Beginners can play Christmas songs on piano within a few weeks by starting with carols that have familiar melodies and slow, steady rhythms. The ten songs below are good first picks, and each links to an easy piano arrangement by David Sides.
Ten easy Christmas songs to learn first
- Silent Night. A slow, gentle carol that lets you focus on smooth playing.
- Jingle Bells. A bright, familiar tune that is easy to recognize while you learn.
- Joy to the World. A well-known melody that many beginners already know by ear.
- Away in a Manger. A familiar, gentle carol.
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas. A cheerful song that works well for family sing-alongs.
- O Christmas Tree. A simple, traditional melody.
- Deck the Halls. A familiar, upbeat carol.
- The First Noel. A classic carol with a memorable melody.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. A fun favorite, especially for younger players.
- Carol of the Bells. A beginner-level arrangement of the Ukrainian folk chant "Shchedryk" by Mykola Leontovych, with the melody in the right hand and simple chords in the left.
How to learn a Christmas song on piano
- Learn the right-hand melody first, slowly, until you can play it without stopping.
- Practice the left hand alone, then put the hands together at a slow tempo.
- Use a metronome and raise the speed only when you can play the whole piece cleanly.
- Play the song through from start to finish a few times a day instead of one long session.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn an easy Christmas song on piano?
Most beginners can play a simple carol in one to two weeks of short daily practice, though this varies with your starting level and how often you practice.
Do I need to read sheet music?
Easy piano sheet music is a good way to start learning to read, because the melody is written in the right hand and the left hand plays simple supporting chords.
Where can I find more?
Browse the full collection at https://www.davidsides.com/collections/easy-piano-christmas-songs.