Easy Christmas Songs for Guitar

This festive mix features timeless hits from Alan Jackson, The Eagles, Brenda Lee, Bing Crosby, and even modern favorites like Gwen Stefani and Darius Rucker. Each tutorial includes simple chords, rhythm patterns, and play-along demos so you can learn quickly and sound great on your acoustic guitar. From gentle classics like “Silent Night” to upbeat tunes such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, these lessons are perfect for players of all skill levels who want to add holiday music to their setlist.

To explore even more festive favorites, visit our companion page — Christmas Songs on the Guitar — featuring 38 additional Christmas guitar lessons and previews.

It's Christmas Time was released as a single in November 2009 (to country radio on November 16, and digitally on November 24) ahead of their holiday album. It later appeared on their Christmas album A Farmhouse Christmas, which came out October 11 2011. 

Stylistically, the track has a warm, home-style country/bluegrass vibe (in keeping with the duo’s overall sound) and it was filmed in their Tennessee farmhouse setting for the video. 

Also noteworthy: The recording was part of a charitable effort via a partnership with CMT One Country, whereby a portion of the single’s proceeds were donated to charities including the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Jingle Bells was recorded by Bing Crosby as part of his Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas" (later reissued as "White Christmas") in 1942. This iconic album, featuring Crosby's warm and smooth vocals, is one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time. The specific track "Jingle Bells" is a lively and festive interpretation of the classic holiday tune.

"Jingle Bells" was part of the original 1942 album release and was not initially released as a single. In terms of chart performance, individual songs were not commonly charted in the same way as they are today. However, Bing Crosby's "Merry Christmas" album, which includes "Jingle Bells," has consistently reappeared on various charts during the holiday season over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity.

Crosby recorded the album during the summer of 1942, which is quite remarkable considering the winter-themed nature of the songs. The album, including "Jingle Bells," has become a timeless classic, with Crosby's version of the song becoming synonymous with the holiday season.

Joy To The World by JT Hodges was released as a standalone digital single in 2013 and was also featured in the Hallmark Channel movie Finding Christmas, which he starred in.

The song was later included on his 2019 EP, All Through the Night: A Christmas Collection, but the initial release was a single with its own cover art.

Last Christmas was recorded by WHAM was released as a single in 1984. Penned and produced by George Michael, a member of WHAM! alongside Andrew Ridgeley, the song did not initially appear on a studio album but gained prominence as a stand-alone single.

Paired with "Everything She Wants" as a double A-side release, "Last Christmas" achieved remarkable success, topping charts in various countries, including the United Kingdom, where it secured the duo's second consecutive Christmas number-one single.

The recording session occurred at Advision Studios in London, and the song's upbeat melody, festive lyrics, and the accompanying winter-themed music video contributed to its enduring popularity.

Over the years, "Last Christmas" has become a holiday staple, known for its catchy chorus and celebratory atmosphere, solidifying its status as an iconic and widely cherished Christmas song.

Let It Be Christmas is the title track for his second Christmas album, released in 2002. Although the song was not released as a single, it played a central role in the festive collection, contributing to the album's overall celebration of the holiday spirit.

While "Let It Be Christmas" didn't chart independently, the album received positive reviews and resonated well with audiences during the holiday season. The recording session for the song was part of a deliberate effort to create a timeless and classic Christmas album, showcasing Jackson's traditional country style and heartfelt approach to the season.

Despite not being released as a single, "Let It Be Christmas" remains an integral part of Alan Jackson's holiday repertoire, reflecting his genuine and sincere celebration of Christmas through music.

Let It Snow is a classic holiday tune recorded by Vaughn Monroe that has become a winter standard. Released in 1945, Monroe's version of the song exudes the nostalgic charm of the post-war era.

While the song is widely associated with Monroe, it was initially released as a single rather than being part of a full-length album. The recording achieved notable success, becoming a seasonal favorite. As for chart performance, the song didn't just weather the test of time but also climbed the charts, solidifying its status as a holiday classic.

Monroe's rendition of "Let It Snow" captures the essence of a cozy winter night and is fondly remembered for its timeless appeal. The recording session likely took place amid the vibrant musical landscape of the mid-1940s, contributing to the enduring popularity of Vaughn Monroe's version of "Let It Snow."

Little Folks is track 3 on Charlie Daniels’s 1991 album Renegade, and it’s an original composition credited to him. The song reflects Daniels’s storytelling style, turning his attention to the often-overlooked “little people” — the everyday folks whose lives and voices matter. Lyrics such as “Little folks are people too … the little things they say and do … they kinda make your day” underscore his theme of valuing humility and ordinary lives.

While not one of his biggest chart-toppers, the track did chart: “Little Folks” reached number 47 on the U.S. Country chart.  For your guitar-lesson page you might note it’s a relatively short song (album version clocking in around 3 minutes 14 seconds) with an accessible structure thanks to its country-rock backing.

Little Saint Nick was released as a single in 1963 by The Beach Boys, The song became an instant classic, embodying the group's signature harmonies and California sound with a Christmas twist.

"Little Saint Nick" was not initially part of a full album but was later included on The Beach Boys' Christmas album, aptly titled "The Beach Boys' Christmas Album," released in 1964. The single achieved chart success, reaching number three on the Billboard Christmas Singles chart during the holiday season of its release. The recording session, led by Brian Wilson's production, showcased the band's musical innovation, incorporating sleigh bells and harmonies that echoed the joyous spirit of Christmas.

Notably, the song's lyrics were penned by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, and the imagery of Santa's sleigh replaced with a custom car ("Little Saint Nick") added a unique Beach Boys twist to the holiday genre. "Little Saint Nick" remains a staple in holiday playlists, celebrated for its catchy melodies and the Beach Boys' distinctive sound applied to the Christmas theme.

Little Toy Trains, recorded by Roger Miller is a charming and heartfelt Christmas song. The recording is featured on his album "The Best Of Roger Miller," released in 1969 but is called Old Toy Trains.

\While "Little Toy Trains" was not released as a single, the album as a whole showcased Miller's versatility and songwriting prowess. Unfortunately, specific chart information about the song is not readily available, suggesting that it may not have charted independently as a single. The recording session likely captured the essence of Miller's laid-back and humorous style, known for blending country, folk, and storytelling.

Loving Time Of The Year info soon. is an original track on Travis Tritt’s first holiday album, A Travis Tritt Christmas: Loving Time of the Year, released September 29, 1992.

The album mixes familiar Christmas standards with new material — and “Loving Time of the Year” stands out as Tritt’s personal entry into the seasonal repertoire, and written by him for the record.  

The song weaves warm country instrumentation and Tritt’s distinctive voice into themes of home, love and the magic of the holidays — reflecting the “loving time” that winter brings when people gather and take stock of what matters.

Mary It's Christmas is the 10th track on Toby Keith's 1995 album "Christmas To Christmas".

The track was never released as a single. There is little more info available about this recording.

Milk And Cookies was recorded by Clint Black and appears on his Christmas album Looking for Christmas (1995).

The tune carries a playful, seasonal vibe—telling a story of a child waiting for Santa and the tradition of milk and cookies—with Black’s smooth country instrumentation giving it a warm holiday feel. The song managed to chart on the U.S. country charts during the holiday airplay period, peaking at number 34.  

It’s a fun choice for a beginner-friendly lesson because the narrative is clear, the rhythm is steady, and it fits nicely into the holiday-country genre you seem to focus on.

Mississippi Christmas Eve can be found on Charlie Daniels’ album Christmas Time Down South, which blends traditional Christmas tracks with a few original compositions.

 The song captures a festive Southern‐flavoured holiday mood, with Daniels’ signature fiddle and a laid-back country/bluegrass groove underpinning the seasonal lyric imagery of a Christmas Eve in Mississippi. It’s a good pick for guitar learners who enjoy a rootsy country feel rather than a polished pop holiday sound.

My Name Is Christmas Carol is a touching holiday song that reflects the spirit of Christmas. The recording is featured on Skip Ewing's album titled "Following Yonder Star," was released in 1993.

While the song wasn't released as a single, the album itself contributed to Ewing's repertoire of heartfelt and reflective Christmas music.

The recording session involved Ewing's characteristic blend of country and storytelling elements, capturing the essence of the Christmas narrative.

Please Come Home For Christmas,  a classic holiday song was recorded by The Eagles and was released as a single in 1978 and later included in the holiday compilation album "A Very Special Christmas" in 1987.

The single was well-received and holds the distinction of being one of the Eagles' contributions to the Christmas music repertoire. "Please Come Home For Christmas" is notable for its soulful and bluesy interpretation, blending the band's signature harmonies with a heartfelt holiday sentiment.

The song performed well on the charts, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a perennial favorite during the holiday season. The recording session likely reflected the Eagles' ability to infuse diverse musical elements into their work, showcasing their versatility beyond their rock roots.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree is a festive classic that has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations. Originally released as a single by Brenda Lee in 1958, the song quickly became a holiday favorite.

While it was not initially part of a full-length Christmas album, it has been included in various holiday compilations and later on Brenda Lee's Christmas album titled "Merry Christmas from Brenda Lee," released in 1964. The song achieved notable success, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Brenda Lee's most enduring hits.

The recording session captured Lee's youthful energy and dynamic vocal performance, contributing to the timeless appeal of "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

The fact that Brenda Lee was only 13 years old when she recorded the song, showcasing her impressive talent at a young age. The enduring popularity of this recording is a testament to Brenda Lee's contribution to the festive soundscape of the holiday season.

Run Rudolph Run  was recorded by Chuck Berry in 1958 and written by Johnny Marks and Marvin Brodie. It’s an upbeat 12-bar blues-rock tune featuring Berry’s signature guitar riffs and energetic vocals, giving a rock-and-roll twist to the Rudolph story.

The single first charted in 1958 and has returned to the charts many times since, even reaching the Billboard Top 10 in 2021. Now a true holiday classic, it’s been covered by countless artists across rock and country music.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town was written in 1933 by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie, first performed live on a New York radio show by Eddie Cantor that same year.

The song became an instant hit, selling over 500,000 copies of sheet music in just a few days. It’s a cheerful swing-era tune reminding children to be good because Santa is “making a list and checking it twice.”

Over the decades, it’s been covered by hundreds of artists — from Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters to Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, and Michael Bublé — making it a true holiday standard that bridges jazz, pop, and rock traditions.

Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy is a festive Christmas tune co-written and originally recorded by Buck Owens in 1965. Over the years, the song has been embraced by various country music artists, including Garth Brooks, Travis Tritt, and Brad Paisley, each putting their own spin on this yuletide classic.

Owens released the song on November 8, 1965, with "All I Want for Christmas, Dear, Is You" on the B-side, and it secured an impressive spot at number 2 on the annual Christmas singles chart issued by Billboard at the time.

The narrative of the song revolves around a curious child who sneaks downstairs to catch a glimpse of Santa, only to discover that Santa bears a striking resemblance to their own father. In 1992, Garth Brooks paid homage to this timeless piece by covering it on his Christmas album, "Beyond the Season," produced by Allen Reynolds for Liberty Records.

Travis Tritt also joined the festive celebration in 1992, covering both the single and its B-side for his own Christmas album, "A Travis Tritt Christmas: Loving Time of the Year," adding another layer of holiday cheer to this beloved seasonal gem.

Silent Night was composed musically by German composer Franz Xaver back in 1818 to the lyrics written by Joseph Mohr in a small ton in Austria.

Bing Crosby sold 10 million copies of his version from 1935. Alan Jackson has this track on his Let It Be Christmas album from 2002.

The track was never released as a single.

Silver Bells stands as a hallmark in the realm of holiday music. Originally recorded as a duet with Carol Richards, this timeless classic by Bing Crosby was released as a single by Decca Records in 1951.

Although the song did not reach the pinnacle of the charts, its enduring popularity has solidified its place as a cherished holiday staple. "Silver Bells" has found its way onto various Christmas compilations and Bing Crosby's festive albums, including "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas Greetings," contributing to the song's lasting legacy.

The recording session, showcasing Crosby's velvety voice alongside Richards, likely encapsulated the magic of the holiday spirit.

Sleigh Ride is a joyful orchestral song created by Leroy Anderson. He got the idea for the piece during a hot July in 1946 and completed it in February 1948. The Boston Pops, led by Arthur Fiedler, performed it for the first time on June 7, 1948.

Johnny Mathis included the song on his 1958 album, and four tracks, including "Sleigh Ride," were released on the EP Merry Christmas, Vol. 1. The EP reached number two in 1958 and number seven the following year on the Best-Selling Pop EPs chart.

Initially, the song was recorded without lyrics, but Mitchell Parish added playful words about sleigh rides and winter fun in 1950. Anderson also arranged versions for wind band and piano.

The orchestral rendition was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra, becoming a hit on RCA Victor Red Seal and a signature song for the orchestra. The 45 rpm version was uniquely released on red vinyl. The Boston Pops, conducted by Fiedler, John Williams (1979–1995), and Keith Lockhart (current conductor), have recorded the song multiple times.

In 1963, The Ronettes covered "Sleigh Ride" for Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift for You, achieving success in the United States and appearing in various media.

Someone Else's Star is a song written by Skip Ewing and Jim Weatherly, and it was sung by Bryan White, an American country music artist. The song came out in May 1995 and was the third single from Bryan White's first album. It became a big success, reaching Number One on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

The song tells the story of a guy who is sad because he hasn't found love yet. He thinks that others are lucky in love, and he wishes he could have the same luck, feeling like he's "wishing on someone else's star."

Skip Ewing didn't release his version as a single but did include it on his 2009 album Hits Vol 1.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" recorded a version of "The Chipmunk Song," also known as "Christmas Don't Be Late." The song is a novelty Christmas song written by Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who is also known as David Seville, the creator of Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The Chipmunks, consisting of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, are fictional animated characters with high-pitched voices created using a technique called "chipmunking." The song was first released in 1958 and can be found on the album "Let's All Sing with The Chipmunks." It was a major success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles chart, making it the only Christmas song to reach that position.

The recording session involved the innovative use of the recording technique known as "speeding up" to create the distinctive chipmunk voices. The Chipmunks' rendition of "The Chipmunk Song" has become a classic holiday tune, loved for its playful and festive spirit.

The Christmas Song was written in 1945 Mel Torme and Bob Wells. But over the years people began calling the song "Chestnut's Roasting On An Open Fire" or "Merry Christmas To You". 

Nat King Cole recorded his first version in 1946. It became a huge hit and went to #3. He recorded is again in 1953 and 1961, with the last version being the classic version we all know and love today. 

The Cowboy Christmas Ball is one of Michael Martin Murphey’s signature Western holiday songs, featured on his 1991 album Cowboy Christmas. The song is based on an 1890 poem by Larry Chittenden, which celebrates an old-fashioned Christmas dance held in Anson, Texas.

Murphey turned the poem into a lively Western waltz that captures the spirit of frontier life — complete with fiddles, guitars, and cowboy camaraderie.

It became the cornerstone of his long-running “Cowboy Christmas” tours and albums, blending storytelling, tradition, and authentic cowboy culture into a joyful holiday celebration.

The First Christmas Morn hails from the Charley Pride album "Christmas in My Home Town" and was released in November 1970 through RCA Victor Records and produced by Jack Clement. This holiday-themed album marked Pride's first venture into Christmas music and was his ninth studio recording overall.

Originally featuring ten tracks, the album was re-released with additional songs in 2013. Critics praised the album, especially Charley Pride's performance. A Billboard magazine review from November 1970 described the collection as a "sure winner" and commended Pride's renditions of both new and classic Christmas favorites, particularly highlighting his "first-rate treatments" of songs like "O Holy Night."

The positive reviews have persisted over the years, solidifying "Christmas in My Home Town" as a well-received and enduring addition to Charley Pride's discography.

The Gift appears on Joey + Rory’s holiday album A Farmhouse Christmas, released in 2011. It waswritten by Stephanie Davis, the song tells the touching story of a poor orphan girl named Maria who gives what she has—even when everyone else brings grand gifts—and through her humble offering the true meaning of the holiday is revealed.

With its gentle country instrumentation and heartfelt narrative, it’s a strong choice for learners who want a song with meaningful lyrics and accessible guitar accompaniment.

There's A New Kid In Town was originally recorded by Keith Whitley in 1985 for the album A Christmas Tradition, Volume II. It was co-written by Don Cook, Curly Putman, and Keith Whitley himself.

The touching ballad tells the Christmas story from the perspective of people in Bethlehem hearing about the newborn child — “there’s a new kid in town, and He’s lyin’ in a manger down the road.”

In 1993, Alan Jackson recorded his own version for his holiday album Honky Tonk Christmas, featuring Whitley’s original vocals blended in as a posthumous duet. The result is a moving tribute that connects two great traditional country voices and remains one of the most heartfelt songs in Jackson’s catalog.

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays from Perry Como, is a classic recording that has become synonymous with the festive season. The song was first released on Como's holiday album "Season's Greetings from Perry Como," which came out in 1959.

This iconic track captures the warm and nostalgic feelings associated with coming home for Christmas. While it was not initially released as a single, the song has endured as a holiday favorite and has been included in numerous Christmas compilation albums.

Perry Como's smooth vocals and the timeless arrangement contribute to the enduring popularity of this recording. The song, with its joyful and sentimental lyrics, beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season, making it a cherished part of Christmas music history.

Under The Christmas Lights is one of the six original tracks on Gwen Stefani’s holiday album You Make It Feel Like Christmas, released on October 6, 2017. The song was co-written by Stefani, Justin Tranter and busbee, and produced by busbee and Eric Valentine.

With a pop-Christmas anthem styled in doo-wop and big-band flavours, it features festive lyrics like “When it’s cold outside, put your arms around me… Under the Christmas lights, baby you and I.”  

It charted at number 16 on Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales in the U.S. during the album’s release week.

What God Wants for Christmas is a heartfelt contribution by Darius Rucker to the realm of holiday music. The song is featured on his Christmas album titled "Home for the Holidays," released in 2014.

While it wasn't released as a single, the album itself received positive reviews for its mix of classic and original holiday tunes. "What God Wants for Christmas" stands out as a poignant reflection on the deeper meaning of the season, emphasizing values of love, compassion, and togetherness.

The song is a testament to Rucker's ability to infuse soulful emotion into his music. Though it may not have charted as a single, its inclusion in the album adds to the rich tapestry of Christmas songs, offering a thoughtful and contemplative perspective on the true spirit of the holiday.

White Christmas Makes Me Blue is a track from Randy's 1989 album "An Old Time Christmas"

This is little info available about this song but it was never a single release.

Winter Wonderland and Tony Bennett's version of the song was included in his album "Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album," released in 1968. While the album itself gained popularity as a festive holiday collection, this particular song did not have a significant chart impact as a single.

Tony Bennett's rendition of "Winter Wonderland" captures the timeless charm of the classic winter tune. The recording session, typical of Bennett's smooth and sophisticated style, showcased his vocal prowess and interpretation skills.

Over the years, the album has become a cherished part of the holiday music canon, reflecting Tony Bennett's ability to infuse traditional songs with his signature elegance and warmth.

You Deserve It All was a single release by John Legend in 2021 as a single and there is little details available about the track itself.

(not the official album cover)

You Make It Feel Like Christmas is the title track from Gwen Stefani’s 2017 holiday album.

The upbeat duet with Blake Shelton blends pop, soul, and retro-holiday sounds reminiscent of Phil Spector’s 1960s Christmas productions. Co-written by Stefani, Shelton, Justin Tranter, and busbee, the song celebrates how love transforms the season, with joyful brass, sleigh bells, and a playful call-and-response style between the two singers.

It received strong seasonal airplay, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales chart and becoming one of Stefani’s most recognized Christmas originals.