[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 & Popular Pieces That Delight on Piano (21–30)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” is a piece you often hear as wedding background music, but it’s also very popular to play on the piano at Christmastime.
It’s unhurried yet grand and gentle—a wonderful piece that soothes you just by listening.
Many people who have taken piano lessons may have played it themselves.
Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI is a band that’s extremely popular, especially among younger generations.
While Starlight Parade isn’t a song that directly centers on Christmas, I think it’s perfect for the season, with all the holiday illuminations.
If you’re looking for a lively Christmas song to play on the piano, this one is highly recommended! It’s also great that you can choose to perform it with the upbeat feel of the original or go for a more gentle, piano-style arrangement.
fir treeDoitsu min’yō

“O Christmas Tree” (originally “O Tannenbaum”) is a Christmas carol that originates from a folk song of northern Germany and is one of the most widely known Christmas songs in the world.
Because lyrics have been written in many different languages, there are several versions of the words.
Some string lights for Christmas trees can play music boxes, and “O Christmas Tree” is often included.
Many people would be delighted to hear this beloved song, cherished around the world, played on the piano.
Amazing Gracesanbika

Amazing Grace, written by the British clergyman John Newton, is a hymn beloved around the world.
Often called America’s second national anthem and widely sung, why not try playing this piece on the piano during the Christmas season? Though it isn’t a Christmas song, its solemn atmosphere and gentle, profound melody perfectly suit the crisp, clear air of winter.
As a classic gospel song, there are many piano scores available.
Find an arrangement that suits you and give it a try at Christmas.
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon

One of the most beloved Christmas songs in the world is John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” It debuted at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and, following Lennon’s death in 1980, reached a peak of number 2.
It’s a classic not only as a Christmas song but also as a beautiful piece imbued with a message of peace.
This song has a gentle, ballad-like feel, and the piano arrangement shines.
Including its theme, the key to performing it lies in how beautifully you can express it.
This child is truly the Son of God (the newborn Jesus).furansu min’yō

A traditional French Christmas carol brimming with joy in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Originating in the 19th century, it was first published in 1862.
It is characterized by a bright, lively melody, and its lyrics depict the birth of God’s Son foretold by prophets over 4,000 years.
While expressing wonder at His humble birth in a stable, the song praises the beauty of Jesus and the perfection of God’s grace.
Covered by many artists, including Édith Piaf and Annie Lennox, it is especially often performed during the Christmas season.
It also has a delicate charm when played on the piano, so why not give it a try?
Christmas songback number

The song that has now become the new standard for Japanese Christmas music is back number’s “Christmas Song.” Like all of back number’s tracks, the lyrics are irresistibly relatable—that’s part of their charm! Of course, this song’s wonderful lyrics are a highlight, but its beautiful, easy-on-the-ears melody is also a major draw.
If you arrange it for piano and perform it, the lovely melody will shine even more.
By all means, try playing it and soaking in the romantic Christmas atmosphere.



