Classic winter ballads. Recommended winter ballad roundup [2026]
Winter tends to make us yearn for connection and feel sentimental, and combined with the beauty of winter scenery, ballads fit the season perfectly.
In fact, many popular winter songs are ballads, and this article rounds up just such beloved winter ballads.
We’ve gathered a wide range of tracks—from timeless standards and classics to winter songs by today’s popular artists.
Whether it’s Christmas, a quiet winter night alone, a day on the slopes, or a winter drive, find the perfect song to match your mood for any winter scene.
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Classic winter ballads. Recommended winter ballads compilation [2026] (1–10)
Holy ChristmasOnda Masanori
This is a song by Masanori Onda that beautifully fuses the wintry atmosphere with the bittersweet pain of heartbreak.
Set on a snowy Christmas night, it portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they reminisce about a breakup, conveyed through delicate vocals.
Released in November 2023 and shared on Onda’s YouTube channel, the track has captured the hearts of many listeners.
It’s a piece that fully showcases Onda’s charm, known for his sweet yet heartrending voice.
Perfect for those who find themselves recalling past loves amid the special ambiance of Christmas.
Also recommended as background music for a quiet winter night alone or a mellow Christmas party.
Secret TouchSnow Man
“Secret Touch” is Snow Man’s fifth single, released in 2021.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “My Love Mix-Up!”, which starred Ren Meguro from the group and Shunsuke Michieda from Naniwa Danshi in a double lead role, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
It’s a medium-tempo ballad with a memorable piano arpeggio, and its lyrics poignantly capture the many feelings of being in love.
It’s the perfect song for those sentimental moods brought on by the winter chill!
MY DEARESTIKE
Released in December 2023 as a heartwarming Christmas song, this track marks IKE’s first self-produced work.
Created as a gesture of gratitude to fans, it features a gently enveloping vocal delivery and a calm, warm tone.
Following roughly two years of hiatus, this piece became a major step in resuming his musical activities and symbolizes a fresh start for IKE.
His commitment to cherishing bonds with fans is strongly reflected, with the production process carried out in collaboration with fan club members.
It’s a soothing song perfect for Christmas or winter nights—ideal for spending time with loved ones or for quiet moments alone.
Classic Winter Ballads: Recommended Winter Ballads Compilation [2026] (11–20)
Xmas with ULANA
A winter ballad that weaves a bittersweet love story while interlacing iconic elements of Christmas.
Released by LANA in December 2022, this track marked a new challenge that set it apart from her rap work.
With a clear, pure vocal delivery, it straightforwardly expresses the wish to spend Christmas with a loved one.
Set to a pop, glamorous sound, the song gently paints scenes of candlelight, a sparkling tree, and a quiet night with someone special.
It also incorporates realistic dynamics—from lovers’ quarrels to reconciliation—shining with LANA’s true-to-life sensibility.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear if you’re looking forward to spending Christmas night with the person who matters most.
First ChristmasNaoto Intiraymi
We’ve been given the rare chance to finally release a song that was created 25 years ago.
The feelings Naoto Inti Raymi wove together during his student days have at last borne fruit after a quarter of a century.
This piece beautifully captures the excitement and nervousness of a couple spending their first Christmas together.
Its grand sound—featuring gospel-style choruses and sparkling arrangements—fully evokes the spirit of the season.
Released in November 2023, the track is recommended for those who want to spend special moments with a lover or look back on memories with someone dear.
It’s a heartwarming song that keeps you company on long winter nights.
broad daylightKing Gnu
When we watch the snow falling hard, a bittersweet yet beautiful melody comes to mind.
It’s a signature song by King Gnu, released digitally in 2019 and written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” The lyrics depict a heartfelt wish to have an irreparable past and one’s mistakes concealed beneath pure white snow.
No matter how much we regret, time won’t turn back; all we can do is keep walking through the continuous present—a painful truth most of us have felt at least once.
Begun by Daiki Tsuneta at the end of 2018, the track went on to set astonishing streaming records.
It’s also an indispensable winter soundtrack on TikTok.
Listening to it in the cold air might be a good chance to face your own heart.
Winter Giftmosao.
Sung by Mosawo, a singer-songwriter who performs without showing their face, this piece is a love song that gently portrays winter romance in down-to-earth words.
The music video released in November 2020 is filled with the aching feelings of unrequited love and the courage to confess, isn’t it? Incorporating strings for the first time, the sound vividly colors the sparkle of winter with a touch of loneliness.
Also included on the album “Koi no Uta,” it drew major attention at the time of its digital release, dominating the top spots on LINE MUSIC’s rankings.
With highly relatable lyrics that make you want to see the person you like, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to closely.
If you play it before Christmas or a winter date, it’s sure to give you the courage to share your feelings with someone special!