter & Christmas songs [2026] (1–10)
Gerlende Funky LoveFirosofī no Dansu
A winter tune by Philosophy no Dance, produced by the “Queen of Winter,” Kōmi Hirose.
It’s their 11th single, released in December 2025 to mark the group’s 10th anniversary, and every track is themed around winter.
The groovy sound rooted in funk and soul blends perfectly with Hirose’s signature, exhilarating melodies.
The lyrics paint vivid ski-slope scenes while sprinkling in contemporary words like oshi-katsu (supporting your fave) and social mobile games, depicting romance in the Reiwa era with flair.
You can feel the members’ passion in the high-difficulty vocals that modulate up in key mid-song.
Put it on during a winter drive or on the way to a ski trip, and your energy will soar—no question.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a number that makes you want to dance in the cold season.
It doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day.Yuika
Even if we can’t meet on Christmas Day, I just want you by my side—YUIKA’s song, which captures that bittersweet feeling, is a mid-tempo number released in December 2024.
The lyrics, which say there’s no need for illuminations or expensive gifts, convey a simple wish to just spend time with someone special.
The song carefully depicts the loneliness of walking alone on a Christmas night brighter than the streetlights, and the ache of unrequited love gently resonates in your chest.
YUIKA herself said, “I usually want to give songs a happy ending, but this time it turned into a sad one.” The music video, illustrated by Mere, also portrays scenes of spending Christmas alone.
It’s a track that quietly stays close to the hearts of those carrying an unfulfilled love, standing in contrast to the glitz of the season.
Winter MagicAogumo
A pop number that turns winter’s chill into an ally of love, leaving you with a sweet-and-sour feeling.
Singer-songwriter Aogumo released it in November 2025.
The endearing lyrics—about using the freezing season as an excuse to get closer to someone you like—pair perfectly with her clear, airy vocals and make your heart skip a beat.
Her previous work, “We Don’t Have a Title Yet,” drew major buzz mainly on social media, and here again her down-to-earth word choice shines.
You’ll likely be moved by the protagonist, who struggles with the frustration of not being able to express her feelings honestly, yet ultimately musters the courage to do so.
Give it a listen this winter.
[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (11–20)
snow globemosao.
Released in November 2025, this work is a mid-tempo ballad that sings of the bittersweetness of love—the pain of being unable to confess feelings kept deep inside.
Like snow trapped in a snow globe, the protagonist’s love has nowhere to go, and that image tightens the chest.
The delicate sound woven by piano and strings lets you feel both the chill and the warmth of winter at the same time.
It will especially resonate with anyone nursing a one-sided crush.
Why not take your time and give it a careful listen?
holy nightDevil ANTHEM.
In November 2025, Devil ANTHEM.
released their first-ever Christmas song.
Marked by dazzling synth work and an exhilarating beat, the track rearranges the group’s signature digital sound into something perfectly suited for winter nights.
The lyrics portray someone reexamining themselves as the seasons change—tending to pause, yet still trying to take a step forward.
Seeing Christmas not just as an event but as a “catalyst for change” feels refreshingly new.
Around the same time, the group launched a nationwide tour, and their victory in the TIF × FNS Music Festival collaboration project has further boosted their profile.
Riding this momentum, their song is perfect for anyone looking to energize winter festivities or get a gentle push toward the year’s end.
Merry Merry Thanks!!Morfonica
Morfonica, the girls’ band born from the BanG Dream! project, has included a track that delivers the warmth of Christmas on their album “Polyphony,” set for release in March 2025.
This song was used in the mobile game “BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!” as a challenge track during a Christmas event, and fans have eagerly awaited its full-length audio version.
Composer and arranger Ryutaro Fujinaga even remarked that “the drums are going wild,” and indeed the dazzling pop sound is packed with advanced performance techniques.
The elegant violin melodies blend with an up-tempo rhythm to paint a heart-lifting Christmas scene.
There’s also a part where drummer mika sings solo for the first time, revealing a new side of the band.
It’s a perfect song for the Christmas season when you want to express your gratitude to someone special!
Merry Special daySoala
When you think of December, the quintessential event has to be Christmas, right? Cities sparkle with illuminations, and your heart starts to dance to music drifting in from everywhere.
Perfect for this season is Soala’s very first Christmas song.
A singer-songwriter from Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, now based in Osaka, she’s won strong support from many young listeners with her wistful vocals and highly relatable lyrics, and her total song streams have surpassed 100 million.
Released in November 2025 with lyrics written by Soala herself, the track weaves in classic Christmas motifs like reindeer, snow, and illuminations, while delicately portraying the longing and desire to spend time with someone you love.
That blend of sparkle and bittersweetness is exactly what makes her so compelling.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone dreaming of a special night with their significant other.