[2026] Songs of Santa Claus: A roundup of classic Santa tracks to enjoy at 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.

Cowardly Santashuuchishin

Cowardly Santa

This is the third single from Shuchishin, a three-member unit formed on the quiz variety show “Quiz! Hexagon II.” Released in December 2008, the single topped the Oricon Weekly Chart and was certified Platinum.

It’s a bittersweet breakup song that recalls a lover on Christmas night and likens the narrator—who couldn’t make them happy—to a “cowardly Santa.” Chosen as the campaign song for Fuji TV’s winter event “HOT☆FANTASY ODAIBA 2008–2009,” many people likely heard it at Christmas-season event venues.

Blending a pop, accessible melody with a sense of longing, it also makes a great BGM choice for Christmas parties.

Santa ClausELLEGARDEN

[All by myself] Santa Claus – ELLEGARDEN – Full Band Cover [One-person band] ELLEGARDEN #13

A Christmas song by ELLEGARDEN, a Japanese melodic hardcore band with legendary popularity.

It’s a brilliant track where the fast tempo shifts dramatically at the chorus.

There are many Christmas songs by rock bands, but this one is steeped in their signature flavor—a Christmas song that we want not only melodic hardcore fans but all band music fans to hear.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Dear SantaKoresawa

Koresawa “Onegai Santa Claus” [Lyric Video]

It’s a memorable song with lyrics that read like wishes to Santa Claus.

The poppy melody—so characteristic of Koresawa—and the surprising, almost eyebrow-raising lyrics create a compelling contrast.

This track, which Koresawa had performed only during the Christmas season since her indie days, was officially released as a recording on November 29, 2023.

Koresawa debuted in 2017 with the album “Korekara” and has released multiple works since.

Her music is marked by easy-on-the-ears pop paired with candid lyrics that vividly capture the feelings of a free-spirited young woman.

It’s a perfect listen for the Christmas season, and also a recommended track for anyone searching for what truly matters—beyond material desires.

A Wish to Santa Clausraburii samaa chan

A Wish to Santa Claus

Be sure to check out the heartbreak song with a Santa Claus theme, “A Wish to Santa Claus.” It’s a track released by singer-songwriter Lovely Summer-chan.

Set to a low-frequency, downer sound, it tells the story of someone who’s been dumped and wishes Santa would bring their lover back.

However, Santa never actually appears, and the sense of emptiness only deepens as the story unfolds.

Also pay attention to the expressive vocals.

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yamamoto

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My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi

My lover is Santa Claus

It’s such a famous song that it’s not an exaggeration to say there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard it, since it’s always playing all over town during the Christmas season.

It’s a track by Yumi Matsutoya included on an album released in 1980.

Although it wasn’t released as a single, it became well known after being used as an insert song in the film “Take Me Out to Ski,” and it’s a fan favorite.

The lyrics depict Yuming’s distinctive girlish fantasy, with a touch of humor that only adults can appreciate—like the idea that Santa Claus is your lover.

The chorus melody is just as impactful as the lyrics and feels exhilarating.

It’s one of Japan’s top-tier Christmas songs.

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Yuuko.S

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Christmas HeroSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Christmas Hero, sung from a child’s point of view about Santa Claus, is a great pick for anyone looking for Christmas songs for kids.

The song was created with lyrics by singer-songwriter Toshihiko Arakawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.

The pair is also known for their famous song “The Children of the World.” When it comes to Christmas, Santa Claus is the first to come to mind—especially for children, he’s a true hero who brings joy.

This song captures that admiration for Santa, and as you listen, it might make kids think, “I’ll be good this year so I can get presents!” Be sure to give it a listen.

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Yuuko.S

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