[2026] Christmas songs in Western music: from new hits to hall-of-fame classics

Ave MariaLuciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti – Ave Maria (Schubert)

In Japan, Christmas is a major event that people usually spend with a partner or friends.

Of course, that aspect is significant overseas as well, but it’s also treated as a holy day commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you’d like to celebrate Jesus’s birth at Christmas, I recommend this version of Ave Maria.

There are many versions of Ave Maria, but this one feels the warmest.

Luciano Pavarotti’s sunlike voice is one of its great charms, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Every Year, Every ChristmasLuther Vandross

Luther Vandross – Every Year, Every Christmas

An emotional Christmas ballad that sings of aching feelings.

The protagonist’s lonely longing as they wait for their beloved—and the hope they still can’t let go of—are beautifully conveyed through Luther Vandross’s soulful vocals.

Included on the October 1995 album “This Is Christmas,” the song blends R&B elements with a strikingly moody atmosphere.

Co-written with Richard Marx, it was named a popular holiday song in ASCAP’s 2010 report.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who’s experienced heartbreak or wants to reaffirm their feelings for someone special.

White ChristmasMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – White Christmas [Official Animated Video]

White Christmas is a classic Christmas song that has been beloved for many years, from the 1940s to the present day.

Because it’s been used in so many forms of media, most people in Japan have likely heard it at least once.

Among the many versions, I particularly recommend Michael Bublé’s rendition.

While it retains a vintage melodic feel, the production quality is high, giving it a unique and captivating atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Christmas CallingNorah Jones

Norah Jones – Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)

Singer-songwriter Norah Jones, whose one-of-a-kind airy voice has captivated the world.

“Christmas Calling” was included on the first Christmas album she has released in her nearly 20-year career.

The song carries the message: if we can’t spend Christmas with the ones we love, let’s at least talk on the phone.

Starting in 2020, the world entered the COVID-19 pandemic, which took away the joy of attending events and gathering with loved ones.

The loneliness Norah felt during that time is reflected in the song.

Yet it doesn’t end in sadness—in true Norah fashion, it conveys a hopeful sentiment: “Let’s call each other instead and share the feeling of being together, if only in spirit.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

WhateverOasis

Oasis – Whatever (Official Video)

This song became hugely popular in Japan as a commercial jingle, but in its home country of the UK, it was actually released for the Christmas season as a guitar rock Christmas track! I think many people don’t know this, right? Even though the band has broken up, the reason you still hear this song a lot on the radio every winter is because of that.