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

Blue MoonNiziU

NiziU(니쥬) 4th Single「Blue Moon」M/V

A Christmas song from the 2020s that I highly recommend is NiziU’s “Blue Moon.” Released in December 2022, this track is NiziU’s first winter ballad.

The lyrics, centered on love and bonds, depict the strength to overcome distance between two people, with the blue moon sung as a symbol that connects them.

It’s also lovely how the warmth of winter and the layering of warm memories are expressed as elements supporting their bond.

Coupled with NiziU’s signature catchy melody, the song stirs a gentle warmth in the listener’s heart.

How about giving it a listen on Christmas night with your family or someone special?

Your very own Santa ClausDEEN

DEEN “Your Only Santa Claus” from ‘Spur’ Teaser Movie

DEEN, who have continued to release hit songs from the 1990s to the present, put out a winter-themed album titled “Spur” in December 2021.

Featured on that album, this song is a gem of a love ballad that layers bittersweet feelings for Christmas over the sophisticated sounds of city pop and AOR.

It captures the thrill of a first Christmas Eve together and a sincere wish for a loved one, delivering a passionate message about becoming Santa Claus to grant that person’s wishes.

Shuichi Ikemori’s clear, transparent vocals and Koji Yamane’s urbane arrangement create a beauty like snow dancing across the winter night sky.

It’s a perfect track for a special night spent with your partner or when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.

Your Santa Clausparis match

Your Santa Claus

As Christmas draws near, it naturally makes you want to see your lover—this is a bittersweet love song that sings that feeling straight from the heart.

It’s woven with warm words expressing the desire to share both the sadness and joy of someone precious, and the wish to hurry to their side like Santa Claus delivering presents.

Closing out the album “Le 13e,” released in August 2025, this track is a refined adult Christmas song whose sophisticated arrangement and calm vocals gently wrap the winter scenery.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to on a relaxed Christmas night with your partner, or as you bring the year to a close.

That kid is a Santa who doesn’t come to town.ivu santakuroosu (matsunaga akane)

[THE iDOLM@STER] “That Girl Came to Town, Santa” (Vocals: Eve Santaclaus)

Sung by a protagonist who juggles being both Santa and an idol during a hectic Christmas season, this song charms with its unique concept of dashing from chimney to chimney while still taking the stage.

The lyrics portray the struggle to balance Santa duties and idol work, delivered over an energetic, pop sound.

Lyrics are by Retasu Shichijō, with composition and arrangement by D.watt, standing out for its catchy melody and brisk arrangement.

It was included on the August 2024 CD “THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA MASTER 067-069 Chiyo Shirayuki, Nanami Asari, Eve Santaclaus,” and can also be enjoyed in the game “THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls: Starlight Stage.” It’s a bright, uplifting track that’s perfect not only as Christmas party background music, but also for cheering on someone who’s giving their all.

Santa Run Run♪Run♪Daikoku Maki

Maki Ohguro 'Santa Run Run♪ Run♪' (1 chorus ver.)

This is the official theme song for a charity running event—perfect for listening while imagining Santa Claus in his red-and-white outfit dashing through the city.

Written specifically for the Tokyo Great Santa Run, for which Maki Ohguro served as Special Ambassador, the song carries a message of delivering love to children fighting illnesses.

Set to a lively pop-rock rhythm, it sings of the hope that the world can become one family and the joy of being connected through smiles.

Akihito Tokunaga’s bright arrangement and the children’s chorus add warmth.

Released in December 2019, the track is also included on the 30th-anniversary concept album “BACK BEATs #30th Anniversary ~SPARKLE~.” It’s an ideal song for Christmas party BGM and for the holiday season spent with family and friends.

You are Santa Claus.Shishido Rumi

You are Santa Claus.

This song, released in February 2023 by Rumi Shishido—who is active as both a voice actress and singer—is a winter love song where wistfulness and warmth coexist.

It delicately portrays the feeling of thinking about someone dear even while shivering in the cold, and through the figure of Santa Claus, it conveys the wish to see that special someone.

The protagonist, who can’t give up hope despite feeling sleepy and cold, is likely to resonate with many who eagerly await Christmas.

Written and composed by Yamaneko Tanaka, the track is also now available for karaoke on JOYSOUND.

It’s a perfect number for nights spent waiting for a lover, or for moments of reflecting on Christmas.

Xmas Santaayaka

Ayaka / Xmas Santa Lyric Video

Released digitally in November 2020, Ayaka’s first Christmas song is a love song that uses Santa Claus as a motif while gently weaving together the warmth of winter and feelings for a loved one.

Characterized by sparkling arrangements and layered choral work, it conveys both the excitement of Christmas and a faint sense of wistfulness.

Alongside the digital release, it was also sold as a Christmas card with a music card, and the cover features artwork by miniature photographer Tatsuya Tanaka.

It’s also heartwarming that the title was chosen by Ayaka’s eldest daughter.

With UTA brought on as arranger for the first time, the track achieves a soft sound incorporating guitar and cello.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for Christmas parties, but also for a quiet evening spent with someone special.