Recommended for Gen Z! Winter songs that will liven up your winter events
Generation Z refers to those born roughly between 1996 and 2012.
Also called digital natives, they’ve grown up with social media and subscriptions as the norm, so they tend to listen to a wide range of music across ages and genres.
As a result, revival hits have become more common.
Here, we’re introducing winter songs recommended for Gen Z.
We’ve gathered tracks that were released around the time they likely spent their formative years, so this is great not only for Gen Z listeners but also for anyone who wants to know what music Gen Z has been listening to!
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Recommended for Gen Z! Winter songs to liven up your winter events (21–30)
Love & Happiness (Let’s Be a Santa)Hirai Dai
Hirai Dai’s winter song, created as part of a collaboration project with Starbucks, carries a warm message about sharing love and happiness.
Released digitally in November 2022, the track was inspired by Starbucks’ holiday season theme and is a heartwarming piece.
It features Hirai Dai’s signature, comfortable surf-music-based melody and lyrics overflowing with love.
In the hustle of everyday life where we often forget to express gratitude to those we cherish, the song conveys a wish to become a Santa Claus–like presence.
As part of the promotion, in-store broadcasts were conducted at Starbucks locations, and a special film was produced compiling customers’ “moments of joy.”
1999Hitsuji Bungaku
Set on Christmas Eve at the turn of the century, this song by Hitsujibungaku portrays shifting times and the dynamics of relationships with loved ones.
Its dreamlike sound and Moeka Shiozuka’s translucent vocals conjure a poignant winter scene.
Originally released as a digital-only single in 2018, it was later included on their major-label debut album, POWERS, and captured the hearts of many listeners as one of the band’s signature tracks.
It’s the perfect song for solitary winter nights of reflection or revisiting memories with someone dear.
Recommended for Gen Z! Winter songs to spice up your winter events (31–40)
Holy Lightimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who made his major-label debut after gaining traction on TikTok and has drawn attention both in Japan and abroad.
This track, included on his November 2022 EP “POP CUBE,” was written as the Christmas campaign song for Shibuya Scramble Square and marks his first-ever Christmas song.
The lyrics intertwine the sparkle of urban illuminations with the excitement of Christmas Eve, expressing the preciousness of time spent with loved ones while picturing a glittering cityscape.
With bell tones and synth textures weaving a holiday mood, and a catchy melody that resonates pleasantly, it’s an urban-style Christmas pop tune.
illumination&TEAM
This is a winter track by &TEAM, a global boy group, included on their album “Yukiakari,” released in December 2024.
The lyrics, which depict a wish to be with a loved one on a holy night wrapped in illuminations, reflect a more mature side that seeks to express feelings not only through words but through actions.
Its light arrangement—pop beats layered with sparkling synths and sleigh bells—beautifully captures winter scenery and the bittersweetness of youth.
Created as the winter installment of a song series themed around the four seasons, this piece is a perfect Christmas song for romantic moments with a partner or festive parties with friends.
The wishTwice
Released in December 2024, this work by TWICE—a multinational girl group captivating the world with their adorable visuals and powerful performances—is a warm holiday song perfect for the winter season.
With motifs like candlelight, snow, and bells, the lyrics beautifully convey the importance of the present moment.
The message of “let’s stay together for the next ten years” stirs a desire to reaffirm bonds with those we cherish.
The gentle melody and the group’s vocals weave a sound that was also featured as the song for FamilyMart’s Christmas campaign commercial.
It’s a heartwarming ballad, perfect for spending a holy night with someone special.
SweetieME:I
It’s a winter love song that sings about the sweet season of romance.
ME:I’s gentle vocals bring back warm memories of time spent with a loved one.
You can feel the happiness of sharing your first winter together and the desire to cherish everyday, little moments.
It also seems to carry gratitude for the fans, making it a heartwarming track.
Released as a digital single in December 2024, this is said to be ME:I’s first winter song.
It’s a perfect pick for winter dates or spending the holiday season with someone special.
Why not listen to it together with your loved ones—your partner, friends, or family?
snow moonRyosuke Yamada
A gem of a medium-tempo ballad that weaves a heartrending love story against a stage of moonlight shining in the winter night sky and gently falling snow.
Sung by Ryosuke Yamada of Hey! Say! JUMP, this piece tenderly embraces the feelings of someone confronting memories of a bygone love while trying to take a new step forward.
Carried by delicate tones of piano and strings, the lustrous vocals seep into the heart.
Set for digital release in February 2025, this song is recommended for those who want to look up at the moon alone on a winter night and reflect on precious memories.
Amid a quiet snowy landscape, it will stay close to your heart.
In conclusion
How was that? This time, we introduced winter songs recommended for Gen Z.
From tracks about snow and Christmas to songs that capture everyday life unique to the season, they all vividly evoke winter scenes, don’t they? It’s also the time of year when people often gather in large groups for year-end and New Year parties, so feel free to use this as a reference for your karaoke picks!