Songs to Learn This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and music. Playing holiday songs is an excellent way to connect with friends and family. Whether you are a singer planning to carol around the neighborhood, a guitarist wanting to rock, or a pianist looking to expand your repertoire, there are countless songs to explore this time of year. Here is a list of classic songs for voice, piano, and guitar students to learn during the holidays.

“Silent Night” by Franz Xaver Gruber

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

“Silent Night” is one of the most recognized holiday songs ever. Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818, this song has been performed by the likes of Mariah Carey and Bing Crosby. Get ready to captivate your audience with this beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Voice Difficulty: Intermediate

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

Judy Garland first performed this song in 1944 for the film Meet Me in St. Louis, and Frank Sinatra released his version shortly after. This heartfelt song continues to be one of history’s most popular Christmas songs. With covers by James Taylor, Bob Dylan, and The Carpenters, it is time to make it yours.

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Roothe

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

This catchy tune will surely make everyone feel the joy of the holiday spirit. Released in 1957, it has become a holiday classic due to its rock n’ roll twist. It is an excellent choice for any beginners wanting to learn a festive, fun song.

“The Christmas Song” by Robert Wells and Mel Torme

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Voice Difficulty: Beginner

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

Initially performed by Nat King Cole, this jazz-infused ballad evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth. The lyrics paint a vivid image of all that is Christmas, from chestnuts roasting to Yuletide carols. This would be an excellent song to collaborate on with friends to bring your audience to tears!

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Voice Difficulty: Advanced

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

Mariah Carey has become the Queen of Christmas because of this classic song. Placing number 1 on the Billboard charts year after year, this song captures the sentiment that love is the greatest gift of all. It is a little more complex due to Mariah’s powerhouse vocals, but it is a good challenge for any vocalist!

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Voice Difficulty: Advanced

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

“Underneath the Tree” is a modern Christmas song with a lot of energy! This would be a great one to get the band together for. Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals will challenge any vocalist, but its festive energy will make it a standout moment for you and your family.

“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Difficulty: Advanced

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

This modern Christmas song will add a new, playful touch to your holiday repertoire. Ariana Grande is known for her vocal runs, and the rhythmic groove will surely get everyone snapping along.

“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Intermediate

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

Taylor Swift wrote “Christmas Tree Farm” about the magical moments of growing up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. It is a fun, whimsical song that captures the charm and coziness of the holidays. This would be a great one to play on the piano to bring cheer to your guests.

“Last Christmas” by Wham!

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Intermediate

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

Another holiday modern classic, this song was released in the 1980s by Wham! It tells the story of someone giving their heart to someone who took it for granted. This song is sure to get everyone singing along!

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Intermediate

“Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley is a song best played at night’s end when everyone is tired. This melancholic song was released in 1957 and expresses the sadness of spending Christmas alone. It is slow, soulful, and easy for any musician to learn!

“The Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

“The Chanukah Song” is a lighthearted song by Adam Sandler, first performed on Saturday Night Live in 1994. It is fun to learn on the guitar and will bring a lot of laughter to anyone who hears it.

“Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” by Samuel S. Grossman

Piano Difficulty: Intermediate

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

This is a cheerful and fun song for any young beginner student to learn. The simple melody and repetitive lyrics make it a great song for everyone to sing together during Hanukkah.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

This is a great holiday classic for young music learners! Gene Autry first performed this song, and it became a number-one hit on the charts. The holiday classic teaches acceptance and the importance of embracing each other’s differences.

“Frosty the Snowman” by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

“Frosty the Snowman” is an easy and fun song for young children to learn. First recorded by Gene Autry in 1950, this song remains a favorite for young children. This would be a fantastic piece for your next winter recital.

“Deck the Halls” by Nos Galan

Piano Difficulty: Easy

Voice Difficulty: Easy

Guitar Difficulty: Easy

This song dates back to the 16th Century and is one of the most popular Christmas carols ever. This is the perfect song to learn for a sing along with friends and family. It is sure to bring a lot of joy.

There are so many incredible holiday songs to learn this year. This list features modern and classic songs that will impress your friends and family throughout December. The difficulty level is advisory, and these songs can be arranged for all skill levels. Bringing these songs to your next music lesson will ensure you are playing the right arrangement. So, grab your instrument and spread the joy of music this holiday season!