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Lovely Christmas

[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!

[Christmas Songs] Carefully selected classic & popular pieces that delight when played on piano (51–60)

#MerryChristmasnaniwa danshi

#MerryChristmas / Naniwa Danshi [Piano Sheet Music] (Radio ver.)
#MerryChristmasnaniwa danshi

“#MerryChristmas,” the 2022 winter song by the seven-member male idol group Naniwa Danshi, is a catchy, high-energy pop Christmas tune.

It can be tricky to convey the sparkling rhythm on piano, but it’s crucial to really bring out the dotted notes in the left hand.

The chords and fingerings aren’t too difficult, so as long as you mind the bouncing dotted rhythms in both hands, you’ll be fine.

How about performing this lively Christmas number—packed with fun call-and-response shouts—at a joyful Christmas party?

red scarfJanīzu WEST

Piano Performance: “Red Scarf / Johnny’s WEST” [By Ear]
red scarfJanīzu WEST

A track from the album “WESTV!” released in December 2018.

With both a sweet and bittersweet ballad feel, it’s a song that makes your heart tighten without you even realizing it.

It conjures up the scene of a winter night tinged with a hint of loneliness.

It’s a piece you’ll want to play while savoring the quiet and poignancy of such a night.

Although the song features many chords and dotted rhythms, take care not to let the performance become too lively.

Sheet music is available for purchase, including printable scores, so give it a try!

Auld Lang SyneSukottorando min’yō

Originally a Scottish folk song, this piece is also famous as the original tune of “Hotaru no Hikari,” and it’s probably a melody everyone has heard at least once.

In Scotland, it’s often used for celebratory occasions such as New Year’s and birthdays, making it a perfect fit for celebrating Christ’s birth at Christmas as well.

pure whiteBikkeburanka

[Sheet Music] Masshiro / Vickeblanka — Tried Playing the Insert Song from “We Can’t Become Beasts”
pure whiteBikkeburanka

Masshiro by Vickeblanka, an insert song from the drama ‘We Cannot Become Beasts,’ was originally accompanied by piano, making it a perfect fit for a piano solo arrangement.

While preserving the gentle feel of the original, it incorporates many piano-centric expressions such as broken chords and octave chords.

The sections with single melody lines and those with chords differ in dynamics and emotional build, giving the piece an overall sense of contour.

Be mindful to keep the dotted rhythms crisp so they don’t become sloppy when you play.

[Christmas Songs] Carefully Selected Classic & Popular Pieces That Delight on Piano (61–70)

powder snowRemioromen

Powder Snow / Remioromen - Piano Cover
powder snowRemioromen

A classic song that portrays a bittersweet love against a winter backdrop.

Released in November 2005 as Remioromen’s second major-label single, it was also used as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It delicately expresses lost memories and the longing to grow close again, leaving a strong impression of loneliness in the cold and two people drifting past each other.

Ryota Fujimaki’s poetic lyrics and the heart-stirring melody have resonated with many listeners and continue to be loved by a wide audience.

It’s also perfect for piano performances during the Christmas season, and is highly recommended for those who want to feel the poignancy of winter.

Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

Snow Flower – Mika Nakashima [with sheet music] Piano cover by ear – Tried playing – CANACANA
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika

A song that beautifully depicts a winter scene.

Its fragile, heartrending melody sinks deeply into the listener’s heart.

Released in 2003, this piece has remained one of Mika Nakashima’s signature works, beloved by many.

It was also featured in a Meiji Seika commercial and became a major hit.

Furthermore, in 2019 it was used as the theme song for a film of the same name.

When played with the delicate timbre of a piano, it can evoke a quiet night with snow gently piling up.

How about playing it softly on a long winter night?

Merry ChristmasNinomiya Kazunari

Tried playing “Merry Christmas” [Piano]
Merry ChristmasNinomiya Kazunari

Let’s try playing a piano arrangement of Kazunari Ninomiya’s Christmas song “Merry Christmas.” A member of ARASHI, he has released many solo songs, among which are cheerful winter tunes.

This track is included on ARASHI’s 2014 album “THE DIGITALIAN.” The key to performing this piece is to bring out dynamic contrast—playing the quiet, sung-like sections gently and the lively, energetic sections with vigor.

Its charm lies in the brilliant harmonies and tender melody, and it also features a sophisticated structure with a touch of jazz-style arrangement in the latter half.

The theme is love at first sight—so play this exciting, fun Christmas number and liven up your party.