Classical Guitar Christmas Music to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Looking for some classical guitar Christmas music to help get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further! Here are some of our favorite pieces to help get you feeling festive.

Introduction

Whether you’re a classical guitar lover or just getting into the holiday spirit, Christmas music on classical guitar is the perfect way to ring in the season. From traditional carols to lesser-known pieces, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So sit back, relax, and let the holiday magic wash over you with these 15 classical guitar Christmas pieces.

“Away in a Manger” by Francisco Tárrega

Away in a Manger is a popular Christmas carol that was first published in 1887. The melody was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick, and the lyrics are attributed to either James R. Murray or Martin Luther. The carol is often performed on classical guitar, and Francisco Tárrega’s arrangement is one of the most famous.

Tárrega’s arrangement is set in the key of C Major, and it features a simple melody that is easy to play on guitar. The chords used in the piece are all open position chords, which makes it a great choice for beginners. If you’re looking for a classical guitar Christmas piece that is both beautiful and relatively easy to play, Away in a Manger is a great choice.

“God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” by Mauro Giuliani

Mauro Giuliani was an Italian classical guitarist and composer. He is one of the most prominent and influential guitar virtuosos of the 19th century. “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen” is a popular Christmas carol composed by him in the early 1800s.

The song has a warm and charming melody that is perfect for the holiday season. Mauro Giuliani’s arrangement for classical guitar is one of the most beautiful and beloved versions of the carol. It has been performed by many famous guitarists over the years, and continues to be a favorite among classical guitarists during the Christmas season.

“Joy to the World” by George Friedrich Handel

One of the most popular Christmas songs of all time, “Joy to the World” was originally composed by George Friedrich Handel as part of his Messiah oratorio. The lyrics were later added by English hymnwriter Isaac Watts, and it has been a beloved Christmas carol ever since. This arrangement for classical guitar is by German guitarist Dieter Kreidler.

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by Traditional

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is one of the most popular Christmas carols, and it’s perfect for classical guitar. The melody is fairly simple, but it’s beautifully adorned with the addition of a second guitar playing countermelodies and chordal accompaniment.

“O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam

One of the most popular Christmas carols of all time, “O Holy Night” was composed in 1847 by Adolphe Adam. The original French lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau, and the English translation was done by John Sullivan Dwight. The carol has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, but perhaps the most famous version is by tenor Andrea Bocelli.

“Silent Night” by Franz Gruber

“Silent Night” is a Christmas carol composed by Franz Gruber in 1818. The lyrics of the carol are based on a poem written by Joseph Mohr. The song has been recorded by many artists and continues to be a holiday favorite.

Classical guitar versions of “Silent Night” are particularly beautiful, and there are many wonderful recordings available. If you’re looking for some classical guitar Christmas music to get you in the holiday spirit, here are a few of our favorites:

1. Silent Night by Andrew York
2. Silent Night by Ana Vidovic
3. Silent Night by Diego Munoz
4. Silent Night by Jason Vieaux
5. Silent Night by John Williams
6. Silent Night by Liona Boyd
7. Silent Night by Paco Pena
8. Silent Night by Pablo Sainz Villegas
9. Silent Nights by Pepe Romero

“The First Noel” by Traditional

“The First Noel” is a popular Christmas carol that has been performed and recorded by many artists over the years. The song first appeared in print in 1833, in an English collection of Christmas carols.

The melody of “The First Noel” is adapted from a traditional French carol, “Noël nouvelet,” which was first published in 1550. The lyrics of “The First Noel” tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word “noel” is derived from the French word for Christmas, and it eventually made its way into the English language.

Classical guitarists often perform “The First Noel” during the holiday season. The song is a beautiful and traditional way to celebrate Christmas.

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” by John Henry Hopkins Jr.

One of the most popular carols of all time, “We Three Kings of Orient Are” has been recorded by everyone from Nat King Cole to Sufjan Stevens. The melody is beautiful and perfectly suited for guitar, and the lyrics tell the story of the magi who followed the star to Bethlehem to bring gifts to the baby Jesus. This arrangement by classical guitar virtuoso Francisco Tarrega is one of the most famous and frequently performed works in the entire classical guitar repertoire.

“What Child Is This?” by Traditional

“What Child Is This?” is a traditional English Christmas carol that has been performed by countless artists over the years. The most famous version of the song is probably the one recorded by the American singer-songwriter John Denver in 1975.

The original version of the song was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix, and it was titled “The First Noel.” Dix was inspired to write the lyrics after seeing a painting by Edward Henry Corbould called “aderLayout/cms/graphics/christ_in_the_manger.” The painting depicts the scene of Jesus’ birth, with Mary and Joseph looking upon the child in wonderment.

Dix’s lyrics have been set to a variety of different melodies over the years, but the most popular melody is probably the one composed by English musician John Stainer in 1871. “What Child Is This?” has been recorded by many different artists, including Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Josh Groban.