The Best Christmas Songs on Guitar

by Frederik Nielsen, Dec 22, 2021 . 6 min read

We’ve rounded up the best Christmas songs on guitar for you right here. If you haven’t learned any appropriate songs to play or gotten some gifts yet, then it’s time to get going.

The title of every song will link you to its guitar tabs. We also threw in a video for each song, for some more inspiration and extra help.

1. All I Want for Christmas Is You

Did you think you were going to escape this classic by Mariah Carey? Never. Just like Last Christmas, you can’t have Christmas without this song.

• Key: G
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Intermediate

Check out this video tutorial:

2. We Wish You A Merry Christmas

This classic is the most requested song to perform during the holiday season! It features a few different chords including the barred B chord which beginners often struggle with. The rest are G, C, A, D, Em, and D7. If you can’t play all of these yet, then pick up your guitar, open the Ukulele and Guitar Coach App and start practicing!

• Key: G
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

3. Christmas Time Is Here

Bryan Adams has written one of our personal favorites, and it’s also quite easy to play!

• Key: C
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

If you’re up for the challenge, this video shows you how to play it with funkier chords:

4. Silent Night

This lovely hymn is practically always sung on Christmas eve. It has a beautiful melody and is quite easy to play. You can try practicing it with the Ukulele and Guitar Coach app. With only C, G & F chords, you’re sure to master Silent Night in no time!

• Key: C
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

5. Driving Home for Christmas

Whether you’re on holiday or just away from home near the festive period, Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea is a good way to pass time.

• Key: A
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Intermediate

Here’s a video tutorial if you’d like to try to play it another way:

6. Joy to the world

A joyous tune indeed! It’s popular, fun, and easy to play. Joy to the world features the A, D, G, and A7 chords. But don’t worry you’ll mostly use the D chord which is far easier than the others. If you’re having trouble playing it, try practicing the chords on the Ukulele and Guitar Coach app.

• Key: D
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

7. Feliz Navidad

Looking for a song that everyone can sing along to? Then Feliz Navidad is a safe bet. Even the uninitiated can learn the lyrics in a matter of minutes.

• Key: G
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

Here is a pretty detailed tutorial to play it in an even easier way:

8. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas

Retail stores around the world have probably already started playing this song in early September. But once it hits December 1st, it’s time for you to join in with your guitar. The tabs we linked to here are as per the recorded version on Bublé’s album “Christmas”.

• Key: E
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Advanced

Here’s another way to play it with the capo on the 6th fret:

9. Jingle Bells

Another favorite for beginners is Jingle Bells. It’s easy for kids to learn as well, especially with an interactive guitar practice tool like the Coach app. So, have a sit down with the family by the open fire and jam out!

• Key: G
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

Here’s a different folky version to try out:

10. Last Christmas

Of course, it’s on our list. What kind of list would it be without Wham? You can make Last Christmas as simple as four chords, or wow the family with your own improvisations.

• Key: D
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

This video shows you how to play Last Christmas in the C key with easier chord shapes:

11. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

As you approach the magical morning of December 25th, it’s time to warn the neighbourhood. Now is their last time to be nice or there will be new effects pedals under the tree.

• Key: C
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

You can also check out this acoustic guitar arrangement:

12. The Christmas Song

If you’re into the more advanced stuff, then you should have a go at some Nat King Cole. The Christmas Song is a jolly, yet challenging choice.

• Key: C
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Advanced

Here’s how you can play the chords in different shapes to add some color to your tone:

13. White Christmas

We’ll round off our list with dreaming of a White Christmas. It might not happen in most parts of the world, but here’s to wishing it’ll snow during the holiday season.

• Key: G
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Intermediate

Here’s an easier way to play it in the A key:

14. Up on the Housetop

D, G, and the A7 chords are what you need to learn Up on the Housetop. This is song is particularly fun for children to sing along to. If you’re short on time and want to get a hang of it fast, try using the Ukulele and Guitar Coach app. You’ll first learn the chords, strumming patterns and then play the full song with a backing track!

• Key: D
• Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E (standard tuning)
• Difficulty level: Beginner

Rock Around the Christmas Tree

With these best Christmas songs on guitar in your musical arsenal, there won’t be any awkward silences when you’re meeting up with the family.

Any Christmas songs we missed? Let us know which ones you’re going to play in the comments!