15 Easy Christmas Songs for Kids to Sing at Home
The holiday season is even more magical when it is filled with little voices singing their favourite Christmas songs.
If you are a parent, you have probably typed something like “easy Christmas songs for kids” into Google while wondering:
- Where do I even start?
- What if I cannot sing myself?
- How do I help my child feel confident and not shy?
Take a deep breath and relax – you do not need to be a “musical family” to enjoy Christmas songs with your kids. You just need a few simple songs, a bit of play, and a lot of love.
In this guide, you will find 15 easy Christmas songs for kids, plus friendly tips to help your child learn to sing, stay confident, and actually enjoy the process.
Table of Contents
Why Christmas songs for kids are so powerful
Christmas songs for kids are much more than background music. When you sing together, you are:
- Building language – new words, clear speech, rhymes
- Training the brain – memory, focus, listening skills
- Supporting emotions – joy, calm, comfort, confidence
- Strengthening connection – shared smiles and family traditions
One mum once told me, “My son barely talks about school, but he will sing his Christmas songs for me from start to finish.”
Sometimes singing opens doors that normal conversation cannot.
Simple tips to help kids feel confident singing
Before we dive into the list of songs, here are a few gentle guidelines that make a big difference:
- Keep it short and sweet – 5 to 10 minutes is enough, especially for young kids.
- Focus on fun, not perfection – if your child is smiling, you are doing it right.
- Sing with them, not at them – children copy what they hear and see.
- Start with the chorus – it is usually easier and more repetitive.
- Celebrate effort – “I love how clearly you sang that line” works better than “Sing it right”.
If your child is shy, do not push. Try singing softly while you play with toys, draw, or bake cookies – often they will join in when they feel safe and relaxed.
Quick answer – what are the easiest Christmas songs for kids?
If you just need a fast list, here are some of the easiest Christmas songs for kids to start with:
- Jingle Bells
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Silent Night
- Away in a Manger
These songs have simple melodies, lots of repetition, and words that are easy for children to remember.
Now, let us look at all 15 songs with ideas and activities you can use at home.
15 easy Christmas songs for kids to sing at home
1. Jingle Bells
Why kids love it
“Jingle Bells” is one of the most popular Christmas songs for kids. The tune is simple, the words repeat, and the rhythm almost makes you want to trot like a little horse.
Fun activity – Jingle Bell actions
Give your child a small bell (or a set of keys) to shake on the beat. March around the room together while you sing, pretending you are riding in a sleigh. If there is more than one child, let each one take a turn leading the “sleigh ride”.
2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Why kids love it
This song feels like a musical Christmas card. The chorus is short and very repetitive, which makes it a perfect easy Christmas song for children of all ages.
Fun activity – Christmas greeting circle
Stand in a circle with your child, or with the whole family. Each time you sing “We wish you a merry Christmas”, turn to a different person, wave, bow, or give a little hug. It teaches kindness and turns the song into a sweet family ritual.
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Why kids love it
Kids connect with Rudolph – a little different, sometimes left out, but secretly special. The story is clear and the tune is catchy. It is a great way to talk about kindness and friendship while you sing.
Fun activity – Act out the story
Choose someone to be Rudolph and others to be the reindeer, Santa, or the “other kids” who laugh at him. Act out the key moments – Rudolph being teased, the foggy night, and then proudly leading the sleigh. This turns the song into a mini musical.
4. Frosty the Snowman
Why kids love it
“Frosty the Snowman” feels like a little movie in song form. There is magic, play, and a snowman who comes to life. The story helps kids remember the words and keeps them listening.
Fun activity – Draw and sing
Before or after you sing, invite your child to draw Frosty and his adventures. As you sing each verse, point to the part of the drawing that matches. It links music, memory, and creativity together.
5. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Why kids love it
This song has a strong, playful beat and a message children remember quickly – Santa sees everything. It is one of those Christmas songs for kids that naturally gets them clapping and moving.
Fun activity – Naughty or Nice Freeze
Before you start, explain that in the song, Santa is “making a list and checking it twice.”
- When you sing “He’s making a list” – your child pretends to write in the air.
- When you sing “He’s watching you” – they freeze like a statue and make their best “I’m being sooo good” face.
- When you sing “Santa Claus is coming to town” – everyone tiptoes around like Santa sneaking through the house.
You can swap roles so your child gets to “watch” you too – kids love catching grown-ups being silly.
6. Up on the Housetop
Why kids love it
Short lines, fun rhythm, and the image of Santa clambering on the roof make this an easy and entertaining song. It is great for practicing clear words and quick notes without feeling like “practice”.
Fun activity – Reindeer jumps
Each time you sing the word “up” or “click, click, click”, do a little jump together like excited reindeer. It helps kids feel the rhythm and stay engaged, especially if they are full of energy.
7. Deck the Halls
Why kids love it
Even if young children do not know all the words, they can happily sing the “fa la la la la” part. This makes “Deck the Halls” a great group song for mixed ages.
Fun activity – Decoration dance
While you sing, pretend to decorate the house – put up a wreath, hang imaginary lights, place ornaments on a pretend tree. Let your child choose a new decorating action for each verse.
8. Here Comes Santa Claus
Why kids love it
This song feels like a gentle ride – smooth, rolling, and full of excitement about Santa’s arrival. The melody is not too hard, but still interesting for kids who like a little challenge.
Fun activity – Santa parade
Walk in a little “Santa parade” around the house. One person plays Santa at the front, carrying a soft toy bag and waving. Everyone else follows behind singing “Here comes Santa Claus”. Then swap roles so everyone gets a turn.
9. Joy to the World
Why kids love it
This classic carol has a big, joyful sound. Older children love belting out the opening line. It is excellent for helping kids learn to sing with a strong, confident voice.
Fun activity – Big voice, soft voice
Sing the first line together in a big, happy voice. Then sing it again in a soft, gentle voice. Ask your child, “Which one still sounds joyful to you?” This teaches that musical expression is not only about volume.
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Why kids love it
This song feels grand and important, like a choir in a big church. The melody rises and falls in beautiful curves, which is great for working on smooth breathing and long phrases.
Fun activity – Angel arms
Ask your child to stretch their arms out like angel wings on the longer notes. This simple movement helps them feel when they need more breath and encourages them to sing each phrase all the way through.
11. Silent Night
Why kids love it
“Silent Night” is a calm Christmas song that works perfectly for bedtime or quiet moments. The slow tempo and gentle melody soothe many children, even those who were jumping around five minutes earlier.
Fun activity – Candlelight calm
Dim the lights and use a candle or small fairy light. As you sing softly, hold the light between you and your child. Ask them to keep their voice as smooth and peaceful as the tiny light. It can become a lovely night-time ritual.
12. Away in a Manger
Why kids love it
This carol feels like a lullaby – gentle, steady, and full of comfort. The melody is easy to learn and very forgiving, which is perfect for younger kids who are just starting to sing in tune.
Fun activity – Lullaby for a toy
Let your child choose a doll or soft toy to be the “baby”. Rock the toy slowly in their arms while you sing together. You might be surprised how carefully they hold their “little one” when they are singing.
13. O Holy Night
Why kids love it
Older children or keen singers often fall in love with this one. It has dramatic, emotional lines that make them feel like real performers. Even if you only use a shorter, comfortable section, it can help kids explore deeper feelings in their singing.
Fun activity – One special line
Choose just one line that feels easy in your child’s voice. Practice taking a slow, deep “belly breath”, then sing that line together, trying to keep the sound steady from start to finish. It is a simple way to work on breath control without sounding technical.
14. Little Drummer Boy
Why kids love it
The repeating “pa rum pum pum pum” is irresistible. Children enjoy the gentle beat and the idea that a simple drum can be a beautiful gift. It is perfect for learning about steady rhythm and soft singing.
Fun activity – Drum and hum
Give your child a small drum, box, or plastic container. Ask them to tap a soft, steady beat while humming the tune. Then try singing the words while they keep the beat going. You can swap roles to keep it fun.
15. The Twelve Days of Christmas
Why kids love it
This song turns into a game of memory and counting. It gets funnier with each verse, and kids love trying to remember all the gifts in the right order.
Fun activity – Action for each day
Create one simple action for each “day” – for example, one finger up for “partridge”, flapping arms for “calling birds”, pretending to play drums, and so on. As the song builds, repeat all the actions in order. Expect lots of laughter when someone forgets one.
More ways to help your child learn to sing
Here are a few extra ideas to support your child as they explore Christmas songs for kids:
1. Use echo singing
Sing a short line and ask your child to “echo” it back. This is much easier than trying to copy a whole song at once. It is also a great way to help kids who struggle to sing in tune – small pieces feel possible.
2. Start with speaking the words
If your child gets stuck, speak the lyrics in a clear, steady rhythm first. Then add the melody. This helps with pronunciation and confidence, especially with longer songs like “The Twelve Days of Christmas”.
3. Record and celebrate progress
Use your phone to record a short clip of your child singing at the start of the month and then again closer to Christmas. Play both versions and tell them what has improved – clearer words, stronger voice, better memory. Little singers grow fast, and hearing themselves can be a lovely surprise.
I know one boy who refused to sing in front of anyone. After a few weeks of relaxed singing at home, his mum played him an old clip. He listened, smiled, and said, “I sound better now.” That tiny moment of pride changed everything.
4. Keep praise specific
Instead of “Good job”, try:
- “I love how clearly you said the words ‘jingle all the way’.”
- “You kept the beat so well on the drum.”
- “You remembered all the words to the second verse, wow.”
Specific praise helps children know what they are doing well and encourages them to keep going.
If you’d like something easy to use during practice time, you can download our printable PDF with lyrics to all the most loved Christmas songs for kids — perfect for singing at home, in the car, or during cozy family evenings. You’ll find it waiting for you in our Gumroad store, along with more fun resources to bring music into your days. And if your child loves songs and musical play, feel free to explore the rest of our blog where you’ll discover even more ideas: musical games, our popular “musical advent” countdown, festive listening activities, and even a musical cookie-baking session with recipes to sing along to. There’s so much joy to explore — and we’re excited to share it with you.
FAQ – Christmas songs for kids and learning to sing
What are the easiest Christmas songs for kids to learn first?
The easiest Christmas songs for kids usually have simple melodies and lots of repetition. Great first choices include “Jingle Bells”, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Silent Night”, and “Away in a Manger”.
How can I teach Christmas songs to kids if I cannot sing?
You can teach Christmas songs to kids even if you cannot sing by:
- Playing a good recording and singing along softly
- Learning just the chorus together
- Using echo – the recording sings, your child copies
- Focusing on fun actions and rhythm, not perfect notes
Your child will remember the joy and time with you much more than how “perfect” you sounded.
What age can kids start singing Christmas songs?
Children can start singing simple Christmas songs as soon as they can talk. Toddlers may only join in on single words or the chorus. By preschool age, many kids can sing short songs from start to finish, especially with repetition.
How do I help a shy child feel comfortable singing?
Start in a safe, low pressure way – sing softly together while playing, drawing, or driving. Let your child choose the song, and never force them to perform. Praise any small effort. When they are ready, they might enjoy singing with one trusted person before they sing for a bigger group.
How often should kids practice Christmas songs?
A few minutes most days is better than one long session. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes of relaxed singing, maybe after dinner or before bed. If your child is having fun, it will not feel like practice at all.
Share the music, share the joy
Christmas songs for kids are not about perfect notes – they are about shared moments, twinkling eyes, and memories that last longer than any toy.
If this list of easy Christmas songs for kids gave you ideas or made you smile, please share it with another parent, grandparent, or teacher who wants to bring more music into their holidays.
You never know which simple song today will become a child’s favourite Christmas memory in the future.
