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

Silent Night

[Technique Guide] Let's play 'Silent Night' beautifully as a Christmas song! [Guitarist: Oshio's Favorites 004]

When the Christmas season arrives, we find ourselves longing to hear gentle melodies that touch the heart.

Performed on a single guitar, this piece conveys a warmth that seems to keep you company on a quiet night.

First premiered in Austria in December 1818, it has been cherished for over 200 years.

Despite its simple structure, the melody carries a profound resonance that beautifully captures the tranquil atmosphere of Christmas Eve.

It’s also ideal for guitar practice and beloved by a wide range of players, from beginners to seasoned musicians.

Please enjoy it as a song to brighten long winter nights and to accompany warm moments with family and friends.

Santa Tell MeAriana Grande

Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande | Acoustic Cover

Characterized by a bouncy rhythm, sparkling bell tones, and a bright pop melody, this track is perfect for the Christmas season.

Released by Ariana Grande in November 2014, the song features playfully written lyrics that explore the uncertainty and hope of love, as the singer asks Santa Claus about her relationship with a new lover.

On Billboard’s “100 Greatest Christmas Songs of All Time,” it ranked 13th, the highest placement among songs released in the 21st century.

With a catchy arrangement well-suited for acoustic guitar performances, it’s a tune that naturally brings a smile while playing.

A recommended song for creating warm, cozy moments in the winter season.

Merry ChristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN

Merry Christmas　BUMP

This is an acoustic guitar performance video of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s Christmas song “Merry Christmas.” The camera clearly captures the fretboard, and you can complete it with simple chords and a bit of technique, so it’s recommended for beginners.

I don’t think the solo in the interlude is as difficult as it looks, so feel free to challenge yourself—or skip it—and have fun.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Merry XmasBoA

MeriKuri / BoA [Solo Acoustic Performance • Guitar • Cover]

Here is a heartwarming song that will make you forget the winter chill.

The gentle melody woven by BoA’s vocals will surely enhance the Christmas atmosphere.

Released in December 2004, it was also used as the commercial song for Toshiba’s au CDMA 1X WIN W21T.

It’s easy to perform as an acoustic guitar sing-along, and it’s sure to be a hit when shared at gatherings with family and friends.

In 2019, it ranked 6th in Music Station’s Top 10 Classic Songs to Hear at Christmas.

Even more than 15 years later, it retains an unfading charm—truly a definitive winter classic.

Blue ChristmasChar

Blue Christmas Char

When it comes to Christmas songs by Char, one of Japan’s premier guitarists, you can’t leave out Blue Christmas.

It’s a danceable track with a distinctly Christmassy feel and a pop sound that just about anyone can enjoy.

The guitar parts—featuring percussive cutting and bluesy bends—are quintessential Char through and through.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Swingin’Happy X’masDEPAPEPE

DEPAPEPE　「Swingin’Happy X’mas 」

DEPAPEPE, who became quite famous in Japan for their acoustic guitar instrumentals—this is their Christmas song! The jingle of the bells really creates a festive Christmas mood.

Basically, it’s arranged with several layered acoustic guitars, so it’s a piece you can perform as a duo with a friend or bandmate.

Why not take it on as a Christmas practice piece and give it a try?

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Murakami Shinpei

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A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

I tried covering Dreams Come True’s “Snowy Christmas” on guitar – Dreams Come True Winter Song

While Dreams Come True often have complex song structures, one of the band’s biggest strengths is that listeners don’t really feel that complexity.

In “Yuki no Christmas,” the rhythm is simple, but many of the chords are quite sophisticated, using suspended fourths and augmented chords to add color to the song’s atmosphere.

If you’re playing it on guitar, the key will likely be how naturally you can handle these chords.