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.
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- A poignant winter classic. A winter song that seeps into the heart on cold days.
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [2026] Latest Masterful Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heartfelt Love Songs and Uplifting Anthems
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- A poignant ballad song. A tear-jerking masterpiece of Japanese pop music.
- [Winter Songs] Songs that evoke the feeling of winter for Instagram Stories
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- [Winter Love Songs] A curated selection of timeless classics and the latest tracks that offer both warmth and heartbreak
Classic winter ballads. Recommended winter ballad roundup [2026] (41–50)
orionYonezu Kenshi
This song, which was used as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion, is a work by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu—also known for songs like Lemon and Kanden—and was released in 2017 as his sixth single.
As the title suggests, one of its charms is a clear, transparent sound that evokes a winter night sky.
And the lyrics overflow with the feeling of “I want to see that person”… it really hits you in the heart.
It’s a masterpiece where deep emotion and bittersweet sorrow surge in at the same time.
Someday’s Merry ChristmasB’z
Although it was never released as a single, “Itsuka no Merry Christmas” is one of B’z’s most popular songs.
Many people now know it as a classic Christmas tune, but the members have said they never expected it to become this popular.
The lyrics alternate between memories of happier times and the pain of losing someone dear, making it a deeply heart-wrenching ballad.
First Christmas feat. JUNON (BE:FIRST)Reiko
A heartwarming duet that you’ll want to listen to as Christmas draws near.
It’s a collaboration between two powerhouse vocalists: REIKO from BMSG and JUNON from BE:FIRST.
The song was written and composed by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, and it’s filled with the giddy happiness of spending your first Christmas with someone you love.
The harmonies the two create sparkle like holiday illuminations.
Play it while spending time with someone special, and it’s sure to captivate anyone who listens.
Can’t Wait ‘Til ChristmasUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada, who made her debut at the exceptionally young age of 14 and defined an era with her sophisticated, uniquely refined music that belied her years.
This song also drew attention as the first Christmas song she ever created.
Starting with the Japanese rendering of the title “Can’t Wait ’Til Christmas,” the phrase “クリスマスまで待たせないで” (“Don’t make me wait until Christmas”) expresses a delicate yet direct wish: to cherish the present with the one you love.
LOVER SOULJUDY AND MARY
A sweet, sweet love song from JUDY AND MARY, “LOVER SOUL.” Released in 1997 as their 13th single, it’s a love ballad you’ll want to listen to when it’s cold and you long for someone’s warmth.
The melody alone is dreamy, as if you’re slipping into a mysterious sensation, and the lyrics let you vividly feel your lover’s skin’s warmth—enough to make your heart glow.
powder snowRemioromen
Some of you might often sing it at karaoke.
It’s one of the signature songs by the three-piece rock band Remioromen, released in 2007 as their fifth single.
Chosen as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it became a massive hit.
In 2009, when they made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, they performed this song.
The chorus, crying out thoughts about someone dear, pierces straight to the heart.
It’s a classic winter ballad that we hope will continue to be sung for years to come.
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
It’s a poignant song about walking alone down the winter road once shared with a loved one, recalling those memories.
Created by the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, also known for songs like “Tentai Kansoku” and “Karma,” it was released in 2002 as their fourth single.
The guitar’s gentle arpeggio phrases are lovely, and the slow tempo lets you savor the story woven into the lyrics.
It’s a winter ballad that makes you dwell on the protagonist’s state of mind.