[Christmas Songs] Carefully Selected Classic and Popular Pieces That Delight When Played on Piano
When it comes to Christmas songs, there are solemn pieces that evoke the sound of bells and gently falling snow, as well as bright, festive tunes that make you feel excited waiting for Santa to arrive.
Playing these classic and popular Christmas songs on the piano lets you enjoy a different mood, brought out by the instrument’s delicate timbre.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of Christmas songs perfect for those who want to perform at parties and events or simply enjoy playing at home.
We’ve picked works from a wide range of genres—classical, hymns, Western pop, and J-Pop—so feel free to use this as a reference when choosing your setlist!
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[Christmas Songs] Carefully Selected Classic and Popular Pieces That Delight on Piano (11–20)
Jingle Bell RockJoe Beal／Jim Boothe
When it comes to cheerful Christmas songs, “Jingle Bell Rock” is the one with a poppy melody that makes you excited for the holidays the moment you hear it! Am I the only one who’s reminded of those dancing Santa Claus dolls wiggling their hips when this song plays…? In any case, it’s a tune that evokes a “happy Christmas,” so the key on piano is to keep it bright and fun! Try using the sustain pedal sparingly for transitions, and bring out the bouncy dotted rhythms clearly as you play.
HAPPY XMAS（WAR IS OVER）John Lennon／Ono Yōko
Speaking of classic Christmas songs, there’s this piece released in 1971 by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
Although it didn’t make a huge splash when it first came out, it has re-entered the charts every Christmas season and has now become an indispensable favorite.
While many Christmas songs sing of love and romance, this one carries a wish for peace.
As you play it gently and calmly, pray that everyone around the world can enjoy a happy, conflict-free Christmas.
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
On March 28, 2023, Japan lost Ryuichi Sakamoto, a musician the country proudly shared with the world.
Gifted with a genius for composition and arrangement, Sakamoto produced many masterpieces not only in J-pop but also in the history of film music.
Among his works under his own name, perhaps the most famous is the theme from Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence.
From the solemn introduction—beginning with a high right-hand phrase while the left-hand chords gradually descend—the piece unfolds into the main melody that almost everyone has heard at least once, a flow so beautiful it can bring you to tears just by listening.
Although the piece doesn’t require advanced technique, it’s important to grasp its atmosphere and world and make it your own when playing.
The main phrase mentioned above appears repeatedly with slight variations, so it’s best to play it each time with care to avoid sounding monotonous.
Jingle BellsJames Pierpont
Jingle Bells is a song everyone has heard, and it’s one of the most famous Christmas children’s songs! It’s adorable when sung by a choir, and it’s also a great piece for solo piano.
The light rhythm feels pleasant and fills you with excitement—it’s wonderful! Since it’s such a timeless classic, it might be a good idea to practice it.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed ReindeerJohnny Marks
The classic Christmas nursery song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has a light, pleasant rhythm and is full of holiday spirit.
Since it’s a standard and simple piece, adding a jazz-style arrangement could be a nice touch.
Of course, if you’re accompanying a choir, keeping the performance simple also works well.
It’s a staple, so it’s a good one to have under your fingers.
Santa Claus the ScatterbrainKobayashi Asei
Many of you probably sang “Awatenbō no Santa Claus” with piano accompaniment when you were little, right? It’s a fun, exciting song featuring a slightly fidgety, hurried Santa! When playing it on the piano, adding an arrangement that brings out that sense of excitement and cheerful atmosphere will make for an even better performance.
[Christmas Songs] Carefully Selected Classic & Popular Pieces That Delight on Piano (21–30)
Santa Claus Is Coming to TownFred Coots
Among Christmas nursery rhymes, this song could be called the most famous.
Known by its English title “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” it’s “Santa Claus ga Yatte Kuru.” Every part of it is filled with a festive Christmas atmosphere that makes your heart skip with excitement! As you play, enjoy the rich chords that are the charm of piano performance, while keeping a light, buoyant rhythm in mind.