The Christmas holidays are a magical time filled with joy, warmth, and togetherness. What could be better than getting into the Christmas spirit with your favorite holiday songs? Whether you are an enthusiastic pianist or just starting your musical journey, playing Christmas classics on the piano is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and bring joy to your loved ones.
In this article, we have collected sheet music for iconic Christmas carols to play on the piano. Each piece is accompanied by a short background story and a link to the sheet music so that you can bring the magic of these melodies to life right at your fingertips.
Ukrainian Christmas Carols
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:
Folk Carol “Nova Radiost Stala” (A New Joy Has Come)
This Ukrainian Christmas carol dates back to the 17th–18th centuries. Its lyrics appear in early song collections, including the Bohoglasnyk of 1790, and the melody was first documented around the 1740s. The song combines the religious theme of Christ’s birth with the folk tradition of blessing the household and its hosts.
Despite attempts by the Soviet authorities to alter its lyrics, the carol preserved its original meaning and became a symbol of Ukrainian Christmas. Today, Nova radiost stala is performed in churches, at concerts, and in homes – a song that unites generations.
Sheet music for “Nova Radiost Stala”:
“Dobryi vechir tobi, pane hospodariu” (Good Evening to You, Master of the House)
This carol is one of the most famous Ukrainian Christmas songs. It is of folk origin, and therefore its author is unknown. It emerged in village communities of the 17th–18th centuries, when caroling was an essential part of the winter festivities.
The song addresses the head of the household with wishes of goodness, health, and abundance. Carolers would sing it while visiting homes on Christmas Eve, bringing joyful news of Christ’s birth and blessings for the coming year.
The melody carries a solemn yet kind tone, reflecting hospitality and gratitude. Over time, Dobryi vechir tobi, pane hospodariu became an integral symbol of Ukrainian Christmas, performed in churches, schools, and on concert stages as a sign of unity and the continuity of tradition.
Easy piano sheet music: Dobryi vechir tobi, pane hospodariu
Worldwide Christmas Piano Sheet Music
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.
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.
If you have any questions or ideas, we’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to fill out the contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.