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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Winter ballad masterpieces. Recommended winter ballads roundup [2026] (51–60)
A Winter WhistleSukima Suichi
For those looking for a pop-tinged ballad to melt away the winter chill, I recommend “Fuyu no Kuchibue” by Sukima Switch.
It was released in 2004 as their fourth single.
You can feel the duo’s gentle warmth in both the piano tones and the vocals.
It’s a perfect song for couples in winter, when the cold makes human warmth feel even cozier.
A heartwarming mid-tempo number that will make you want to whistle along.
OrionOmori Seiko
Seiko Oomori, a genius at portraying the messy depths of human emotions and dramatic mood swings in her lyrics, resonates with many young women.
Orionza is a winter ballad she released in 2017.
Listeners have praised the song with comments like “I found myself in tears,” “a bittersweet yet hopeful track,” and “it suits winter perfectly.” The highlight is its lyrics: they’re compelling in the way they empathize with people despairing over their current situation and encourage them to walk toward hope together.
The Night of OrionOno Daisuke
Voice actor Daisuke Ono—who has appeared in countless works such as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Attack on Titan—released the single “Orion no Yoru” in 2016.
It reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
His richly trained, velvety baritone—honed through voice acting—is captivating, and he even penned the lyrics himself.
Inspired by Orion, a constellation that symbolizes winter, the song’s words portray the parting of lovers, making it a poignant, grand ballad.
It’s the perfect track to listen to while gazing up at the winter night sky.
DEAR…againHirose Kōmi
When it comes to winter, I bet many people immediately think of Kōmi Hirose.
Among her songs, “Gelaende ga Tokeru Hodo Koi Shitai” is especially familiar as a happy winter tune! Alongside that, this song is also a winter classic, but its theme is a bittersweet long-distance relationship.
The lyrics overflow with the heartfelt wish to spend Christmas together, and you can’t help but get a little teary-eyed.
It’s a ballad that offers comfort to anyone who’s also in a long-distance relationship.
Classic Winter Ballads. Recommended Winter Ballad Compilation [2026] (61–70)
CAROLSHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki’s “CAROLS,” released in 2004.
Just hearing the piano in the intro alone feels like it could bring you to tears.
This love song is themed around winter, the season when lovers cuddle close, and it expresses the desire to stay together forever.
You can feel the overflowing love in Hamasaki’s soaring vocals in the chorus.
It’s a winter ballad that makes you want to cherish the person you care about even more.
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.