[2026] A roundup of Reiwa-era Christmas songs: New classics to brighten the holy night

Halves Christmas≠ME

Halves Christmas

≠ME, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

The song included as a coupling track on their 11th single “Exclusive Fighter,” released in December 2025, drew attention as the group’s first Christmas song.

It weaves delicate imagery—like white knitwear and chilly ears—to portray moments spent with a lover in a winter city.

The motif of sharing a cake overflows with tenderness toward someone special.

Rather than dazzling festivity, the lyrics focus on the warmth of two people growing closer, making it easy to overlay with one’s own Christmas memories.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to spend a quiet moment with their partner or are looking for a heartwarming love song.

next toMarushii

Marcy – Next to You (Official Music Video)

Marcy is a three-piece band based in Fukuoka.

Written as an answer song to their hit “Love Song,” which has surpassed 100 million streams, this track was released digitally in October 2025 and is included on the album “Flavors,” out in November.

It’s a love ballad that gently depicts everyday moments with someone special by your side, with vocalist Yukyo Yoshida’s delicate voice resonating deeply.

In the music video, rising actress Hinako Kikuchi plays the heroine, and the visuals revolve around memories of Christmas.

There’s also an in-car scene that pays homage to the “Love Song” MV—a treat for fans.

This piece is perfect not only for those spending the holy night with a lover, but also for times when you want to express gratitude to the person who’s always there for you.

LALALA (Baby it takes two)Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / LALALA (Baby it takes two) (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai is loved by a wide range of generations for his warm sound rooted in surf rock and acoustic pop.

This is the title track of the EP “LALALA (Baby it takes two),” which was released on November 26, 2025, and it was chosen as the image song for Christmas markets held in five locations across Japan.

The piece features an evocative acoustic guitar tone.

It’s a winter song that sings about the preciousness of everyday life spent with someone special, delivering a message that sharing feelings as a pair brings color to our days—a sentiment that truly resonates.

A perfect track for the holiday season.

Merry Merry Thanks!!Morfonica

Merry Merry Thanks!!

Morfonica is a voice-actor band born from the BanG Dream! project.

Their signature sound blends pop rock with symphonic elements, and the inclusion of violin in the lineup is a standout characteristic.

This track, included on the album “Polyphony” released in March 2025, was also featured in the in-game Christmas event of “BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!” Set to a bright and lighthearted melody, it weaves warm messages of gratitude and smiles.

Composer-arranger Ryutaro Fujinaga himself remarked that “the drums are absolutely wild,” making the performance deeply satisfying to listen to.

A radiant ensemble colors the holy night—this is a Reiwa-era Christmas song.

santaAndrop

Santa

Formed in 2008, androp is a four-piece rock band that has earned high acclaim in Japan and abroad for their sound that fuses diverse genres.

Their Christmas song released in December 2025 borrows the symbol of Santa Claus to portray the theme of kindness—quietly thinking of someone from an unseen place.

Set against winter scenes like snowy nights and city decorations, it carries a warm message that someone may be thinking of you even if you don’t notice it.

Rather than leaning on a flashy festive mood, its storytelling is striking for how it stays close to loneliness and anxiety and gently leads them toward affirmation.

More of a ballad that seeps into the heart through the warmth of its words and melody than through showy production, it’s perfect for a quiet holy night or for moments spent thinking of someone dear.

Christmas☆ParadeAsaka

Asaka “Christmas☆Parade” Music Video Full ver.

Asaka, who has been active for a decade as an anisong singer in the anime and game music scene.

Released in November 2025, this work is a Christmas song produced as the second installment of a three-month consecutive digital release project celebrating the 10th anniversary of her debut.

The lyrics were written by Asaka herself, weaving in winter imagery such as city illuminations, powdery snow, and the sound of bells, while expressing feelings for the special moments spent with a loved one.

With a parade-like, lavish sound layered with her warm vocals, the track shimmers with both sparkle and coziness.

The music video also features a dog energetically dashing about, adding a heartwarming touch that expands the song’s world.

It’s a Reiwa-era holiday song perfect not only as BGM to color a holy night with your partner or family, but also whenever you want to feel the warmth of winter.

Dear SantaKoresawa

Koresawa “Onegai Santa Claus” [Lyric Video]

Since the dawn of the Reiwa era, a song that seems poised to become a new Christmas classic has arrived.

This track by Koresawa is the official recording of a song she had performed only during Christmas since her indie days.

The lyrics, which entrust to Santa Claus a wish for something far more important than material desires, are striking and resonate deeply with listeners.

It was released digitally on November 29, 2023, accompanied by a live stream and a music video premiere on YouTube.

It’s a piece that carries a pure wish—slightly different from Koresawa’s characteristically edgy lyrics—so be sure to give it a listen.