My Favorite Collections of Christmas Carol Arrangements for Piano

This collection has been one of my favorite, go-to books of Christmas carol arrangements for many years. The arrangements are expressive and flowing, with tasteful contemporary harmonies. There is not a miss among the ten arrangements in this book, but my top favorites are “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Coventry Carol,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” I look forward to playing these arrangements every year, and they work wonderfully for students as well.

Composer Gwyneth Walker’s unique creativity infuses these sparkling carols for piano. The collection includes two distinct sets: the first three arrangements were conceived as “Carols of Light,” while the other four “Folk Carols for Christmas.” This collection is an absolute must-have for pianists (especially for church musicians) looking to fill out their repertoire with varied and interesting arrangements of lesser-known carols. Take a listen to “Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head” to get a sense of Walker’s distinctive style.

Thomas Keesecker, a composer and retired church musician with a background in classical and jazz, is a prolific composer of choral music and hymn arrangements for piano. Part of his five-book series called The Quiet Collection, this volume contains eight reflective pieces for Advent and Christmas. The arrangements feature extremely effective writing, and can be learned in little time — perfect for busy church musicians. (I use Keesecker’s hymn arrangements constantly throughout the year in my own church playing.) You can hear the composer perform his own arrangements on his YouTube channel. A CD is also available.

Another gem from Keesecker’s The Quiet Collection, this book offers nine reflective pieces for Christmas and Epiphany. These warm, creative settings of familiar carols are presented along with two bonus original pieces: “The Quiet Night,” and “Epiphany Waltz” (which includes an optional violin part). Like the other volumes in this set, the arrangements maintain that wonderful balance of being both accessible and interesting. A CD is also available.

This 2022 collection continues Keesecker’s tradition of creating warm, inviting arrangements full of interesting harmonies. These piano solos for Advent and Christmas maintain the thoughtful, accessible style that makes his other collections so enjoyable to play.

This classic collection from respected composer and church musician Mark Hayes is back in print! Originally published in 1985, this book features 12 Christmas arrangements that showcase Hayes’ versatility, ranging in style from classical to jazz.

Chris Rice’s 2001 recording project, The Living Room Sessions, produced two wonderful sets of piano arrangements: one for Christmas carols and another for traditional hymns — both of which I highly recommend. While the hardcopy Christmas book is now out-of-print, you can still purchase and print the digital version at home. These arrangements offer a pleasing, contemporary sound that I thoroughly enjoy playing.

These piano transcriptions come from Mancini’s 1966 album of the same title. While the hardcopy is out-of-print, digital versions are available (though you’ll need to purchase each arrangement individually). The collection features both carols and popular Christmas songs. I especially enjoy playing the three medleys and the arrangement of “The Christmas Song.” If you are looking for jazz-influenced arrangements, these are worth checking out.

I discovered this collection through Ashley Danyew’s blog (thanks, Ashley!). Hess, known for his television, theatre, and film soundtracks, has created arrangements that originally appeared on his album with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. These quiet yet interesting arrangements come alive with unexpected harmonies that keep familiar carols fresh and engaging.