Break out the hot chocolate, less than fashionable sweaters, and Christmas tree. The time is here.
Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year, filled with loved ones and cheesy movies. You’re probably spending tons of time going out to find the perfect gift for people, but maybe you should pick something up for yourself.
One of the most fun gifts you can grab yourself is a ukulele. Not only does it teach you a new skill, but it’s also a fun party trick to break out at holiday gatherings.
With Christmas music all around right now, it’s the perfect time to learn Christmas songs on the ukulele. Below are 9 of the best songs to learn so keep reading.
1. Jingle Bells
Since you’re just starting out on the ukulele, let’s start with a Christmas classic. You knew this one as a child, and you know it’s simple. It’s a great place to begin.
Many of us don’t know the origin of this song. It was written and composed by a man named James Lord Pierpont. Despite being such a warm and fuzzy Christmas song for many families, Pierpont himself was not a family man.
Originally released under the title, “One Horse Open Sleigh,” this song is written in the key of C and is easy to pick up for beginners. You can use a simplified strumming pattern and jazz it up as you grow in skill.
2. Mele Kalikimaka
Now that you are starting to get the hang of it, starting simple and taking some lessons, you have to play “Mele Kalikimaka”. It’s a must in Christmas songs on ukulele with its holiday tropical feel.
This hit was written in the mid-1900’s by a guy named Robert Alex Anderson. The title translates to “Merry Christmas” in the native Hawaiian language. Christmas is said to have spread in Hawaii in the early 1800’s due to Protestant missionaries.
Not only is this song simple and spirited for the ukulele, but it also has a neat history!
3. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
If you’re ready for a totally attainable challenge, give this Christmas song on ukulele a try. It has an upbeat rock vibe perfect for some holiday jam sessions.
Most people know the version of this song sung by Brenda Lee. Shockingly, she was only 13 when the song was recorded. You probably also heard this song on the classic Christmas movie, Home Alone.
Slap on your ugly sweater and master this classic. Feel free to start slow and work up to the beat of the song.
4. White Christmas
Despite it not being a white Christmas for everyone right now, you can pretend it’s snowing outside anywhere with this Christmas song for ukulele. Throw on a coat while you are learning it for full effect!
Also the writer of “God Bless America”, Irving Berlin wrote this classic, and the most known and original recording is by the wonderful Bing Crosby. The song holds a bittersweet feeling, reflecting on the early death of Irving’s son.
With a hint of melancholy, this song is a nostalgic classic to learn. Use down-strums on each beat when first learning.
5. O Christmas Tree
When gathered together in the comfort of your home, curled up with your loved ones by the fire, you’ll want to break this sing-a-long song out for some holiday cheer. It’s simple to learn, and everyone knows the words!
This song comes from the rich German history of Christmas. The title is translated from the original, “O Tannenbaum”, Tannenbaum being a fir tree. Surprisingly enough, the song sings more about the everlasting qualities of the tree more so than the holiday itself.
Go to “O Christmas Tree” Ukulele Tab
6. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
We can’t forget to celebrate the coming of the big jolly man himself, Santa Claus. You should nail this one before he comes to visit. It’s only the right thing to do.
While there is debate over the exact origin and writer of this song, Saint Nicholas is for sure. Saint Nicholas was a wealthy saint, inheriting money after his parents passed away when he was young. He was known to help the poor and give out secret presents.
The melody of this tune is simple. It makes it one of the best Christmas songs on ukulele.
7. Winter Wonderland
Turn any environment into a winter wonderland when you learn this Christmas song on ukulele. It’ll transport you to a snow-filled bliss.
The writer, Richard Smith, was home in Pennsylvania recovering from tuberculosis. He wrote this song as an escape from his illness, dreaming of playing in the fluffy snow outside of his window. If you need, you can use this song as a holiday escape as well!
Like the other songs, you don’t have to start on the original tempo. Take it slower if needed, and work up to the beat when learning the song.
8. Silent Night
It wouldn’t be Christmas without this song so make sure you learn this one when picking out holiday songs to learn on the ukulele. You can even spice this one and make it a duet with a friend.
Joseph Mohr wrote the lyrics of this carol and wanted to have a song ready for Christmas Mass in his church. He turned to the genius of Franz Xaver Gruber for the melody and created one of the most well-known Christmas tunes.
Go to “Silent Night” Ukulele Tab
9. Joy to the World
If you want to practice playing fingerstyle, give this song a shot. It’s simple to learn, and it’s a total crowd winner. Everyone will be chiming in around the Christmas party as soon as you break this one out.
While Christmas celebrates the first coming of Christ, this song celebrates more of the second coming, and it is based off of a popular Psalm. To be exact, it’s based off of Psalm 98.
This song has a rich history so feel free to dive into it and have fun while playing it!
Go To “Joy to the World” Ukulele Tab
Learn These Christmas Songs on Ukulele
It’s never too late to pick up a new skill. This holiday season, learn these Christmas songs on ukulele. You’ll be the coolest person at the party.
All of these classic Christmas tunes have a long and exciting history, making it even more fun to learn. Learn them at your own pace. Feel free to slow them down or simplify them until you get the hang of things.
For more tips on learning ukulele or lessons on ukulele, make sure you check out the rest of our free ukulele tabs. Schedule a free online ukulele lesson and we can help you learn these before Christmas morning.
