2024 Staff Holiday Picks

The holiday season is fast approaching! To help set the perfect festive mood, our team has curated a selection of our favorite seasonal tunes that you can download instantly from Harp Column Music. You can check out previous staff holiday recommendations here. 

(Titles marked with an *asterisk are playable on lever harp. All pieces listed are for solo harp unless otherwise noted.)

Harp Column founder Kimberly Rowe serves as web editor for Harp Column magazine, Harp Column Music, and Harp Column Academy. She also designs websites for other musicians through Trust Tree Designs and performs throughout MidCoast Maine.

*Yuletide Cheer
arr. Philip Hayden

Sometimes we all need a little musical comfort food, and that’s exactly what this collection of six traditional carols, arranged by Philip Hayden and edited by Rhett Barnwell, brings to the table. (Included are “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice,” “Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella,” “Away in a Manger,” “Masters in This Hall,” “On This Day Earth Shall Ring,” and “Silent Night.”) With a range of just over three octaves and no pedal or lever changes during any of the pieces, the tunes are very accessible to intermediate players, those with smaller harps, and those who just don’t want to think too hard on a cold winter’s night (guilty). The easy-to-read collection is anchored by a solid rhythmic structure, and I enjoyed the unexpected harmonies and interludes scattered throughout. Whether you’re rusty this holiday season from lack of practice (also guilty) or just looking for a new take on the same old carols, this simple and easy compilation will fit the bill nicely.

*A Flickering Candle
by Debbie Vinick

A colleague recently pointed out to me the lack of holiday music for faiths other than Christian on Harp Column Music, and the truth is, there just isn’t as much written for the harp to celebrate other religions. So we were excited when Debbie Vinick sent us her original composition “A Flickering Candle,” which comes in both pedal and lever versions. The simple, one-page tune evokes the harmonies you would find in a traditional Hebrew melody, and would fit in nicely at any worship service or wedding. Give it a try the next time you need to add a non-Christian holiday tune to your set list!

*Il est né
arr. Heather Cornelius

Do harpists really need another arrangement of the ever-popular traditional French carol “Il est né?” We’ll let you be the judge of that, but only after you listen to the new version by Harp Column’s news editor Heather Cornelius. I confess that this tune has always been one of my holiday favorites, so I’m always on the lookout for a new take on the familiar melody. With the addition of some harmonies I hadn’t heard before, some fun rhythmic soundboard slapping, and easy-to-read typesetting with well-placed page turns, Cornelius’ rendition of the old standard will definitely be at the top of my playlist this holiday season.

Alison Reese is editor of Harp Column magazine. She also plays frequently with the Grand Rapids symphony and teaches students of all ages. She is also a self proclaimed hot yoga lover and grammar geek!

*A Christmas Cwtch
by Amanda Whiting

Whether I’m playing or listening to music in December, I love finding good arrangements of lesser-known Christmas songs or, better yet, completely new holiday tunes to add to my playlist. “A Christmas Cwtch” by Amanda Whiting is the newest addition to my holiday season setlist. This original song, written by the Welsh jazz harpist for Harp Column’s popular Tear-Out Tunes series last year, is accessible for intermediate lever harpists and adaptable for advanced pedal harpists. With lush rolled chords, some twinkly arpeggios, and an optional improvisation section, the music can be as simple or as challenging as you choose. I love how fresh it sounds, while still having that warmth you want to hear at the holidays. Just when the listener might start to wonder if this is really a Christmas tune, Whiting dispels any doubt with a little echo of “Jingle Bells” at the end!

Silver Bells
arr. Liana Alpino

Harpists just get it. How refreshing is it to play an arrangement of a song where the notes just fall into your fingers? That’s exactly the experience you’ll have playing this arrangement of the classic Christmas tune “Silver Bells,” arranged by Nashville harpist Liana Alpino (full disclosure: Alpino is the managing editor of Harp Column Music). The first verse is a simple, yet beautiful statement of the well-known melody. Alpino adds a little holiday sparkle to the second verse with some colorful arpeggios, sounding more difficult than it is to play. That’s a harpist’s holiday dream come true!

*Huron Carol
arr. Anna Hagen

While I don’t like the waning sunlight as we approach the winter solstice, I love music that captures the feel of the moonlight of this season. Anna Hagen’s arrangement of the traditional “Huron Carol” emits this low-light glow in musical form. While the right hand carries the hauntingly beautiful melody throughout, the left hand does the heavy lifting of the rhythmic pulse for the piece. The music is well marked, and Hagen even provides fingering to take any guesswork out of the arrangement that works on both lever and pedal harp.

As Managing Editor of Harp Column Music, Liana Alpino helps curate and organize all the music you see on our site. She also manages our social media pages and frequently blogs for us, putting together set lists for all occasions. Based in Nashville, TN, Liana keeps a busy performing an teaching schedule, and dedicates her spare time to composing and arranging music for the harp.

*Christmas on Bainbridge
by Alexandra Genova

Alexandra Genova’s original holiday solo is bursting with joy and spirit. It feels like the perfect soundtrack for a classic Christmas romance, straight out of a Lifetime movie. The piece features beautifully stacked harmonies in blocked chords that evoke the rich, resonant sound of holiday bells ringing—pure seasonal magic!

*Arabian Dance
arr. Eileen C.K. Shafer

I was thrilled to see an intermediate solo from The Nutcracker submitted to Harp Column Music this year. Tchaikovsky’s ballet is a quintessential part of the holiday season, and including a classic melody from the masterpiece brings a refreshing change to the usual holiday setlist packed with traditional carols. Shafer’s arrangement is easy to read and very festive with its inclusion of soundboard knocking and ornamentation.

*Infant Holy
arr. Claire Swanson

Claire Swanson’s arrangement of this traditional Polish carol has a way of striking just the right chord—it’s truly captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to hear each new phrase. The flowing left-hand notes, paired with the gentle rolled chords, create a beautiful blend of peace and yearning. I performed this piece in my holiday recital last year, and it’s a must-have for any future holiday setlist!

Heather Cornelius makes sure you are up-to-date with all things harp as our news editor. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, she is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts. She enjoys collaborating with composers to help them create new music for the harp.

*Year’s End
by Diana Stork

In all the holiday flurry, sometimes you need to sit down and play something for yourself. I find this piece soothing and refreshing, and Diana Stork also describes it as a chance to express emotions and thoughts and reflect on life at the end of the year. Most of the piece features gentle, pensive rolled chords, with a few brief dance-like sections sprinkled in. I can picture playing this piece not just during the holidays, but also for background music at any time of year.

*In The Bleak Midwinter
arr. Rhett Barnwell

I’ve always associated this carol with a cold, clear winter day with fresh snow on the ground and ice clinging to the trees. This lovely arrangement captures the magical atmosphere of “midwinter” with graceful ornaments and crisp rhythms. Rhett Barnwell sets the mood with an introduction so fitting it feels like it should be part of the original melody!

*The First Noel
arr. Brook Boddie

Sometimes it’s nice to have an arrangement that hints at a familiar carol without repeating several verses of the tune. This fantasy-style arrangement, based on an improvisation by Brook Boddie, includes just enough of the melody to identify it, with free paraphrases and interludes.

Harp Column circulation manager Danielle Kuntz performs and teaches in Ann Arbor, MI. An advocate for new music, Danielle offers consultations to composers and even has her own harp writing course. 

*The Skaters Waltz
arr. Anne Sullivan

This delightful waltz by Émile Waldteufel is arranged for solo harp with an optional second harp part. While the solo part is more difficult and would require practice, it would be a great addition to Christmas programs or your holiday gig list. I especially like the middle section with the bouncy eighth notes! The optional second harp part is at an intermediate level and would be a nice option for a teacher/student duet.

*Carol of the Twelve Days
by Eileen C.K. Shafer

If you’re looking for an out-of-the box medley for holiday concerts, this arrangement by Eileen C.K. Shafer unexpectedly combines “Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells”. It took me a few times of playing through it to appreciate how the two melodies interact, so don’t give up too soon! Also, this arrangement works best when played at a faster tempo.

*Little Elfy (Easy Version)
by Pedal Sliders

Holiday classics can be fun, but it’s always nice to have a few “holiday-ish” original pieces on hand! Amanda Whiting’s original version of this jazzy solo is for pedal harp and quite chromatic. However, she just released an easy version that is playable on lever (or pedal) harp by advanced beginners. The improvisation section is optional, but give it a try—it might be your favorite part!

Claire Swanson is a harpist, pianist, and arranger in Taylors, South Carolina. Aside from music, Claire also enjoys doing graphic design (you’ve seen her work on our website and social media), spending time with her husband and sweet baby girl, and consuming dark chocolate.

*”Pastorale” from The Christmas Concerto
arr. Debbie Vinick

Traditionally performed at Christmas Eve services, “Pastorale” has that Christmas touch that blends it seamlessly into the lineup of classic carols. Masterfully and yet simply arranged for lever harp, this Baroque movement is rich in harmony, true to the original scoring, and easy enough to play without much effort! I was able to sight-read the arrangement comfortably, thanks to Debbie Vinick’s well-marked fingerings and dynamics. Middle C is the only string that requires lever changes throughout. This gentle and tranquil piece well deserves a spot in your Christmas gig book!

Sussex Carol
arr. Harriet Adie

Harriet Adie’s lilting arrangement of “Sussex Carol” will put you straight into the Christmas spirit from the first arpeggio! The arpeggiated motif is big and festive, with the loveliest harmonic and pedal changes. Each verse presents in a different style, which maintains interest for the performer and audience. I love Christmas pieces that stand out creatively, and this arrangement is definitely one of those! Start practicing now—this piece demands a good amount of technical skill and endurance.

Carol of the Bells
arr. Grace Bauson

This arrangement is absolutely captivating. I listen to it on repeat without getting tired of it. The creativity, the flair, the musicality—this fresh take on Carol of the Bells embodies the magic of Christmas. The bell-like harmonics, subtle syncopation, alternate melodies, and rhythmic twists make this piece so fun. Grace Bauson absolutely needs to churn out some more Christmas arrangements for Harp Column Music. If you have not heard this piece, click on the link now to take a listen! You will be hooked!

Shop all holiday music!