Three Chord Thursday: Christmas and holiday songs

While you can sing oldies and pop songs any time of the year, Christmas and other holidays songs seem appropriately festive in December. On 10th December 2020 we explore the numerous three chord songs in this category. The final line-up (short list of songs ordered by ascending number of chords) is shown at the bottom of this webpage.

BREAKING NEWSHOT OFF THE PRESS!

The most famous three chord Christmas song: Silent Night in 9 languages and 7 keys!

Let’s dress up for this festive season in red, green, white, black or your ugly sweater if you have one. As this is a longer session than usual, we will have a break, but plan to end by 5 pm EST the latest.

You’re welcome to enter Zoom at any time but we mute everyone and open the session promptly at 3 pm EDT with a short warm-up followed by our sunglasses ritual.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES!

We welcome volunteers to lead individual songs while everyone else is muted. We will relax the usual one-hour time limit because this is such a special occasion. Please fill out the Google Form to request a song to perform. The line-up is determined before the session begins.

Painstakingly edited in a video software on PC

Below are suggestions, by no means exhaustive or exemplary. Bolded titles link to song sheets that can be easily transposed. Performers are encouraged to transpose and format to their liking and share with participants.

  1. Auld Lang SyneKathryn P. (MA) in G [4]
  2. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey – Bruce C. (MI) (9-page PDF in G) [14]
  3. Away in a Manger
  4. Christmas Island – Jimmy Buffet – Pat B. (CT) (1-page PDF) [8]
  5. Christmas Luau by Leonard Hawk – Paul M. & Nikko (HI) – (1-page PDF) in G [4]
  6. Deck the HallsLisa H. (UK) (1-page PDF in F) [5]
  7. Elf’s Lament – Alex F. (MA) (3-page PDF) [8]
  8. Feliz Navidad – (chord melody arr.) (1-page PDF) (1-page PDF) – Adrienne (TX) in C [3]
  9. First NoelMike S. (FL) in C [3]
  10. Here Comes Santa Claus – Melissa P. (MI) (1-page PDF in C) [7]
  11. I Want a Hippopotamus for ChristmasEmily S. (FL) in G [7]
  12. Jingle BellsLennart B. (MA) [5]
  13. Joy to the WorldBruce B. (IT) [3]
  14. Last Christmas [4]
  15. Lo How a RoseVirginia K. (NY) [7]
  16. Little Drummer BoyMaureen D. (MA) [6]
  17. O Christmas Tree
  18. Rudolph the Red Nosed ReindeerSue B. (UK) in C [12]
  19. Santa BabyTina J. (WA) (1-page PDF – with capo) (1-page PDF in F)[4]
  20. Silent Night – (chord melody arr.) Liane B. (HI) (1-page PDF) [3]
  21. Silver Bells
  22. Up on the HousetoptablatureSue H. (CT) (1-page PDF in F) [5]
  23. We Three Kings – parody – Andi R. (PA) (1-page PDF) [7]

Christmas & holiday song compilations:


Line-up – last updated 12/9/2020 7:00 pm EST

  1. Feliz Navidad – Anne (UK), Adrienne (TX) (1-page PDF) in C [3]
  2. Joy to the WorldBruce B. (IT) [3]
  3. First NoelMike S. (FL) in C [3] —- tagging opportunity
  4. Silent NightLiane B. (HI) (1-page PDF) [3]
  5. Christmas Luau Paul M. & Nikko (HI) -(1-page PDF) in G [4]
  6. Auld Lang SyneKathryn P. (MA) in G [4]
  7. Little Drummer BoyMaureen D. (MA) [6]
  8. Santa Baby – Tina J. (WA) (1-page PDF – with capo) (1-page PDF in F)[4]
  9. Up on the Housetop – – Sue H. (CT) (1-page PDF in F) [5]
  10. Deck the HallsLisa H. (UK) (1-page PDF in F) [5]
  11. We Three Kings – parody – Andi R. (PA) (1-page PDF) [7]
  12. Here Comes Santa Claus – Melissa P. (MI) (1-page PDF in C) [7]
  13. I Want a Hippopotamus for ChristmasEmily S. (FL) in G [7]
  14. Elf’s Lament – Alex F. (MA) (3-page PDF) [8]
  15. Lo How a RoseVirginia K. (NY) [7]
  16. Christmas Island – Jimmy Buffet – Pat B. (CT) (1-page PDF) [8]
  17. Rudolph the Red Nosed ReindeerSue B. (UK) in C [12]
  18. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey – Bruce C. (MI) (9-page PDF in G) [14]
  19. Let It Snow – parody by Robyn B. (UK)
  20. Jingle BellsLennart B. (MA) [5]

Three Chord Thursdays are free to join as participant and/or performer. You are also welcome to support this weekly song series by contributing any amount into a tip jar for musicians.

1231 Adams Street, Boston, MA 02124. Near Milton-T (red line to Ashmont then Mattapan trolley)

UPDATE – December 2024

Join us in Zoom or in-person in Boston on 7th and 21st December 2023 for a free workshop on holiday songs. Get a copy of Fun with Uke Book to participate in this event.

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