Free Easy Ukulele Christmas Songs With Chords
Christmas may only come around once a year, but it always seems to come a little earlier than the year before.
As businesses prepare for the biggest retail quarter of the year, the sound of Christmas music begins to take over the airwaves, warming hearts, evoking a sense of nostalgia, and preparing us for a time of celebration and holiday cheer.
In short, Christmas music is essential, and it should be a part of every ukulele player's repertoire!
In this guide, we'll look at the best ukulele Christmas Songs for the holidays.
"Mele Kalikimaka" by Bing Crosby
Chords in this song: A7, Ab, B7, Bb7, C7, D, D7, E7, Em, Eb, Eb7, F7, Fm, G
"Mele Kalikimaka" is the ultimate Hawaiian-themed Christmas song, and I don't think it would be too much of an exaggeration to say that it should be a part of every ukulele player's repertoire.
The abundance of chords might seem intimidating to beginners and younger players, but if you're relatively confident with your chords, you should be able to pick it up slowly and surely.
Of course, it can never hurt to check different arrangements, as there are always easier and harder versions depending on the level you play at.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano
Chords in this song: C, D, Em, G
"Feliz Navidad" bombards the airwaves every Christmas, and it has been a holiday favorite since its original release in 1970.
The lyrics are heartfelt, and Feliciano even noted he wrote the song while he was feeling homesick at Christmas, missing his family in New York while he was recording in the studio in LA.
More pop than traditional or jazz, the song is relatively easy for a player at any level to pick up and play.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTab
"All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
Chords in this song: Am7, B7, C, Cm, D, E7, Em, G
Artists try every single year to write a true Christmas classic that stands the test of time. The reality is few succeed. It's much harder than it looks.
But Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is instantly recognizable, and relatable for many. So much so that the image of Carey dressed in Christmas garb while singing this song is ingrained in the mind of many.
Carey has performed the song on many occasions, including a performance near the White House in December 2013. That should be more than enough reason for you to give this one a go.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Winter Wonderland" – Traditional
Chords in this song: A, A7, B, Bm, D, E, Em, Gb
Some of the best Christmas songs are hymns and traditional songs, which have been interpreted and reinterpreted through the ages.
Countless artists have picked up the torch of "Winter Wonderland" and put their own spin on it, including Dean Martin, Darlene Love, Amy Grant, Johnny Mathis, and Gwen Stefani, among many others.
I have memories of waking up to this song in the Philippines, where I once celebrated Christmas as a youth. At the time, it just ended up irritating me, but my disdain for the song has since faded.
You can get the bouncy, celebratory "Winter Wonderland" under your fingers with a little effort, and it's well worth it.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" – Traditional
Chords in this song: G, C, A, D, B, Em
So far as Christmas songs are concerned, I have an irrational love of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," mostly because it's an inside joke with my cousin… Long story.
Anyway, if you're going to learn some Christmas tunes anyway, you can't leave this classic out of the bunch. It's not that hard to play, either. Plus, it's a great singalong song.
So, get out your uke and start spreading the holiday cheer!
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" by Jonny Mathis
Chords in this song: A7, D, F#m, G, Gdim, B7, E7, Bm7, Fdim, D7, Am7, Em7, Gm7, A#7, Eb, Gm, G#, G#dim, C7, F7, Cm7, F#dim
Although we have Jonny Mathis' version here, you can honestly work on any version that makes sense to you. That goes for other songs on this list also.
There's nothing quite like "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" to put you in a cheerful, holiday mood, right?
The Mathis version has a ton of chord changes, but if that's too intimidating to you, try the video version instead.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Carol Of The Bells" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, C, Dm, E, F, G
"Carol Of The Bells" is just one of those songs that every instrumentalist (or at least soloist) should attempt. It's just so much fun!
Although learning the chords is great, the best part is undoubtedly the cascading melodies. And it's even better if you can trade off licks with another uke player (i.e., a duet). It can be a great Christmas classic to jam out some serious leads on.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"O Holy Night" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, B, C, C7, Dm, Em, F, G, G7
"O Holy Night" is quite recognizable because of its melody, which typically requires a skilled singer to pull off with precision. No surprise, then, that Mariah Carey opted to record her own superb version, and pulled it off with flying colors.
The song carries a moderate tempo and isn't too hard to follow along with. But whether it's strumming, picking, or some combination thereof, I see plenty of room for creating your own unique arrangement if you feel so called.
This can also be a great jam song.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Frosty The Snowman" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, Bm, C, D, D7, Em, G
It's amazing that Christmas songs about specific characters have become so iconic and representative of Christmas. Frosty isn't the only one either. Just go down this list and you will start to see more.
As with most radio Christmas songs, this one has probably drilled itself into your cranium by brute force or rote repetition. That's okay, though – familiar songs are just that much easier for you to pick up on your instrument.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" by Gene Autry
Chords in this song: C, G, Em, Am, A7, D7, D
As with Frosty, Rudolph is another unforgettable character that has become associated with Christmas and holiday celebrations. And here's an entire ode to him and his unique red nose.
The underlying message? Never fear your unique self. Stand tall and be proud. Appreciate and even embrace your differences.
Which is maybe a little heavy for Christmas, but a little holiday empowerment never hurt anyone.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Johnny Marks
Chords in this song: C, G7, F, Em, Dm, Am, D7, G
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" is a bold call to enjoy the season. Which is maybe a little "brute force" in its own way, because as we know, the ushering in of a specific season doesn't make you automatically happier.
That said, when this song comes on, it's hard not to crack a smile.
As with many songs on this list, this one leaves a lot to interpretation. You can create a 12-string noodling version like Burl Ives, a jazzier vocal-centric arrangement like Michael Bublé, or a country flavored rendition like Dolly Parton. Even in its original incarnation, this song tended to have a slightly country vibe to it.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Do You Hear What I Hear" by Carrie Underwood
Chords in this song: C, Bb, Am, A, Eb, F, G, E7
I'll be honest. I was a little skeptical of Carrie Underwood, but her version of "Do You Hear What I Hear" isn't half bad at all. Either way, you don't need to feel tied to her rendition.
The highlight of this song is probably the call and response melody, which can segue nicely into a harmony.
Overall, another Christmas essential worth learning.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Silent Night" – Traditional
Chords in this song: C, F, G, G7
When I think Christmas, the first song that comes to mind is this. No reason specifically. But I can think of far worse songs to get stuck in your head.
As with numerous hymns and traditional Christmas songs, this one carries with it some religious significance. Still appreciated in most circles, though.
Besides, four chords are all you need to be able to play it!
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" by Meredith Wilson
Chords in this song: G, C, B7, E7, Am, D, D7, A7, Em
What does Christmas look like? Well, honestly, it can look like anything. In some regions, it snows. In others, it rains. Still in others, it's sunny and hot.
Either way, there's no song like "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" to welcome in the holiday season.
Most arrangements are quite intricate and layered. But there's nothing wrong with a lone ukulele arrangement either.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" – Traditional
Chords in this song: G, C, D7, G7, A7, D
Whether "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is just a whimsical Christmas song or a thinly veiled morale for naughty children who need to be nice is completely up for debate (he sees you when you're sleeping / he knows when you're awake). But there's no denying that it has come to represent everyone's favorite time of year, and you can get away with a lot when your lyrics are set to a happy chord progression.
Not my personal favorite if you couldn't tell, but an easy one to pick up and play, nonetheless. Another great Christmas classic to add to your repertoire.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Let It Snow!" – Traditional
Chords in this song: D, A, Em, A7, E7, D7
"Let Is Snow!" was written by Sammy Cahn and composer Jule Styne in July 1945, during a heat wave. That might put the repeated calls to "let it snow" into perspective. They were obviously hoping for cooler weather.
There's no denying that snow has a strong association with Christmas, which happens in the winter months (depending on where you live in the world). And overall, this is a fun song with relatively few chords.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" – Traditional
Chords in this song: C, G, Dm, Am, D, Em, G7, F, A7
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is another one of those songs that's called upon some of the best singers in the world to grace it with their vocal precision. Its sparse arrangement leaves plenty of room for singers to be heard. And in the right hands, it can easily become an epic song.
It's not necessarily a hard song to pick up on the ukulele, and as always, there are versions ranging from easy to hard depending on the challenge you wish to rise to.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"The Little Drummer Boy" – Traditional
Chords in this song: C, F, G
For a song titled "The Little Drummer Boy" I always found this song a little sparse on the drums. I suppose it depends on the version you listen to, as well as the arrangement, but it seems like a wasted opportunity.
Anyway, if you're looking for easy songs, this may well be one of the easiest on the list. For the most part, chord changes occur rather slowly too.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Chords in this song: Am, C, D, D7, G
Here's another emerging theme with Christmas songs – snow. In some ways, you could call it the unsung hero, or the silent mascot of Christmas.
"White Christmas" evokes images of Christmases past, in a relaxing, warm environment while it continues to snow outside. Although I enjoy warm weather for the most part, I'm quite partial to spending winter in a colder region.
There are obviously many versions of this song, but I take Bing Crosby's as definitive.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Jingle Bells" – Traditional
Chords in this song: A7, Am, C, D7, G
The funny thing about "Jingle Bells" is that the melody is so easy, it often ends up being one of the first songs learned by ukulele and guitar players. So, there's a chance you've already got the melody under your fingers.
Either way, it's not a hard song by any means, and that seems to be the design of the song in general.
This is also a great song for everyone to sing along to, and a good one to add to your song inventory.
Ukulele Tab: UkuTabs
"Joy To The World" – Traditional
Chords in this song: G, C, D
As with "Jingle Bells," "Joy To The World" is an easy song to play and sing along to. It's another beginner-friendly Christmas essential.
The chords shouldn't cause you any trouble at all. If you need more of a challenge, maybe work on the melody or even a chord-melody type arrangement.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, F, E, C, G
Here's a Christmas favorite with some serious bite. Like "Carol Of The Bells," it's in a minor key, giving it a solemn, serious vibe, even as it talks about "tidings of comfort and joy."
You can do some cool things with this tune, and I've even heard some jazz versions that pack a serious punch.
Start off by learning the basic structure, and then see what you can add to it. Putting your own spin on it is the best part!
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Deck The Halls" – Traditional
Chords in this song: D, G, A, Bm, E7
"Deck The Halls" is a Christmas carol that's fun for the whole family to sing. And it's not that hard to play either.
As well, I do recommend getting your fingers around the melody. It's an excellent scalar exercise if nothing else!
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"O Come All Ye Faithful" – Traditional
Chords in this song: C, G, F, Am, D, G7, D7
At Christmastime, "O Come All Ye Faithful" can be heard in every church. The slow build of "o come, let us adore him" is instantly identifiable.
Some chord changes might strike you as odd, but this is not the only hymn that was written that way. You begin to appreciate these subtle arrangement choices the more you play music.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"Silver Bells" – Traditional
Chords in this song: F, F7, Bb, C7
The slow strains of "Silver Bells" makes me think of Christmases spent lazily sitting around after a big meal. It could even lull one to sleep.
It can be a lot of fun on the vocals too, especially if you implement call and response like on Bing Crosby's version.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, G, Em, C, Dm
What sticks out to me about "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is always that trademark, solemn melody, Then, of course, the major lift with "Rejoice! Rejoice!" Although how dramatic the change depends a lot on the version you're listening to. Personally, I think the more empathic the lift is, the better.
The chord changes are simple, but this is another one of those cases where the melody is totally worth learning.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" – Traditional
Chords in this song: F#, D, G, A, B, Em, D7
The best part about "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" is undoubtedly the unforgettable and dramatic melody. And it's yet another Christmas song that has "O" in its title. Not that that has much significance.
I rather like the chord changes in this song. Give them a try.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" – Traditional
Chords in this song: C, F, D7, G7, E7, Am, G
This gently paced carol features a beautiful melody and some clever chord changes. You can strum said chords, obviously, but it might be worth working out a fingerpicked arrangement as well. If you don't know how, it's a good opportunity to learn!
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"Away In A Manger" – Traditional
Chords in this song: G, G7, C, D, D7
"Away In A Manger" was originally published in 1882, and its origins aren't entirely clear. It was first said to be the work of Martin Luther, but now it has been suggested that it has American origins.
There are many variants on the lyrical content, which is another fun fact about this carol.
Ukulele Tab: Ultimate-Guitar.com
"We Three Kings" – Traditional
Chords in this song: Am, G, F, C, Em, G/B, Dm, E
We can't talk about Christmas songs that kick butt without mentioning "We Three Kings." As with some songs already mentioned, its melody is quite serious, which makes rock and metal versions entirely possible (and it has been done – search for it on YouTube).
There's lots you can learn from this song, in terms of melody, chord progressions, and arrangement. It's quite brilliant, all told, so take your time and study it.
Ukulele Tab: Ukulele Tabs and Chords
Top Christmas Ukulele Songs, Final Thoughts
Christmas songs are often jovial, celebratory, and fun, making them the perfect fit for the ukulele. There are plenty of opportunities to apply the strumming patterns you know to create different vibes with them too.
So, while some songs might present a bit of a challenge, here's a reminder to – above all – have fun with the learning process.
And don't forget to have a very merry Christmas!
Source: https://www.ukuleleworld.com/ukulele-christmas-songs/
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