Introduction
2017 single by Taeyeon"This Christmas"Single by Taeyeonfrom the EP This Christmas: Winter Is Coming ReleasedDecember 12, 2017 (2017-12-12)GenreBalladLength4:27LabelSMSongwriters Score (13) Megatone (13) Producer13Taeyeon singles chronology
"Make Me Love You" (2017)
"This Christmas" (2017)
"Something New" (2018) Music video"This Christmas" on YouTube
"This Christmas" is a song recorded by South Korean singer Taeyeon. It was released as a digital single on December 12, 2017, by SM Entertainment. It is the title track of Taeyeon's special Christmas album This Christmas: Winter Is Coming.
Background and release
[edit] The music video for "This Christmas" was released on December 12, 2017. The song is an authentic ballad featuring a magnificent orchestral sound and the delicate and explosive singing ability of 'Taeyeon' and an instrumental version is also included. The younger version of Taeyeon in the video is played by Kim Jiwon, who made her debut as Liz of IVE in 2021, but was not a trainee at the time. To promote the album, Taeyeon held a two-night concert titled "The Magic of Christmas Time" on December 22 and 23, 2017 at Kyung Hee University, Seoul.
Chart performance
[edit] "This Christmas" debuted at number 2 on the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart. On the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 Chart, the song debuted at number five in the chart issue dated December 30, 2017.
Charts
[edit]
Chart (2017)
Peakposition
South Korea (Gaon)
2
South Korea (K-pop Hot 100)
5
Credits
[edit] Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes. Studio
SM Big Shot Studio – recording, digital editing SM LVYIN Studio – recording Seoul Studio – recording SM Blue Ocean Studio – mixing 821 Sound – mastering Personnel
SM Entertainment – executive producer Lee Soo-man – producer Yoo Young-jin – music and sound supervisor Taeyeon – vocals Score (13) – producer, songwriter, vocal directing, piano Megatone (13) – producer, songwriter, vocal directing, bass Jukjae – guitar Kim Eun-seok – drums Yung – strings Park Oh-dal – strings conducting, strings arrangement Lee Min-kyu – recording, digital editing Lee Ji-hong – recording Jeong Ki-hong – recording Choi Da-in – recording Ji Yong-joo – recording Kim Cheol-sun – mixing Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Release history
[edit]
Region
Date
Format
Label
Worldwide
December 12, 2017
Digital download
SM Entertainment
Awards and nominations
[edit]
Year
Awards
Category
Recipient
Result
2018
Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards
Song of the Year – December
"This Christmas"
Nominated
Why Taeyeon's ballad still feels festive
While most holiday playlists lean on brass and sleigh bells, Taeyeon's "This Christmas" offers a quiet, piano‑driven ballad that taps into the reflective side of the season. The gentle vocal delivery and soft orchestration create a cosy backdrop for evenings by the fire, making it a perfect counter‑point to the usual upbeat tracks. Listeners often pair it with candlelight dinners or winter walks, finding that its slower tempo invites a sense of intimate nostalgia rather than the bustling party mood. In a market saturated with high‑energy pop renditions of the holidays, this song stands out by allowing the emotional warmth of a winter night to shine through.
How to weave the track into your Christmas routine
Add "This Christmas" to the tail end of your holiday playlist as a calm closing note after the more lively numbers. Its 4‑minute length fits neatly into a Christmas dinner interlude or as background music while wrapping gifts. For a more immersive experience, sync the song with a dimly lit living room, a steaming mug of mulled wine, and a softly flickering fireplace. The track also works well as a soundtrack for a winter photo slideshow, thanks to its steady rhythm and emotive vocal phrasing. If you stream it, consider setting the volume lower than the upbeat tracks so it gently lifts the mood without overwhelming conversation.
Common misconceptions about holiday K‑pop releases
Many assume that all K‑pop Christmas singles are high‑octane, choreography‑focused productions, but Taeyeon's offering disproves that stereotype. The song is a digital single rather than a full‑blown music‑video spectacle, focusing on vocal nuance over visual flash. Listeners sometimes skip it, expecting a dance break, only to discover a beautifully crafted ballad that showcases Taeyeon's range. Understanding that holiday releases in the Korean market can span genres—from electropop to acoustic ballads—helps listeners appreciate the breadth of seasonal music. Embracing the quieter side of K‑pop Christmas can broaden any festive soundtrack beyond the expected hype.