Christmas songs for kids are usually cherished and loved by generations across the world. People of all ages can enjoy some songs because they touch on important themes like love, peace, hope, and faith.
Christmas songs are always a big hit at family gatherings. Different Christmas songs have different messages, impacts, and meanings. These 25 best Christmas songs for kids include:
1. Carol of the Bells
Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov playfully wrote this song for a Christmas performance at the Novodevichy Convent in Kyiv. It is a lovely way to teach children the Christmas carol singing tradition.
The song is mainly upbeat, with a few twists and turns to keep it interesting. This Christmas carol has become a favorite of many worldwide because of its simple melodies and easy-to-follow lyrics.
Next: The best Christmas songs of all time (a list of our overall favorites)
2. Christmas Time Is Here
This may be a Frosty the Snowman favorite, but this song written by Vince Guaraldi for the Peanuts Christmas Special had become an instant classic upon release. It is an enjoyable way to teach children about the craziness of the holidays and how everyone gets together to enjoy them.
This song is superb for learning about the holiday collection. It will teach children how to sing along with fast-paced music and that it is okay to be silly.
Next: The best Kids songs of all time (a list of our favorites)
3. Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer
One of the great favorites in children’s literature, this song was written by Robert L. May, although it has become so well-loved that the name “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is now considered a brand name by many companies and retailers. This song showed kids the importance of generosity, kindness, and compassion.
It also teaches children about being proud of who they are and standing up for what they believe.
4. Frosty the Snowman
This song was written by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1950. Frosty the Snowman is a children’s song about a snowman, created by a little boy named Frosty. He lives with his friends, including some children, and they have all kinds of fun until it gets too hot out. Frosty melts away and does not return until the following winter, but he is still just as happy to be friends with all the children when he does.
This song is an exciting way to teach kids about snowmen and how fun they can be.
Next: The best songs about Winter and the snow of all time
5. Jingle Bells
This song was written by James Lord Pierpont and John Blackburn in 1857. This was the first song to use the word “jingle,” which has now become an abbreviation for “jingle bell.” This song is about a bit of a bell maker going out to start his Christmas day off with some fun with all of his friends.
Jingle bell has impacted kids with its bouncy tune and has led to some of the most creative writing in American folk songs. This song also represents the winter holiday, with its lyrics about frosty the snowman. The song has so many versions that it is a great way to teach kids about the meaning of holiday music.
Next: The best songs with whistling in them (our list)
6. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
This song’s lyrics were written by Paul McCartney in 1979 and were based on a poem he had written. The band also released a second Christmas song called Merry Christmas Everyone, an instant hit.
This is a lovely holiday song to listen to as it offers hope for everyone and reminds us that it does not matter how much we have, but how much love we share. It is also an enjoyable way for kids to learn about the importance of celebrating what we have.
Next: Ultimate list of kids’ camp songs
7. Up on the Housetop
This song is a re-telling of the story of Santa’s sleigh ride. This song tells children that everyone at Christmas was merry and happy until the very top when they discovered that they had forgotten to put baby Jesus in his manger.
With a cheerful rhyming canter, this song is a sure way to get kids to listen to Christmas music as they sing along. It was written by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934. There are several versions of this song, and it is a great way to teach kids about the meaning of Christmas.
Next: The best songs to sing along to (our list of favorites)
8. Winter Wonderland
Felix Bernard wrote this song in 1934 for the movie “The Big Broadcast of 1936.” It is about a man and his desire to be in the arms of the woman he loves. Winter Wonderland was so famous that it quickly spread to radio stations by December 1935.
It is a festive song that children enjoy, and they can move their feet as they sing along to this hit song every year at Christmas time. This song is a great way to teach children about how Christmas can be a fun time for all.
Next: The best love songs of all time (a list of the top romance hits ever made)
9. Here Comes Santa Claus
Written by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman in 1950, this song is a melody about a man wanting to make Christmas fun for the children and give them something to look forward to. Adults love this song because it is the childhood essence of Christmas alive in the hearts of all ages. This song brings up fond memories that are shared with our kids.
This is an acceptable way to teach children about the meaning of the holiday and that Santa Claus is coming.
Next: Top children’s Christian hymns and songs
10. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
This song was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934. This is a great way to teach kids some of the traditions of Santa Claus and how he goes around the world on Christmas Eve.
It is a fantastic song that kids still enjoy listening to today with all of the cheerful, happy tones. It also enlightens kids on how Santa Claus is not just for Christmas.
This is a great song for teaching kids about Santa and how he visits children to give them gifts during the holiday season.
Next: The top happy upbeat songs of all time to feel good to
11. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (Silent Night)
This is a traditional Christmas carol with the lyricist unknown, but it was written in the mid-18th century by two monks. It has become a classic and translated into many languages, including Latin, German, French, Spanish, and Dutch.
This song brings up feelings of hope and belonging to the kids shared among all people, no matter what religion they may have or where they live.
It is a satisfactory way to share the joy of Christmas with your children. This song has become so well-loved that many artists have recorded it, and children worldwide are singing along to this classic Christmas carol.
Next: The best songs about hope of all time (a list of our favs)
12. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
This song was written by Elmo Shropshire, Randy Brooks, and John Morris in 1999. The tune is catchy and funny at the same time. It was originally a country song about a grandmother who was in an accident when she went to get her mail. A reindeer knocked her down, and she died from the accident.
This song is kind of bittersweet to make kids remember how much fun grandma had and how she would be silly with them even though she wasn’t there. This song is a superb way to teach kids about a bit of humor and how to keep the memory of their loved ones alive in their hearts.
Next: The best songs about grandparents ever made (a list of our favs)
13. Christmas in the Trenches
This song was written by Guy Lombardo and John Scott Trotter in 1915. This song is about partying during Christmas time and what boys have planned for Christmas, including sneaking out at night to play with toy trains and going over the top of a trench.
This reminds kids that there are many different ways to celebrate Christmas and that they don’t have to stop living in a way that they are comfortable appreciating.
It also brings up the idea of not taking yourself seriously and having fun. This song is a splendid way to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas and that it doesn’t have to be all about presents and fancy things; it’s about family, friends, and living in the moment.
14. The 12 Days of Christmas
Francis Paul and Harry Stone wrote this song in 1929. Its purpose is to teach children about the 12 days of Christmas and what each day represents. The lyrics are very catchy and easy for children to memorize as they sing along.
This song reminds kids to be thankful for all the gifts they receive every year. It is a pleasing way to teach children about the true meaning of Christmas. This song was voted as one of the top ten Christmas songs in 2004 by the American Film Institute.
16. Christmas in America
This song was written by John Denver and John Scott Trotter in 1963. It is about the American way of celebrating Christmas and what Americans do on Christmas morning. This song is a great way to share with children the traditions of Christmas in America and for them to understand that other people celebrate in other ways, too.
This is a pleasant song to teach kids about the traditions of how Christmas is celebrated in America and that it doesn’t have to be done just one way. It also teaches children how much fun it can be for everyone to celebrate Christmas together.
Next: The top patriotic songs about the USA
17. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
This song was written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells in 1945. It is a fun song about roasting chestnuts on an open fire at Christmas. The song was a minor hit on the charts but did not make it to number one due to the war that was taking place. Children like singing this song because it has a catchy tune and memorable lyrics.
It is a cheerful song to teach kids about the true meaning of Christmas. It reminds them what the holiday is all about and that it isn’t just about eating fancy food; it is about enjoying the time with friends and family.
Next: The top songs about food of all time (a list of the best)
18. Christmas Tree Polka
This polka was written in 1859 by Joseph Mohr for his brothers’ band, including Johann Vierthaler and Karl Vierthaler (the composers of the polka’s original music). In this song, kids can hear about the tradition of putting a Christmas tree at home and how it is decorated.
It is a festive song to teach kids about the Christmas tree tradition and how people decorate it every year. It is not just a way to show your love for Christmas, but it is also a way to teach your children about its history and all the traditions that go along with it.
Next: The top funny songs for kids to listen to
19. The Nutcracker Suite
Peter Tchaikovsky wrote this opera in 1892. The ballet comes from the story of a little girl with a nutcracker doll that comes to life. It is a very popular ballet with kids and adults alike because of its catchy tune, beautiful dance, and joyous spirit.
This ballet is often used in the holiday season because it reminds children of how much fun it is to celebrate Christmas and that there are different ways to do so. It is an eminent way to teach children about the true meaning of Christmas, and that it doesn’t have to be all about presents, it is about family, friends and living in the moment.
Next: The top Kids dance songs of all time
20. Jingle Bell Rock (Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree)
This song was written by Les Reed and Paul Vance in 1962. This song is a great way to show kids how to dance the jitterbug and rock around the Christmas tree. It is an amusing song that teaches children how to dance during the holidays and reminds them of all the shopping they have left to do.
It is a highly energetic song for children to listen to during the holiday season. This is a beautiful song to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas and that it’s all about having fun together.
Recommended: The best Christmas rock songs
21. Silent Night (French)
French priest Pierre Joseph Perrin wrote this song in 1818. It is a straightforward song with just one verse that teaches children that Santa Claus comes on Christmas night atop his magic sleigh and gifts the good children who believe in him.
It is an exciting way to teach kids about Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas.
This song has been translated into many languages, including English and Spanish. It is a great way to teach children that Santa Claus is accurate and that there is a place where gifts are delivered during the holidays.
Next: The best songs about magic of all time (a list of supernatural classic tracks)
22. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Tommie Connor wrote this song in 1952. It is about a boy who sees his mom kissing Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This song reminds kids of all the silly things their parents did when they were young. It is a brilliant way to bring up great memories with the kids and make even more special Christmas moments with them.
This song is a positive way for kids to learn more about the true meaning of Christmas and that it isn’t just about receiving gifts; it also reminds them to have fun with their parents and create new, lasting memories together.
Next: The best songs about growing up of all time (a list of the best tracks)
23. We Three Kings of Orient Are
John Henry Hopkins, Jr. wrote this song in 1857. This is a traditional Christmas carol translated into many different languages, including English, German, French, and Spanish. This song has been around for a long time and has many different versions.
The song tells the story of three men who come to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. This song is a fun way to teach children about the meaning of Christmas and how people celebrate it worldwide.
Next: The absolute best Christmas Carols in music history
24. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Nat King Cole wrote this song in 1947. This song is a fun way to teach children about the meaning of Christmas, Santa, and other fun holiday traditions. It is a very catchy song that kids will remember and sing with the rest of the family.
It is a beautiful way to bring back the joy of Christmas while decorating their homes or parties, also a way to teach children about the meaning of Christmas and how much fun it is to celebrate with friends and family.
25. I Wonder As I Wander
John Jacob Niles wrote this spiritual track long ago. The lyrics come from an enslaved African-American named Tommy, singing this song in a cotton field.
This song is a fantastic way to recall the tradition of celebrating and sharing with others during Christmas time. It brings people together despite their differences. It is a highly inspirational song for children, allowing them to appreciate everything they have.
Christmas songs for children are an enjoyable way to teach them about the true meaning of Christmas. These songs are very sentimental and a fantastic way to remind your kids of the traditions you grew up with.
Did we miss any of your favorite Christmas songs? Let us know by contacting us today.
Read Next:
The best Halloween songs for kids ever created
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
Grandma Got Run Over is my favourite; I’ve added hand gestures and arm motions to the chorus and the first verse to make it more exciting and incredibly comedic:
Grandma got run over by a reindeer (Make reindeer antlers with your thumbs on temples.)
Walking home from our house Christmas Eve; (Swing your arms at your sides like you are walking.)
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa, (Shake your head.)
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe! (Put your hands on your heart.)
She’s been drinking too much eggnog (Pretend to hold a glass of eggnog.)
And we begged her not to go… (Clasp your hands like you are pleading.)
But she forgot her medication (Place your hands on your forehead as if you are sick.)
As she staggered out the door into the snow. (Swing your arms at your sides like you are walking.)
When we found her Christmas morning, at the scene of the attack, (Point to an invisible crime scene.)
She had hoofprints on her forehead (Point to your forehead.)
And incriminating Claus marks on her back. (Point to your back.)