12 Relaxing Holiday Piano Pieces

Maybe it’s the stream of phone-zombies running into you on the street or the December t-shirt weather, but festivities in Asia have left a strange taste in my mouth.

Most of us have been hearing the same holiday music on repeat at every shopping mall.

I’ve been home for five days I’m bundled in scarf and boots by default.

To celebrate the spirit, my sister and I have collected these relaxing modern piano pieces that are perfect for the holidays (and maybe beyond).

Sheet music is linked below, with videos. Enjoy!

We Three Kings – Marcus Johnson

Holiday – Green Day

Throwback to those Green Day days. The playing in the video is too detached for my taste. (Sheet Music)

New Year’s Day – U2

Who doesn’t like some old-school music? (Sheet Music)

100 Years – Five for Fighting

A smooth and relaxing piece, straightforward to play. (Early Intermediate Sheet Music)

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve – Frank Loesser

A jazzy, relaxing piece with rhythm clearly notated in the sheet music–perfect for the classical pianist touching up their swing. (Sheet Music)

Joy – George Winston

A beautiful, uplifting piece. George Winston is one of my favourite contemporary piano composers. (Sheet Music – Late Intermediate)

Variations on the Kanon – George Winston

This classic piece is fun, of course. It’s every holiday’s must-play. (Sheet Music – Late Intermediate)

Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen

A powerful piece transcribed as a piano solo. (Sheet Music)

Holiday – DJ Antoine ft Akon

A low-key piano piece which, once you know the chords and melody, you can improvise on. Playing with chord structure is one of the best things about pop music. (Sheet Music)

Coldplay – Everglow

This is such a peaceful transcription of the song, just a tad repetitive. Great for learning chord structure, though.

Sleigh Ride – Arr. A. Gentile

This piece is more energetic and technically challenging than the rest, but I couldn’t resist including it–one of my holiday favourites for sure. (Sheet Music – Advanced)

Melodie – Grieg

Classic and beautiful. The best part? No one can accuse you of reusing repertoire after the holidays. (Sheet Music)

If you’re looking for more beautiful piano solos, here are 19 jazzy christmas piano solos.