Christmas Piano Sheet Music
'Tis the season for all of your favorite Christmas piano music! Find Christmas piano sheet music arranged from beginner to late intermediate.
There is no tradition quite like gathering around the piano during the holidays. To help you celebrate, we have curated our complete collection of Christmas favorites right here. Arranged by Ann with the student in mind, these pieces are designed to sound full and festive without being overly difficult to learn. From the simplest pre-reading versions to rich, recital-ready solos, explore the music that makes the season bright!
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Away in a Manger

One of the most tender and beloved carols of the season. Because of its gentle, lullaby rhythm, this is often the very first Christmas piece a student learns to play expressively.
- Primer - Away in a Manger - Written in Middle C Position, this Christmas carol is for students on a pre-reading level.
- Elementary - Away in a Manger - Arranged for beginning students.
- Late Elementary - Away in a Manger - Arranged for students who are playing in 5-finger patterns in C Major.
- Early Intermediate - Away in a Manger - Written in the key of F Major and simplified for students on a level 2b to play.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Because the melody moves almost entirely by step within a narrow range, this is often the very first Christmas song a student learns to play. Ann’s arrangements capitalize on this simplicity to build confidence in young beginners, while her advanced version transforms the simple tune into a rich, octave-filled performance piece in E-flat Major.
- Primer - Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Arranged on a pre-reading level for young students to play.
- Elementary - Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Middle C position.
- Intermediate - A Christmas Sonatina - A fun sonatina that includes "Jolly Old St. Nicholas", "O Christmas Tree", and "Jingle Bells".
- Late Intermediate - Jolly Old St. Nicholas - Arranged in the Key of E flat Major, for the level 4-5 student to play.
Angels We Have Heard on High

Known for its rolling "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" chorus, this French carol is a favorite for teaching smooth scale passages and legato fingering. These arrangements capture that joyful, cascading sound even for students who haven't mastered full octave scales yet.
- Elementary - Angels We Have Heard on High - A fun duet written for two beginners; both parts stay largely in a 5-finger pattern.
- Late Elementary - Angels We Have Heard on High - A clever solo arrangement in C Major that uses simple crossovers to create the flowing "Gloria" sound.
- Early Intermediate - Angels We Have Heard on High - A fuller solo version that expands the range and harmony for the developing student.
Jingle Bells

One of the most energetic pieces of the season! While often thought of as a simple folk song, Jingle Bells is an excellent piece for teaching repeated notes and staccato touch. We have arranged this holiday staple for multiple levels, including a fun ensemble version that is always a hit at recitals.
- Elementary - Jingle Bells in Middle C - Written in Middle C position; perfect for students just starting to read on the staff.
- Elementary - Jingle Bells 1 Piano, 6 Hands - A fun trio for three players at one piano. Great for group lessons!
- Late Elementary - Jingle Bells - Arranged in D Major using 5-finger patterns; adds a bit more brightness and movement.
- Intermediate - A Christmas Sonatina - Features as a movement in "A Christmas Sonatina," offering a classical twist on the familiar tune.
Joy to the World

This majestic carol is famous for its descending major scale melody. It is the perfect piece for helping students feel and hear the scale under their hands. This elementary level arrangement makes this powerful opening accessible to elementary students while keeping the energy high.
- Elementary - Joy to the World - A bold arrangement that captures the joy of the season; perfect for students comfortable with the C Major scale.
Deck the Halls

This Old Welsh carol is famous for its joyful "Fa-la-la" refrain. It begins in a low G Major position, surprises the player by moving up to a high C position in the middle section, and then returns to G for a strong finish.
- Late Elementary - Deck the Halls - Arranged in G Major; features a fun hand-position shift that helps students get comfortable moving around the keyboard.
Up on the Housetop

A holiday favorite written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864! This short, fun arrangement captures the excitement of Santa's arrival. We offer a unique ensemble version for four players (or keyboards) and a solo intermediate version where the melody playfully alternates between hands.
- Late Elementary - Up on the Housetop 4 Piano Ensemble - A creative ensemble piece for 4 pianos (or synths); great for group lessons!
- Intermediate - Up on the Housetop - A lively solo version featuring melodic octaves in the left hand to keep the rhythm driving forward.
We Three Kings

Written by Reverend John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857, this carol is famous for its shift between a minor verse and a major chorus. This piece is set in D Minor for the verses and modulating to the relative key of F Major for the "Star of Wonder" chorus. It is an excellent piece for teaching students how relative major and minor keys work together.
- Early Intermediate - We Three Kings - A Level 3 arrangement that includes the lyrics; great for students ready to explore key changes and expressive playing.
Carol of the Bells

Based on the Ukrainian folk chant "Shchedryk" by Mykola Leontovych, this piece is famous for its haunting, four-note ostinato pattern. Ann’s intermediate arrangement is set in A Minor, using that steady left-hand pattern to anchor the piece while the right hand builds intensity. It is excellent for teaching students how to maintain rhythmic precision while managing dynamic swells.
- Intermediate - Carol of the Bells - A dramatic A Minor arrangement that captures the full energy of the original choral work; perfect for recitals.
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

This magical piece from Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker" is famous for its delicate, bell-like sound. Our arrangement captures that shimmering quality with light staccato notes and a mysterious, playful atmosphere. It is a fantastic piece for teaching students how to play with a soft, precise touch.
- Intermediate - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Duet) - A captivating duet that allows two players to create the sparkling, magical sound of the original score together.
Silent Night

Perhaps the most famous Christmas lullaby in the world. This Austrian carol is perfect for teaching students how to balance a melody against a flowing accompaniment. Our solo arrangement uses rolling left-hand arpeggios to create a peaceful, atmospheric sound, requiring students to practice a relaxed, flexible wrist.
- Intermediate - Silent Night - A beautiful solo arrangement that uses broken chords (arpeggios) in the left hand to create a rich, flowing harmony.
The First Noel

This traditional English carol is famous for its rising melody and rolling 3/4 time signature. It is an excellent piece for teaching students how to maintain a steady, pastoral rhythm. Our arrangement is a beautiful duet, allowing two intermediate students (or a student and teacher) to create a rich, full sound that fills the room.
- Intermediate - The First Noel (Duet) - A lovely ensemble version where the parts weave together to build intensity; perfect for a recital finale.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

This traditional English carol is often used as a concert finale because of its high energy and festive spirit. It is an excellent piece for teaching students how to quickly switch between smooth, legato phrases and crisp, staccato articulation.
- Intermediate - We Wish You a Merry Christmas - A bright, joyful arrangement in E-flat Major that captures the excitement of the season.
What Child is This

Set to the traditional English folk tune "Greensleeves," this carol is beloved for its haunting, melancholy beauty. It is an ideal piece for teaching students to play with a rich, singing tone and to shape phrases expressively. We offer a solo version for the intermediate student and a duet version that weaves the melody between players for a beautiful, collaborative performance.
- Intermediate - What Child is This - A beautiful solo arrangement that captures the flowing, lyrical nature of the original folk tune.
- Intermediate - Greensleeves (Duet) - Arranged as "Greensleeves," this duet allows two intermediate players to share the melody and accompaniment.
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

With its driving rhythm and distinctive minor key, this traditional English carol is a favorite for students who want a break from the "sweet" sounds of other holiday music.
- Late Intermediate - God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - A dramatic solo arrangement that captures the bold, timeless energy of the original carol.
O Christmas Tree

Also known by its German title "O Tannenbaum," this majestic carol is a symbol of steadfastness. The melody is famous for its dotted rhythms and pickup beats (anacrusis). Our arrangement captures that dignified, stately character, helping students learn to play with a firm, confident tone while managing the timing of the dotted notes.
- Intermediate - A Christmas Sonatina - A fun sonatina that includes "Jolly Old St. Nicholas", "O Christmas Tree", and "Jingle Bells".
- Late Intermediate - O Christmas Tree - Arranged in a casual jazz style with a light swing to it.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

This American carol written by Edmund Sears is beloved for its rolling, pastoral 6/8 rhythm. It is the perfect piece for introducing students to compound meter (counting ONE-la-lee, TWO-la-lee) and creating a relaxed, flowing atmosphere at the keyboard without rushing.
- Late Intermediate - It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - This delicate arrangement of a beloved Christmas carol begins with the melody in the left hand, moving to the right as it develops. It's a beautiful piece for a Christmas concert or church program.
Sing We Now of Christmas

Based on the traditional French carol "Noël Nouvelet," this piece stands out for its driving energy and distinct minor mode. It is a fantastic choice for students who enjoy a faster tempo and a more dramatic sound. The melody requires a steady rhythmic pulse, helping students avoid rushing while maintaining high energy.
- Elementary - Sing We Now of Christmas - This is a very easy arrangement of a traditional French carol, with a harder "teacher's part" that could be played by a parent or older sibling. It's just right for a beginning student who needs a special Christmas piece to play for a recital or church program.
- Late Intermediate - Sing We Now of Christmas - This traditional French Christmas carol has been arranged with a rhythmic, driving beat that is constantly changing time signatures. It slows down for an expressive middle part, then returns to the rhythmic style again as it proceeds to an exciting ending.
Here We Come A Caroling

Also known as "The Wassail Song," this English traditional carol captures the spirited energy of going door-to-door during the holidays. Its lilting 6/8 meter gives it a skipping, dance-like quality that students love to play. This is an excellent piece for teaching the concept of compound time and maintaining a lively, forward-moving tempo.
- Early Intermediate - Here We Come A Caroling - This traditional English carol begins and ends in 6/8 time, with the middle section in 4/4. It is written in the key of C Major.
I Saw Three Ships

This traditional English carol is famous for its joyful, jig-like quality. Written in 6/8 time, it has a bouncing rhythm that feels almost like a dance. It is a fantastic piece for teaching students how to maintain a steady, lilting pulse while navigating a repetitive melody that builds excitement with every verse.
- Late Elementary - I Saw Three Ships - Christmas song arranged for students who are playing in 5-finger patterns in D major.
- Intermediate - Christmas Carol Medley - This lively medley in 6/8 time uses the English Carol "I Saw Three Ships" and the French Carol "Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella" in an ABA form. It's a good piece to learn just for fun or for a special Christmas recital or performance.
Still, Still, Still

A traditional Austrian lullaby that captures the hushed beauty of a snowy Christmas Eve. Because the melody is so simple and spacious, it is the perfect vehicle for teaching students the art of tone production—specifically, how to play with a soft, singing touch while maintaining a seamless legato line. It offers a peaceful, meditative contrast to the more energetic carols of the season.
- Late Intermediate - Still, Still, Still - This carol of German origin has been arranged in a delicate setting in 3/4 time. Originally in 4/4, this new meter gives the piece a fresh, flowing feel throughout. It is written in C Major, modulating to A-flat Major towards the end.
Pat-a-Pan

This Burgundian carol is unique because it mimics the sound of instruments—specifically the fife and drum. The title "Pat-a-Pan" represents the rhythmic tapping of the drum. It is a fantastic piece for developing rhythmic independence, as the left hand often maintains a steady, percussive drone while the right hand plays the dancing, flute-like melody.
- Elementary - Pat-a-Pan (Ensemble) - This traditional Christmas carol has been arranged for a beginning trio, with all parts in 5-finger patterns. It can be performed on 1 piano or on 3 electric pianos, using a flute sound for the top part and some percussion for the lower part.
More Christmas Piano Sheet Music
- Elementary - Snowflakes
- Late Elementary - Holly and the Ivy
- Early Intermediate - Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
- Early Intermediate - Winter Sleigh Bells
- Intermediate - The Skater's Waltz
- Intermediate - The Christmas Star
- Late Intermediate - Russian Sleigh Bells
Additional Winter Themed Piano Sheet Music

- Primer - Let's Build a Snowman
- Elementary - Ice Skating
- Early Intermediate - Silent Snow
- Early Intermediate - Sledding
- Early Intermediate - Winter Waltz Impromptu
- Intermediate - Winter in New York
Merry Christmas and happy practicing!
Thank you for exploring the Sunrise Piano Christmas collection. We believe that the best gift a teacher can give a student is the ability to play music that they love. We hope these arrangements help you spark that love this holiday season.