[2026] Christmas Songs You’ll Want to Play on Guitar: A Collection of Classic Favorites Perfect for Solo Performances

Ex’ MissNew Found Glory

New Found Glory – Ex Miss (John McKinnie Cover)

Many people are probably looking for sing-and-play Western songs with a Christmas vibe.

For you, I recommend New Found Glory’s “Ex’ Miss.” It has the warm sound unique to Christmas, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.

The guitar part is mostly chord strumming, so it should be easy for beginners to try.

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Saitō Ayumu

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chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

Chicken Rice Makihara Noriyuki Hamada Masatoshi Cover gingerwood h281210

A collaborative song by the comedy duo Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada and singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara.

Hamada’s partner, Hitoshi Matsumoto, wrote the lyrics, weaving in a Christmas episode from his own childhood.

It’s one of the rare “family-themed Christmas songs” in Japan.

With a catchy yet wistful melody that lingers in your ears, it’s perfect for acoustic guitar solo performances and a great number to showcase as entertainment at a Christmas party.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Santa Is Coming to Town – Saku

A Christmas song that has been covered by artists around the world since it was first broadcast in 1934.

It’s a tune many people are familiar with, as it seems to drift in from everywhere during the holiday season.

When performing it as a guitar-and-vocal piece, most of it can be played with simple chord shapes, making it easy to tackle even if you suddenly need to practice for a party or event.

And because it’s a song everyone can sing along to, it’s a great number for a band cover as well, sure to liven up Christmas.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas Vanilla ShakeOkuda Tamio Inoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue and Tamio Okuda / Christmas Vanilla Shake

A Christmas song collaboration by two giants of the Japanese rock scene, Tamio Okuda and Yosui Inoue.

True to Okuda’s style, it’s a masterpiece brimming with a laid-back kind of cool.

Looking only at the chords, there’s nothing particularly difficult, but with slow ballads like this, if your performance gets too lax, it just turns into a sloppy song.

Keep a solid grip on the rhythm and aim to be a guitarist who can show the difference.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Shiroi Koibitotachi / Keisuke Kuwata / Guitar Chords

This is the seventh single by singer-songwriter Keisuke Kuwata, who also performs as the vocalist and guitarist for Southern All Stars, a band that continues to thrive as one of the industry’s greats.

Unlike Southern All Stars’ songs that strongly evoke summer, this track’s lyrics and atmosphere evoke snow and Christmas, making it a winter staple in the J-pop scene.

The original features a band sound with organ and strings, but for acoustic guitar and vocals, the chords used are all simple shapes, so even beginner guitarists will find it easy to cover.

It’s an easy yet uplifting number you’ll want to play at Christmas.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Christmas song medleyDEPAPEPE

(Cover)DEPAPEPE – Christmas song Medley

Guided by the comforting timbre of the guitar, a warm Christmas atmosphere unfolds.

This instrumental medley by DEPAPEPE is a skillful, engaging work that weaves multiple Christmas songs into a single track with exquisite arrangements.

The delicate resonance of the acoustic guitar beautifully conveys the joy and festivity of the season.

Showcasing the exceptional performance technique of DEPAPEPE, who made their major debut in 2005, this piece is perfect not only as background music for Christmas parties but also as a practice piece for guitarists.

SnowmanSia

Snowman – Sia | Fingerstyle Guitar | TAB + Chords + Lyrics

A ballad that resonates with a comforting blend of wistfulness and warmth—perfect for the winter season.

The lyrics skillfully portray a fleeting romance symbolized by a snowman.

Released in November 2017, the song appears on the album “Everyday Is Christmas.” The piano melody elevates Sia’s vocals, and the plaintive tune lingers in the heart.

The track achieved international success, earning platinum certifications in many countries.

The snowman, a winter icon, symbolizes parting, and its transience stirs the listener’s emotions.

An ideal song for long winter nights—best enjoyed in a warm room, listening intently.