[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] (41–50)
Holy Lightimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who began his career on TikTok and made his major-label debut in 2021.
Written as a collaboration track with Shibuya Scramble Square, this piece served as the campaign song for the Christmas fair “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE XMAS,” held from November 17 to December 25, 2022.
Its light, breezy ensemble—capturing wintry scenes in sound—accompanies the chime of bells to evoke a festive holiday mood.
The lyrics, which conjure images of the bustling city Christmas and glittering street decorations, seem to overlap with Shibuya’s nightscape.
A cool vocal and stylish production color the winter nights—an urban pop tune through and through.
chicksaidāgāru
It’s a song that captures delicate shifts of the heart—waking in the morning light and trying to move forward despite weakness and anxiety.
Crafted by Cidergirl, it carries the resolve to take flight even while feeling afraid, like a fledgling at the moment it leaves the nest.
Its sound is both light and introspective, perfectly suited to the clear air of winter.
Included on the album “CIDERPIA,” released in May 2025, it has become a track that symbolizes a new phase for the band.
It’s a work that stays close to you when you want to face yourself at year’s end, and when you need the courage to take a step into the new year.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
This is the fourth single by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, who has released numerous mega-hits, from his own original songs to tracks he’s written for other artists.
The song was featured in a Sapporo Beer “Fuyu Monogatari” commercial, and its catchy appeal lies in the striking melodic leaps in the chorus and its bouncy shuffle rhythm.
The winter-themed lyrics evoke the season’s arrival, resonating with year-end scenes where drinking parties like year-end gatherings are on the rise, and it’s a track that likely lifts many listeners’ spirits.
With a soft, bright vocal that makes you forget the winter chill, it’s a staple winter song.
A Lump of LoveDOMOTO
After changing their name, the duo DOMOTO took a fresh step forward in 2025.
Their first release after restarting, “Ai no Katamari,” was originally included on a single released in November 2001 and is known as the song from Morinaga’s DARS chocolate commercial.
With lyrics by Tsuyoshi Domoto and composition by Koichi Domoto, the piece is a love ballad that delicately portrays a wavering heart in the winter cold, and it has long been cherished by fans.
In this self-cover, new messages have been added to parts of the lyrics, conveying both the duo’s bond and their evolution.
It’s a heartwarming track, perfect for listening to while gazing at winter illuminations.
TOKYO SNOWSakurazaka46
A winter ballad by Sakurazaka46 that overlays the fleeting snowfall in Tokyo with an unrequited love.
It’s included on the standard edition of the single “I want tomorrow to come,” released in October 2024.
Opening with a poetry reading by Shizuki Yamashita, the song expresses a contradictory longing—wishing the snow would settle even while knowing it won’t—through a serene, piano-centered sound.
The feelings that melt away before they can be put into words, and the aching tenderness that still compels a wish, press close to the heart.
It’s a song that gently keeps you company on a night of quietly falling snow, as you think of the one you love from afar.
You said the moon is beautiful.berry meet
A wintery ballad from berry meet.
Released in January 2024, this work tells a poignant love story perfect for the Christmas season.
With heartwarming melodies and emotionally rich lyrics, it’s sure to melt even the chilliest heart.
It expresses the inner struggles of someone in love and a fervent passion that conveys affection for the other person, resonating deeply with listeners.
A song to listen to while gazing at the beautiful winter night sky.
It will truly hit home when there’s someone you secretly care about.
White LoveiScream
Formed by the Grand Prix winner and finalists of the audition “LDH Presents THE GIRLS AUDITION,” iScream is a three-member music group.
The lead track White Love from their album i -Special Edition- released on November 23, 2022, was created as the group’s first winter song.
The lyrics evoke scenes of spending winter with someone special, warming the heart even in the cold season.
Featuring piano and a transparent, ethereal sound, it’s a pop tune that colorfully adorns winter.