A Celtic Christmas: 5 Harp Arrangements with an Irish Twist
There's something magical about combining the familiar melodies of Christmas with the beautiful traditions of Celtic music. From gentle Irish airs and flowing waltzes to lively jigs, these musical combinations bring a fresh perspective to beloved Christmas carols.
Over the years, I've enjoyed creating harp arrangements that weave together traditional Irish and Scottish melodies with Christmas favourites. Sometimes the two melodies seem as though they were always meant to be together. Other times, the unexpected combination creates something wonderfully playful!
I've gathered five of my Celtic-inspired Christmas arrangements to share with you. Whether you're looking for peaceful music for a winter evening or something cheerful for a holiday gathering, I hope you'll enjoy exploring these musical connections.
All five arrangements are written for larger harps with 34 or more strings, with music ranging from mid-intermediate to late intermediate. You'll find sheet music links and performance videos for each selection.
1. Eibhlí in a Manger
Eibhlí in a Manger brings together the beautiful Irish air Eibhlí Gheal Chiúin Ní Chearbhaill with both familiar versions of Away in a Manger.
The gentle, lyrical character of the Irish melody feels wonderfully at home alongside this beloved Christmas carol. The two tunes weave together to create an expressive arrangement filled with tenderness and warmth.
This is a lovely choice for a peaceful Christmas performance or a quiet moment of reflection at the harp.
The recently updated sheet music includes phrasing, fingering suggestions, and added ornaments to help you shape the music expressively.
Level: Mid-Intermediate
Key: C Major
Explore the sheet music for Eibhlí in a Manger
2. We Three Kings of Galway Bay
What happens when an Irish waltz meets a traditional Christmas carol?
We Three Kings of Galway Bay combines the flowing Irish melody My Own Dear Galway Bay with the familiar carol We Three Kings.
Both melodies have a wonderful sense of movement, making them natural companions. The gentle rhythm of the waltz gives the music a graceful, expressive character, while the Christmas carol brings its familiar sense of mystery and anticipation.
I recently updated the performance video and sheet music for this arrangement. The revised score includes improved layout, phrasing suggestions, and courtesy fingering.
Level: Mid-Intermediate
Key: D Major
Explore the sheet music for We Three Kings of Galway Bay
3. We Three Kings (and Christ Child Lullaby)
This arrangement of We Three Kings has a different Celtic connection, with a musical reference to the traditional Scottish Christ Child Lullaby.
The music has a mysterious, almost ancient quality, enhanced by shifting time signatures and an unexpected change of mode. Listen for the Scottish lullaby as it makes its appearance within the familiar Christmas melody.
Written for late intermediate harpists, this arrangement offers some interesting musical challenges. The changing time signatures of 5/8, 6/8, and 3/8 create a wonderful sense of movement, while harmonics, scale passages, and a simple lever change add variety and colour.
If you enjoy exploring unusual rhythms and musical modes, this could be a particularly rewarding piece to learn.
Level: Late Intermediate
Key: E Minor
Explore the sheet music for We Three Kings
4. Kesh the Halls
Now let's bring some Irish dancing into the Christmas celebrations!
Kesh the Halls is a playful combination of the traditional Irish jig The Kesh and the familiar Christmas carol Deck the Halls.
The lively rhythm of the jig brings wonderful energy to the carol, creating a festive arrangement that's great fun to play. It's a delightful example of how two familiar melodies can take on an entirely new character when brought together.
This late intermediate arrangement features spirited passages and F lever changes. It's a wonderful choice for harpists who enjoy the rhythmic excitement of traditional Irish music.
Level: Late Intermediate
Key: G Major, with F lever changes
Explore the sheet music for Kesh the Halls
5. Off She Goes with Joy
We'll finish our Celtic Christmas celebration with another lively Irish jig!
Off She Goes with Joy combines the traditional Irish jig Off She Goes with the joyful Christmas carol Joy to the World.
These two melodies make a wonderfully cheerful pairing. The spirited character of the jig adds energy and excitement to the Christmas carol, creating a festive piece that's especially enjoyable for holiday performances and gatherings.
This arrangement is a great choice for late intermediate players who love Irish dance music and want to bring some of that infectious energy into their Christmas repertoire.
Level: Late Intermediate
Key: D Major
Explore the sheet music for Off She Goes with Joy
A Celtic Christmas at the Harp
One of the things I enjoy most about arranging music is discovering connections between melodies that come from different traditions. Sometimes a gentle Irish air brings new tenderness to a Christmas carol. Other times, a lively jig transforms a familiar tune into something wonderfully festive.
These five arrangements offer a variety of musical moods, from the peaceful beauty of Eibhlí in a Manger to the joyful energy of Off She Goes with Joy.
If you're learning one of these pieces, take time to enjoy the character of each melody. Listen for the moments when the tunes meet, and think about how you can bring out their contrasting qualities through phrasing, dynamics, and expression.
Whether you're playing for family and friends, preparing a holiday performance, or simply enjoying some Christmas music at home, I hope these Celtic-inspired arrangements bring something special to your season.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas filled with music!
