Are you just starting out on the piano and want to learn some Christmas carols this holiday season? We’ve created a list of beginner-friendly carols, each linked to an easy-to-follow tutorial that will guide you through each song.
Beginner-Friendly Piano Letter notes
Sheet music is usually the standard when learning or playing a new song on the piano. It gives you all the necessary details of a song so that you know how to play it. However, most beginners can’t read music and that’s why it’s much more accessible for them to just have the notes with easy piano notation. In this article we will present you each Christmas song with the lyrics using the easy letter notes above. The following image below shows you all the piano keys you need to know to play these songs.
If you are interested in more details about any of the songs, or if you want to get the PDF versions of the letter notes as well as the sheet music, just follow the link to the piano lessons.
Beginners should also make sure to get our free piano key labels and the piano notes chart, which will help you to apply the concept of piano letter notes!
Pick your favorite carol, follow along, and enjoy spreading holiday cheer through music-even if you’re just starting to learn!
1. Jingle Bells
Jingle Bells is an upbeat, joyful carol and one of the most recognizable Christmas songs. It’s great for beginners thanks to its repetitive melody and easy-to-follow rhythm. It’s a perfect piece for spreading holiday cheer, it’s a fun song to master and perform for friends and family.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Jingle Bells
2. Silent Night
Silent Night is a pretty calm carol and offers a great opportunity to work on expressive playing and smooth transitions. Its peaceful melody is relatively simple, making it accessible to beginners while still allowing for dynamic contrast. This timeless song is always a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Silent Night
3. O Christmas Tree
This classic carol celebrates the beauty of the Christmas tree and is ideal for practicing steady tempos and simple rhythms. The melody of O Christmas Tree is repetitive and easy to follow, making it a good choice for beginners. Playing this carol will bring a festive spirit to any room.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for O Christmas Tree
4. O Holy Night
Are you looking for a more challenging piece. Then O Holy Night might be the right song for you. It has a flowing, emotional melody that rewards expressive playing. It’s a great song to build confidence with longer phrases and dramatic dynamics. The beauty of this carol makes it a standout addition to any holiday repertoire.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for O Holy Night
5. Deck the Halls
With its upbeat, happy melody, Deck the Halls is full of festive energy. The song’s rhythmic patterns and catchy melody are easy for beginners to pick up, while still offering a fun challenge to keep up with its brisk tempo. It’s a perfect choice for spreading holiday cheer.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Deck the Halls
6. Angels we have heard on High
Famous for its soaring “Gloria” refrain, this song is a fantastic exercise in playing smooth, flowing lines. The song offers a wonderful balance between lyrical passages and the opportunity to work on dynamics. Its uplifting nature makes it a favorite at holiday gatherings.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Angels We Have Heard on High
7. We wish you a merry Christmas
Simple, jolly, and easy to learn, We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a must-have for any Christmas holiday song list. Its repetitive melody makes it easy for beginners to master, and the tune is perfect for sing-alongs. This carol is often one of the first songs pianists learn for Christmas.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for We Wish You A Merry Christmas
8. Go tell it on the Mountain
With its upbeat and rhythmic structure, this song is great for beginners who want to practice steady timing. The song’s soulful feel and catchy melody make it a fun and rewarding piece to learn. It’s ideal for those looking to add a little variety to their holiday music.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Go Tell It On The Mountain
9. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
The traditional Christmas song Hark! The Herald Angels Sing offers a nice blend of harmony and melody, making it a fun piece to learn. The steady tempo and recognizable melody make it accessible to beginners, while still providing good practice for chord transitions. Its majestic feel makes it a favorite for holiday performances.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
10. Joy to the World
This joyful and uplifting carol is perfect for working on dynamics and maintaining a bright, steady tempo. Its simple melody is easy for beginners, while its upbeat nature brings energy to any holiday event. It’s a staple of holiday music that’s always a joy to play.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for Joy To The World
11. The first Noel
A calm, flowing carol, “The First Noel” is great for beginners working on phrasing and coordination. Its gentle melody is easy to follow, allowing new players to focus on technique without feeling overwhelmed. This classic song creates a warm, festive atmosphere every time it’s played.
Printables (Letter Notes & Sheet Music) for The First Noel
