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 ballad roundup [2026] (41–50)
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.
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.
DecemberMoriyama Naotaro
The winter ballad “December” by Naotaro Moriyama was released exclusively as a digital single in 2005 and has been cherished among fans as a hidden gem.
It was included in his 15th-anniversary best-of album “Daikessakusen” in 2016, but only on the bonus CD that came with the first-press limited edition.
It’s a quintessentially gentle winter song of his that we hope many people will hear.
StoryAI
AI’s popular song “Story.” This song expresses the feeling that we must cherish the ordinary moments we have right now, while also conveying a strong determination to protect those we love from the bottom of our hearts.
It’s a deeply moving ballad, so please give it a listen.
The English version of this song is featured in the film Big Hero 6.
holly (Japanese holly tree, Ilex crenata)Do As Infinity
Do As Infinity’s popular song Hiiragi, which was chosen as the theme song for the drama Love Letter: The Man We Loved, is also a ballad that’s perfect for winter.
It’s a popular karaoke choice as well, so many women may already be familiar with it.
This poignant track depicts snowy scenery and the bittersweet emotions of a man and woman who hesitate, stop, and start walking again as they struggle with their feelings.