Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with warmth, joy, and the comforting sounds of holiday music. What better way to embrace the festive spirit than by learning to play some classic Christmas songs on your guitar? Whether you’re a beginner just starting your guitar journey or an intermediate player looking to expand your repertoire, mastering a few Christmas tunes is a fantastic way to entertain family and friends, and add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations.
This guide will walk you through a selection of easy-to-learn Christmas Guitar Songs, perfect for players of all levels. From timeless carols to modern holiday hits, you’ll find a diverse range of songs that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas mood. Grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s dive into the joyful world of Christmas guitar songs!
Beginner-Friendly Christmas Guitar Songs
If you’re new to guitar or just want to quickly learn some festive tunes without complex chords, these beginner-friendly Christmas songs are perfect for you. They primarily use basic chords and simple strumming patterns, allowing you to focus on enjoying the music and spreading holiday cheer.
1. Jingle Bells
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: G, D, C
“Jingle Bells” is arguably the most recognizable Christmas song globally. Its cheerful melody and incredibly simple chord progression make it an ideal starting point for beginner guitarists. While often associated with sleigh rides and snow, surprisingly, “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving! Regardless of its origins, it’s become a quintessential Christmas anthem that everyone loves to sing along to.
How to play “Jingle Bells” on guitar:
- Begin with the G chord and strum it four times.
- Transition to the D chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the C chord and strum once.
- Repeat this sequence for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Jingle Bells” is instantly recognizable and incredibly catchy. Its simplicity makes it easy to learn and play, perfect for getting everyone involved in a festive singalong. Experiment with a shuffle rhythm to add a fun, unique twist to this classic.
2. Feliz Navidad
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: G, C, D7, Am
“Feliz Navidad,” meaning “Merry Christmas” in Spanish, brings a vibrant Latin flair to your holiday music collection. Written and performed by Jose Feliciano, this bilingual Christmas song is known for its infectious energy and simple, repetitive lyrics. Despite its simplicity, “Feliz Navidad” has become a beloved Christmas staple worldwide, transcending language barriers with its joyful message.
How to play “Feliz Navidad” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord, strumming it twice.
- Move to the C chord for one strum.
- Next, switch to the D7 chord for one strum.
- Finally, play the Am chord and finish with two strums of G.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Feliz Navidad” is a burst of upbeat Christmas cheer. Its simple chord progression is easy to grasp, and the Latin rhythm adds a dynamic and exciting element to your guitar playing. Try incorporating palm muting or percussive strums to enhance its rhythmic feel.
3. Winter Wonderland
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, A7, Dm, G7
“Winter Wonderland” evokes picturesque snowy landscapes and the magical atmosphere of winter. This classic holiday tune, written in 1934, paints a romantic picture of wintertime joy. Its gentle melody and straightforward chord progression make it a delightful song for beginner guitarists to learn and practice their strumming techniques.
How to play “Winter Wonderland” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum twice.
- Move to the A7 chord for one strum.
- Switch back to C and strum once more.
- Next, play the Dm chord for two strums.
- Finally, end with a G7 chord.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Winter Wonderland” is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the spirit of the season. Its simple chord changes are great for practicing smooth transitions, and you can experiment with swing rhythms or fingerpicking to add your personal touch.
4. Frosty the Snowman
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, F, G7
“Frosty the Snowman” tells the whimsical tale of a snowman who magically comes to life. This cheerful song, popular amongst children and adults alike, is a winter favorite for its playful lyrics and simple melody. Its easy chord progression makes it an excellent choice for beginner guitarists looking for fun and festive songs to play.
How to play “Frosty the Snowman” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum twice.
- Move to the F chord and strum once.
- Switch to the G7 chord and strum once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Frosty the Snowman” is pure fun and nostalgia. Its simple three-chord structure is incredibly accessible for beginners, and the upbeat tempo makes it a joy to play and sing along to, especially with kids.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, F, G, G7
“Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the story of the most famous reindeer of all, is a heartwarming Christmas classic. Originally created as part of a marketing campaign, Rudolph’s story quickly became a beloved Christmas tale. The song, with its simple and repetitive chord progression, is perfect for beginner guitarists to learn and enjoy during the festive season.
How to play “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum four times.
- Move to the F chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the G chord for one strum.
- Finally, strum the G7 chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a classic Christmas story set to music. Its simple chords and singalong melody make it a hit with all ages, and it’s a great song to practice basic chord changes and strumming.
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, G, D7, F
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is a joyful and cautionary Christmas anthem, reminding everyone to be good because Santa is watching! This song, with its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, has become a staple of the holiday season. Its straightforward chord progression makes it accessible to beginner guitarists, while still being fun and engaging to play.
How to play “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum four times.
- Move to the G chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the D7 chord and strum once.
- Finally, strum the F chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” is pure Christmas excitement. Its energetic rhythm and simple chords make it fun to play and sing. For a more advanced and funky challenge, try playing along to the Jackson 5 version and incorporate rhythmic strumming to match the bassline.
7. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, F, G7
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” perfectly captures the cozy feeling of being indoors while a winter storm rages outside. This classic Christmas song, despite not explicitly mentioning Christmas, is a holiday favorite for its warm and comforting imagery. Its incredibly easy key and minimal chords make it ideal for beginner guitarists looking to practice strumming patterns.
How to play “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the F chord and strum once.
- Finally, end with a G7 chord.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Let It Snow!” is all about cozy winter vibes. Its three-chord structure makes it incredibly easy to learn, allowing you to focus on perfecting your strumming and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with your music.
8. Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: G, C, D
“Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord” by Boney M offers a more upbeat and rhythmic take on the Christmas story. This song combines a traditional Christmas carol with a calypso-infused rhythm, creating a unique and joyful sound. Its simple and repetitive chord pattern makes it a fun piece for beginners to learn and play during the holiday season.
How to play “Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord and strum four times.
- Move to the C chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the D chord and strum once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord” brings a cheerful and danceable energy to Christmas music. Its simple, repetitive chords make it easy for beginners, while the upbeat rhythm adds a fun challenge to your strumming.
9. The Little Drummer Boy
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: C, F, G
“The Little Drummer Boy” tells a heartwarming story of a young boy who offers his drumming as a gift to the newborn Jesus. This classic Christmas carol is known for its simple, repetitive lyrics and gradually building rhythm. Its straightforward chord progression makes it an ideal choice for beginner guitarists wanting to learn a traditional Christmas song.
How to play “The Little Drummer Boy” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum twice.
- Move to the F chord and strum once.
- Switch to the G chord and strum once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “The Little Drummer Boy” is a beautiful and moving carol with a simple, yet powerful message. Its easy chord progression is perfect for beginners, and the repetitive nature of the song makes it easy to memorize and play.
10. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: G, C, D
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a quintessential Christmas carol, often sung by carolers going door-to-door during the festive season. This song, with its simple and repetitive structure, is a must-know for any Christmas guitar repertoire. Its straightforward chord progression makes it incredibly accessible to beginners.
How to play “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord and strum four times.
- Move to the C chord and strum twice.
- Lastly, strum the D chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is the ultimate Christmas carol for spreading festive cheer. Its simplicity and repetitive nature make it incredibly easy to learn, and it’s perfect for playing while caroling or simply enjoying the holiday spirit at home.
11. Christmas Wrapping
Key: A Major
Ability Level: Beginner
Chords used: A, D, C, B, E
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses offers a fun and slightly quirky take on the Christmas ballad. This 80s favorite tells a story of avoiding holiday stress and unexpectedly finding romance. Its steady beat and relatively easy open chords make it a great alternative Christmas song for beginners to master.
How to play “Christmas Wrapping” on guitar:
- Start with an A, D, C, B intro – there are 6 bars of A before one bar of D, C, and B each.
- After that, the chord progression goes A, D, C, B, and repeats for the verses.
- For the bridge, you’ll just alternate between A and E and match the vocal repetition of A and E.
Why we love it: “Christmas Wrapping” is a refreshing alternative to traditional Christmas songs. Its upbeat tempo and storytelling lyrics make it engaging, and the chords, while slightly more varied than some beginner songs, are still accessible and fun to play.
Intermediate Christmas Guitar Songs
Once you’ve mastered the beginner Christmas songs and are looking for a bit more of a challenge, these intermediate-level songs are a great next step. They introduce slightly more complex chord progressions, including barre chords and more varied strumming patterns, helping you expand your guitar skills while still enjoying festive music.
1. All I Want For Christmas Is You
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: G, Cadd9, Em7, D/F#
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey is a modern Christmas classic that has become as essential to the holiday season as traditional carols. This iconic song, known for Mariah’s powerful vocals and catchy melody, has a slightly more intricate chord progression, making it a rewarding challenge for intermediate guitarists.
How to play “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on guitar:
- Begin with the G chord and strum it four times.
- Switch to Cadd9 and strum twice.
- Move to Em7 and strum once.
- Finally, play the D/F# chord to finish off.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is a modern Christmas anthem that’s incredibly fun to play once you master the chords. The slightly more complex progression will challenge intermediate players, and adding hammer-ons and pull-offs between chords can further enhance your performance.
2. Merry Xmas (War Is Over)
Key: A Major
Ability Level: Beginner (Slightly more challenging for absolute beginners)
Chords used: A, D, E
“Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono is a Christmas classic with a powerful message of peace. Written in 1971 during the Vietnam War, this song is both a Christmas carol and a protest song. While the chord progression is relatively simple, making it approachable for ambitious beginners, the emotional depth and iconic status of the song make it a must-learn for any guitarist.
How to play “Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” on guitar:
- Begin with the A chord and strum it four times.
- Move to the D chord and strum twice.
- Next, switch to the E chord for one strum.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Merry Xmas (War Is Over)” is a beautiful and meaningful Christmas song with a timeless message. While listed as beginner-friendly due to its basic chords, it might require a bit more practice for absolute beginners. Adding fingerpicking can beautifully highlight the melody.
3. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Key: D Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: D, G, A
“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” by Wizzard is a quintessential glam rock Christmas anthem. This cheerful and over-the-top festive favorite is known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. While the chord progression is relatively straightforward, the energy and tempo make it a fun and slightly more challenging song for intermediate players.
How to play “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” on guitar:
- Start with the D chord and strum four times.
- Switch to the G chord and strum twice.
- Finally, play the A chord to finish off.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” is pure, unadulterated Christmas fun. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a joy to play and sing along to, perfect for bringing high energy to your holiday gatherings.
4. So Here It Is Merry Christmas
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: G, C, D
“So Here It Is Merry Christmas” by Slade is another iconic glam rock Christmas hit from the UK. Known for Noddy Holder’s powerful vocals and the song’s anthemic feel, it’s a must-learn for any guitarist wanting to rock out during the festive season. The chord progression is simple yet catchy, making it suitable for intermediate players who want to belt out a Christmas classic.
How to play “So Here It Is Merry Christmas” on guitar:
- Begin with the G chord and strum three times.
- Move to the C chord and strum once.
- Switch to the D chord for one strum.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “So Here It Is Merry Christmas” is a powerful and anthemic Christmas rocker. Its simple yet effective chord progression makes it fun to play and sing along to, especially if you want to add some rock energy to your holiday performances.
5. Last Christmas
Key: D Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: D, Bm, Em, A
“Last Christmas” by Wham! is a bittersweet Christmas classic that explores themes of love and heartbreak during the festive season. This 80s synth-pop ballad has become a staple of Christmas playlists worldwide. The chord progression is slightly more complex than beginner songs, including a Bm chord, making it a good challenge for intermediate players looking to add a touch of melancholy to their holiday repertoire.
How to play “Last Christmas” on guitar:
- Start with the D chord and strum four times.
- Switch to the Bm chord and strum twice.
- Move to the Em chord and strum once.
- Finally, play the A chord to finish off.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Last Christmas” offers a different perspective on the holiday season, exploring themes of love and loss. The inclusion of the Bm chord adds a bit of a challenge for intermediate players, and the song’s emotional depth makes it a rewarding piece to learn and perform.
6. Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: C, G, Am, F
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid is a charity single released in 1984 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. This poignant holiday classic features a more complex chord progression compared to beginner songs, making it suitable for intermediate guitarists who want a slightly greater challenge. Its meaningful lyrics and historical context add depth to this festive song.
How to play “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” on guitar:
- Begin with the C chord and strum four times.
- Move to the G chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the Am chord and strum once.
- Finally, play the F chord and finish off.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a Christmas song with a powerful message of charity and global awareness. Its slightly more complex chord progression offers a good challenge for intermediate players, and its historical significance adds depth to the music.
7. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: G, D, C, Am
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee is a lively and festive tune that’s been a Christmas party staple since its release in 1958. This energetic song has a slightly more complex chord progression than beginner songs, making it a good choice for intermediate guitarists looking for a fun and upbeat holiday track.
How to play “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord and strum twice.
- Move to the D chord and strum once.
- Switch to the C chord and strum once.
- Finally, strum the Am chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is pure Christmas party energy. Its lively tempo and fun lyrics make it a joy to play and dance to, perfect for getting everyone in the festive mood.
8. Merry Blah Blah Blah
Key: C Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: C, F, G, Am
“Merry Blah Blah Blah” by Lordi offers a unique and decidedly non-traditional spin on Christmas music. This Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band brings their signature sound to the festive genre, creating a song that’s both heavy and surprisingly catchy. Its chord progression is more complex than beginner songs, making it a fun challenge for intermediate players who want to add some rock edge to their Christmas repertoire.
How to play “Merry Blah Blah Blah” on guitar:
- Start with the C chord and strum twice.
- Move to the F chord and strum once.
- Switch to the G chord and strum once.
- Finally, strum the Am chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Merry Blah Blah Blah” is for those who like their Christmas with a side of rock and roll. It’s a unique and unexpected Christmas song that offers a fun challenge for intermediate players and adds a rebellious twist to your holiday music.
9. A Spaceman Came Travelling
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: G, C, D, Em
“A Spaceman Came Travelling” by Chris de Burgh offers a unique and metaphorical retelling of the nativity story. This thoughtful and slightly melancholic Christmas song uses the imagery of a spaceman witnessing the birth of Jesus. Its chord progression is more intricate than beginner songs, making it a good fit for intermediate guitarists looking for a more musically and lyrically complex Christmas piece.
How to play “A Spaceman Came Travelling” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord and strum twice.
- Move to the C chord and strum once.
- Switch to the D chord and strum once.
- Finally, strum the Em chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “A Spaceman Came Travelling” is a Christmas song that encourages reflection and offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Christmas story. Its more complex chord progression makes it rewarding to learn for intermediate players, and its unique lyrical content adds depth to your holiday performances.
10. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Key: G Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: G, C, D, Em
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Bing Crosby is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the anticipation and excitement of the holiday season. This warm and nostalgic song evokes images of festive decorations, holiday shopping, and the overall magical feeling of Christmas approaching. Its chord progression is slightly more involved than beginner songs, making it a great choice for intermediate players looking for a classic Christmas feel.
How to play “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on guitar:
- Start with the G chord and strum twice.
- Move to the C chord and strum once.
- Switch to the D chord and strum once.
- Lastly, strum the Em chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” is pure Christmas nostalgia and warmth. Its slightly more complex chords add depth and richness to the song, making it a beautiful and rewarding piece to play and bring everyone together as the night winds down.
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Key: A Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: A, D, E, F#m
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” famously sung by Frank Sinatra, is a poignant and heartfelt Christmas ballad. Originally written for the musical “Meet Me in St. Louis,” the song’s lyrics have evolved over time, but its core message of hope and resilience remains. For guitarists, this song presents a slightly greater challenge as it includes the F#m barre chord, but mastering it is incredibly rewarding.
How to play “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on guitar:
- Start with the A chord and strum four times.
- Move to the D chord and strum twice.
- Switch to the E chord and strum once.
- Finally, play the F#m chord.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is a deeply moving and beautiful Christmas ballad. The inclusion of the barre chord (F#m) makes it a good practice piece for intermediate players, and its emotional resonance makes it a powerful song to perform and share during the holidays.
12. Blue Christmas
Key: E Major
Ability Level: Intermediate
Chords used: E, A, B7
“Blue Christmas” as performed by Elvis Presley brings a touch of rock and roll and bluesy melancholy to the holiday season. Elvis’s iconic rendition of this Christmas classic features a distinctive B7 chord, adding a unique flavor to the song. This version is great for intermediate players who want to add a bit of a rockabilly swing to their Christmas guitar repertoire.
How to play “Blue Christmas” on guitar:
- Start with the E chord and strum twice.
- Move to the A chord and strum once.
- Lastly, strum the B7 chord once.
- Repeat this pattern for each line of the song.
Why we love it: “Blue Christmas” as sung by Elvis is a cool and melancholic take on the holiday season. The inclusion of the B7 chord is a great opportunity for beginner and intermediate players to expand their chord vocabulary and add a bluesy touch to their Christmas playing. Get your hips shaking and knees wobbling as you play this Elvis hit!
Get Playing and Spread the Christmas Cheer!
Learning Christmas guitar songs is a wonderful way to enhance your holiday celebrations. Whether you choose to start with the beginner-friendly tunes or challenge yourself with the intermediate selections, each of these songs will bring festive joy to your home and gatherings.
Don’t be afraid to start simple and gradually work your way up to more complex songs. The most important thing is to have fun, enjoy the process of learning, and share the gift of music with those around you during this special time of year.
So, pick up your guitar, choose your favorite Christmas song from this list, and start practicing today! You’ll be surprised how quickly you can learn these tunes and how much joy you can bring to yourself and others by playing Christmas guitar songs. Happy Holidays and happy strumming from guitarplayers.net!
