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

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa ClausThe Jackson 5

Jackson 5 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Kids Version)

A song by the American music group the Jackson 5, also famous for having Michael Jackson as a member.

In Japan, it’s well known under the title “Mama ga Santa ni Kiss Shita” (“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”) and is a classic Christmas tune.

With its youthful, high-pitched lead vocal and beautifully interwoven call-and-response chorus, it’s a number you’ll want to listen to with your family at Christmas.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Underneath The TreeKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree (Official Audio)

Kelly Clarkson is an American singer-songwriter who has gained popularity with her catchy musical style.

Her song “Underneath the Tree” is known as a Christmas classic among her works.

The melody blends the feel of traditional Christmas music with pop elements.

As is true of her music in general, the melody is very catchy and straightforward, making it a great recommendation even for those who don’t usually listen to Western pop.

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Ryo

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Christmas TimeBryan Adams

Bryan Adams – Christmas Time (Lyrics)

Bryan Adams is a singer-songwriter who has also made a name for himself as a photographer.

He’s known for his distinctly husky voice, and his music is primarily rooted in pop rock.

“Christmas Time” is one of his holiday numbers.

Although he boasts a four-octave vocal range, this song also spans a fairly wide range, from mid2G to hihiA.

That said, the vocal line itself is very simple, with frequent repetitions.

Plus, since the key can be lowered, anyone with a decent range should be able to sing it well.

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Ryo

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Merry Christmas DarlingCarpenters

Merry Christmas Darling (Single Version)

It’s a song that was released as a single in 1970.

The lyrics were written in 1946 by Frank Pooler when he was 20, and he said they were about someone he had feelings for at the time.

The song itself is a Christmas ballad with a gentle melody line, making it something you can sing in a calm manner rather than with intensity.

Since it gradually builds toward the chorus, the structure makes you naturally think, “This is the chorus.” It’s better sung with a composed, steady tone rather than by belting.

You could accent the beginning of the melody, but don’t overdo it—using a deeper, softer voice will suit the mood.

Try singing with the sensation of resonating inside your mouth!

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Kubota Mami

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Christmas EveIdina Menzel

Christmas Eve

This song is included on a Christmas holiday album released in 2014.

In Japan, the same album was also released under the title “Snow Wishes,” and the song appears there as well.

Since it shares the same melody as Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve,” it’s very easy to listen to.

If you want a stylish English version, Idina Menzel’s rendition might be a good choice.

That said, the song builds steadily toward the latter half, so there are several spots where you’ll need to hit higher notes.

The ending phrases have very cool melodic lines, so men can lower the key and still deliver it well.

Overall, rather than enunciating crisply throughout, it’s better to sing with awareness of accents at the beginning and in certain parts.

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Kubota Mami

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