Learn to Strum, Sing & Sleigh This Festive Season!




There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by grabbing a guitar, lighting up the tree, and bashing out a few festive classics. Whether you’re a total beginner or someone dusting off the old six-string for the holidays, a few easy chords are all you need to turn your living room into a winter wonderland of singalongs.

At Musicmaker Dublin, we love helping new players find their rhythm — and Christmas is the perfect time to learn. Here are five timeless songs that are easy, instantly recognisable, and guaranteed to spread some festive cheer.

And really, there's only a few weeks left, so best get practicing.......

Let’s go!


1. “Last Christmas” – Wham!

There’s a reason George Michael’s bittersweet masterpiece is still one of the most-played Christmas songs on Earth. “Last Christmas” captures the whole season — a little melancholy, a little glitter, and a chorus you can’t help but sing along to. On guitar, it feels like pure magic: smooth, steady, and full of emotion. Whether you’re strumming gently by the fire or performing it at a holiday open mic, this one always melts hearts.




2. “Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms

The 1957 rockabilly classic that redefined Christmas music. “Jingle Bell Rock” has swagger — it’s the sound of tinsel meeting electric twang. It’s upbeat, danceable, and effortlessly cool. Playing it feels like stepping back into a vintage diner decked out in fairy lights, milkshake in one hand, plectrum in the other. Few festive tunes groove like this one, and it’s guaranteed to get toes tapping wherever you play it.




3. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – Bruce Springsteen / Traditional

You can go full crooner or full Boss — either way, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is pure joy to play. It’s a song that bounces with energy, warmth, and nostalgia. On guitar, it’s a strummer’s dream — steady, lively, and perfect for singalongs with kids or adults who still believe (after a few mulled wines). The Bruce Springsteen live version is legendary, but every take has the same big-hearted magic.




4. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee was just 13 when she recorded “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, and she nailed it with a swagger that still lights up rooms today. It’s playful, infectious, and has that irresistible mix of country charm and early rock ‘n’ roll bounce. The rhythm practically dances itself, and on guitar, it feels like holiday joy distilled into three minutes. Play it once and suddenly everyone’s on their feet, pretending they can swing dance.




5. “Fairytale of New York” – The Pogues (feat. Kirsty MacColl)

No list of Christmas songs is complete without this one. “Fairytale of New York” isn’t just a holiday tune — it’s an Irish institution. Gritty, romantic, tragic, and beautiful all at once, it captures the real spirit of Christmas: messy, heartfelt, and utterly human. Playing it on guitar feels like joining a pub session at closing time, surrounded by laughter, pints, and people singing their hearts out. It’s emotional, it’s raw, and it’s ours. 

Fun fact: Shane MacGowan reportedly wrote it as a bet — to see if The Pogues could write a proper Christmas hit. Challenge accepted, and history made.




Quick Tips for Festive Strumming

  • Tune up first! A Snark tuner will save your sanity and your chords.
  • Warm up your hands — cold fingers + barre chords = coal in your stocking.
  • Keep your rhythm steady. Count out loud at first; timing makes everything sound smoother.
  • Play what feels good. Christmas songs are for joy, not perfection.
  • Sing along! Even badly. Especially badly.


Festive Guitar FAQ – All You Need for a Christmas Strum

What’s the easiest Christmas song to learn on guitar?

Start with “Last Christmas” by Wham! or “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”. They both use simple, repeating chord patterns and sound great even if you only know a few shapes. Plus, they’re instantly recognisable — so you’ll have everyone singing along before the mince pies are gone.

Do I need a capo for Christmas songs?

Not always, but a Kyser Capo can make life easier. It helps you change key to match your voice or simplify tricky chords. For example, “Last Christmas” sits beautifully with a capo on the 2nd fret. Capos are also a great little stocking filler for beginners — useful, affordable, and endlessly handy.

Do I need an electric or acoustic guitar for these songs?

Either works! Acoustic guitars give that warm, fireside sound, while electrics add a bit of sparkle and sustain. The Linden Acoustic Pack is perfect for unplugged carols, and the Jet Pack Electric Bundle gives you everything you need to plug in and rock your Christmas party.

How long will it take me to learn one of these songs?

You can learn the basics of most Christmas tunes in less than an hour — honestly. Focus on keeping your rhythm steady and switching chords smoothly. A few short practice sessions a day will have you gig-ready by Christmas Eve (or at least family-singalong-ready!).




Do I need any extra accessories?

Just the essentials:

  • A few picks (and maybe a tin to keep them safe!)

All of these can be found in our Musicmaker Promo Packs — ready-made bundles with everything a beginner could need.


Wrap It Up: The Soundtrack to Your Christmas Morning

By mastering these five songs, you’ll have enough festive fuel to keep the house singing from breakfast to bedtime.

Whether you’re strumming on a Linden acoustic, rocking a Jet electric, or gifting a Musicmaker beginner pack, you’re not just learning songs — you’re making memories.


So pour a mulled wine, grab your guitar, and let the season strum on.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Musicmaker Dublin!