The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. What better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with the timeless melodies of beloved holiday songs? Whether you're a piano enthusiast or just beginning your musical journey, playing Christmas classics on the piano is the perfect way to spread cheer and connect with loved ones.
In this article, we've collected piano sheet music for some of the iconic Christmas songs. Each piece comes with a little backstory and a link to the sheet music, so you can bring the magic of these tunes to life right at your fingertips. From modern hits to traditional classics, these songs are sure to brighten your holiday season.
All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's immortal holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” was co-written with Walter Afanasieff in the early 1990s. Inspired by Carey's deep love for Christmas, the song captures the festive spirit with its joyful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Surprisingly, Mariah was initially hesitant to record holiday music so early in her career, but her passion for the Christmas season won out.
The track was recorded in August, and the studio was transformed into a winter wonderland to create the appropriate mood. Released in 1994, it wasn't meant to be a massive hit, as Christmas songs by pop artists weren't common at the time. However, its melody and nostalgic vibe resonated deeply, earning it three Guinness World Records, RIAA Diamond certification, and inclusion in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry.
A decade later, this iconic song remains a seasonal favorite, climbing to the top of the charts around the world every holiday season and cementing Mariah Carey's title as the “Queen of Christmas.”
Learn to play on piano with Misolla Music All I Want for Christmas Piano sheet music.
Carol of the Bells by Mykola Leontovych
It began with “Shchedryk,” a Ukrainian folk song about a little bird that was first performed in the United States in 1922. Its charming melody has since been sung by artists such as Beyoncé and Pentatonix.
Arranged by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych, “Shchedryk” was a Christmas carol celebrating generosity and hope. In 1936, Peter J. Wilchowski adapted it into the Christmas classic we know today, adding English lyrics and the title “Carol of the Bells.”
Subsequently, the song has become a holiday staple, featured in films such as Home Alone and covered by countless musicians. Despite its joyful melody, the song has a dark history associated with Ukraine's struggle for independence, as Leontovych was murdered in 1921 during Soviet attempts to suppress Ukrainian culture. Today, the song symbolizes the resilience and indomitable spirit of Ukrainian heritage.
Try to play the song on piano:
Christmas Kids by R.O.A.R.
Released in 2010 on Owen Evans’ debut EP I Can’t Handle Change, "Christmas Kids" gained unexpected fame over a decade later when it went viral on TikTok, soundtracking thousands of videos and entering the UK Singles Chart. While its dreamy, indie pop sound might seem romantic, the song hides a much darker story.
Evans wrote the song as a commentary on the sinister realities often concealed in the cheerful facade of 1960s pop music. Specifically, it reflects the abusive relationship between Ronnie Spector and Phil Spector. The lyrics weave a contrast between saccharine romance and entrapment, mirroring Ronnie’s experiences of isolation and control. Even the title, "Christmas Kids," alludes to the twins Phil adopted to manipulate Ronnie further.
Despite its haunting origins, the song remains compelling, blending nostalgic melodies with a poignant narrative, making it a tribute to Ronnie Spector’s courage and resilience.
To practice the song – choose the level:
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Meredith Wilson
Written in 1951 by Meredith Willson, "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" quickly became a festive favorite. The song was first recorded by Perry Como and later by Bing Crosby, but it truly cemented its place in holiday music history through its many covers, including Michael Bublé's 2011 rendition, which brought it to a new generation and became a global hit.
Willson, known for his Broadway musical The Music Man, may have drawn inspiration for the lyrics from a visit to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia—though this remains a charming local legend. References to "the Grand Hotel" and "Frost Park" in the song fueled speculation that Yarmouth was the birthplace of the tune.
Whether or not the tale is true, the song has endured as a Christmas classic, loved for its timeless melody and vivid imagery that captures the joy of the season.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the holidays by playing a piece on the piano:
As you explore these timeless melodies and bring them to life on the piano, may your holiday season be filled with music, joy, and cherished memories. Whether you're playing for loved ones or simply for yourself, these songs are sure to make your celebrations even more magical. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness.
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