35 Best Christmas Songs for Kids to Sing and Enjoy
It’s that time of year again — twinkling lights, peppermint-scented everything, and holiday tunes playing everywhere you go. And who doesn't love Christmas songs?
They set the festive mood, make holiday memories, and are the ultimate soundtrack for family fun (and the occasional holiday dance-off!).
To help you and your family dive into the spirit of the season, here’s the ultimate playlist of Christmas songs.
Classic Christmas carols everyone should know
Let’s kick things off with the Christmas classics. These carols are practically required listening—timeless songs that bring families together around the Christmas tree, year after year. They have been passed down through generations and are perfect for sing-alongs at family gatherings, carolling, or when you just want a little extra holiday nostalgia.
1. Jingle Bells
An absolute classic! It’s impossible to imagine Christmas without “Jingle Bells.” Kids love it, adults know it by heart, and it instantly brings a festive vibe.
2. Last Christmas – Wham!
A bit more recent, but undeniably a classic. “Last Christmas” has become a holiday staple, and it’s a great one to sing with friends and family.
3. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
The iconic anthem that no Christmas playlist is complete without. Mariah Carey herself would insist on it!
4. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como
This is the song that says, “The holiday season is officially here!”
5. Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
A cheerful tune that’s perfect for getting everyone in the holiday spirit.
6. Deck the Halls
Another upbeat song that makes the perfect backing track to an afternoon of Christmas baking.
Fun fact:
Did you know that “Jingle Bells” was originally written for Thanksgiving? It became a Christmas song over time and is now one of the most popular carols worldwide.
Interactive idea:
Make a “Guess the Carol” game by playing instrumental versions and having the kids guess the title. You’d be surprised how many they recognise!
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Modern Christmas songs for kids
Sometimes kids need a little extra pizzazz, and these modern Christmas songs bring just that. With catchy lyrics and upbeat tunes, these songs get everyone’s feet tapping and are perfect for younger listeners.
7. Do You Want to Build a Snowman? – Frozen
Not a traditional carol, but perfect for kids who can’t get enough of Elsa and Anna.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The story of Rudolph is a holiday favourite that teaches kids about kindness, bravery, and the magic of being unique.
9. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This tune is as friendly as it is festive! It’s great for young ones learning their first Christmas songs.
10. Frosty the Snowman
Another holiday character that children love. This one always gets the kids singing along.
11. Santa Shark – Pinkfong
The creators of “Baby Shark” made a Christmas version, and it’s as catchy as you’d expect.
12. Up on the Housetop
A fun, lively song that tells the story of Santa delivering toys.
13. Carol of the Bells
A beautiful, fast-paced tune that even young listeners enjoy for its unique sound.
14. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – NSYNC
A 90s throwback that’s still popular today. It’s impossible not to dance along!
15. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
A cheerful tune that perfectly captures holiday joy.
16. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Perfect for wintertime, even if you don’t get snow on Christmas!
17. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkson
High-energy and super catchy, this is perfect for festive little ones.
18. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
You’ll need to have a good tolerance for high-pitched singing (and chipmunks) for this one – but it’s one your kids will love.
19. Shake Up Christmas – Train
Turns out, Train had more bangers up his sleeve than just Hey Soul Sister. This song is totally feel-good.
20. Like It’s Christmas – Jonas Brothers
In case you needed another reason to love the Jonas Brothers, this is is it.
Interactive idea:
Create a “freeze dance” game with these upbeat songs — dance when the music’s playing, freeze when it stops. It’s bound to bring out giggles and lots of energy!
Sing-along Christmas songs for family bonding
What’s better than a holiday sing-along? These songs are ideal for family karaoke, whether it’s Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, or just a lazy afternoon with hot chocolate (or, more likely for Aussies, iced tea).
21. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
This song has all the feel-good energy you need for a festive sing-along.
22. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole
A slower tune, but beautifully nostalgic. Perfect for family members of all ages.
23. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
This playful tune always brings a smile and maybe a few cheeky questions from the kids.
24. We Three Kings
A classic carol with a rich history, ideal for singing together as a family.
25. Silent Night
A truly timeless Christmas song, this carol is a wonderful choice for a peaceful moment with the family.
26. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Whichever version you sing (and there are a few), your family will have a grand time. Add gestures and fun voices to top it off.
Interactive idea:
Set up a mini-karaoke station with a holiday background and let each family member take turns singing their favourites. Encourage costumes — Santa hats, scarves, and even reindeer antlers make it extra festive.
Christmas songs for a holiday dance-off
When it’s time to get the holiday party started, these Christmas songs have the beat to keep everyone dancing. Perfect for a family dance-off, Christmas Eve party, or even a casual “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” moment.
27. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
A holiday classic that makes everyone want to dance.
28. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
With its catchy tune, this is the ultimate “let’s dance around the living room” song.
29. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
A rock-and-roll Christmas song that always gets people moving.
30. Santa’s Coming for Us – Sia
Modern, upbeat, and oh-so-fun to dance to.
31. Mistletoe – Justin Bieber
A Christmas love song that’s popular with teens and has a great beat for dancing.
32. Ho Ho Ho – Sia
Sia has really come through on the Christmas tunes, and this song is another great pick.
Best Christmas songs for kids to enjoy in the car
Long car rides to visit relatives or see Christmas lights call for a playlist that keeps everyone entertained. These tunes are perfect for family road trips or car karaoke sessions.
33. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
An all-time classic that fills the car with Christmas cheer.
34. The Twelve Days of Christmas
Perfect for a sing-along! Each family member can take turns singing a different day.
35. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Jackson 5
A lively song that’s especially fun for kids.
36. Here Comes Santa Claus
Great for younger kids—it’s simple, catchy, and makes everyone excited for Santa.
37. Winter Wonderland
A beautiful song that gets everyone dreaming of a snowy Christmas (even if it’s just in spirit).
38. Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People – Frozen
A quirky tune perfect for Frozen-loving families.
39. Christmas Lights – Coldplay
A gentle, dreamy tune that’s perfect for nighttime drives.
Interactive car game:
Create a “Christmas Song Scavenger Hunt”— every time a song from the list comes on, kids can “check it off” and see if they can complete the whole playlist during the drive!
International Christmas songs
Christmas is celebrated around the world, and each country has its own festive favourites. Here are a few international Christmas songs that give your playlist a cultural twist.
40. Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano (Spanish)
This Spanish tune is a global hit and easy for kids to sing along with “Feliz Navidad”!
41. Betelehemu (Nigeria)
This lively Nigerian carol is full of rhythm and perfect for learning about holiday traditions from another culture.
42. O du fröhliche (German)
A beautiful, traditional German carol that brings calm and reverence to the season.
43. Petit Papa Noël (French)
A classic French carol that tells the story of Santa visiting on Christmas Eve.
44. El Burrito de Belén (Latin America)
This Latin American tune about a little donkey going to Bethlehem is a favourite among Spanish-speaking families.
45. Twelve Days of Christmas (Australian Version)
Believe it or not, we have our own festive tunes. Granted, they’re parodies. But still!
Cultural activity idea:
Introduce kids to other holiday customs with these songs. For example, talk about how families in Nigeria celebrate with drums and dancing or how Christmas markets are a tradition in Germany.
Christmas songs for cosy nights in
This festive season can feel like it’s going a million miles an hour…so it’s also nice to slow down, enjoy a quiet candlelit dinner, and spend a night just reflecting and being present with your family. If that’s the vibe, these songs are the perfect soundtrack.
46. Christmas Dream – Christina Perri
Ever wanted a Christmas lullaby? This song is a beautiful tune about a child’s first Christmas, which will get your child lulled and your partner very emotional.
47. Only at Christmas Time – Sufjan Stevens
This calming Christmas tune is great for tucking in kids in their Christmas PJs.
48. A Marshmallow World – Christina Perri
Tiny dreamers will fall in love with this whimsical Christmas lullaby from Perri’s lovely Christmas album for kids.
49. When Christmas Comes Around – The Polar Express
Perfect for fans of the Christmas movie, this pick is sung by kids for kids (yet still makes grown-ups get a little teary).
50. Believe – Josh Groban
Another hit from the Polar Express, Believe does crescendo to higher notes, but it keeps a cosy dream-like feel just right for cosy nights.
Wrapping it up
Music is an undeniable part of Christmas. It creates the cosy, warm, nostalgic atmosphere we crave in this season as we put up ornaments and twinkle lights. For our kids, music brings excitement and fun that’s much needed after a big year.
From lively car ride soundtracks to cosy nights spent baking and building pillow forts, we hope these Christmas songs for kids are the perfect backdrop to some lovely memories together.
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