Christmas Music for Kids: Fun Holiday Songs for Families
Delightful Family-Friendly Christmas Songs Featuring Rudolph, the Grinch, and More!
Music holds a special place in the hearts of individuals of all ages, making it one of the most cherished aspects of the Christmas season. The joy and nostalgia that holiday songs evoke are unparalleled, creating a warm atmosphere filled with memories and family gatherings.
While adults may gravitate towards timeless holiday classics such as Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” children also deserve their own festive favorites. These include beloved theme songs from animated specials like Frosty the Snowman and A Charlie Brown Christmas, along with memorable tracks from holiday episodes of kids’ shows. Iconic sing-alongs like “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” and “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” uniquely capture the joy of the season through a child’s perspective.
It’s a common misconception to dismiss these songs as merely “kids’ music.” In reality, many child-friendly holiday tunes frequently compete with adult favorites on the charts. Every year, tracks like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” consistently rank within the top 40 of Billboard‘s annual Holiday 100 list, proving their widespread appeal and enduring popularity among listeners.
Leave the romantic holiday lyrics about mistletoe kisses and traffic woes to the adults. Children prefer songs filled with whimsy, humor, and festive themes centered around presents, cookies, and the spirit of Santa Claus. Dive into the list below to discover Billboard‘s top 25 family-friendly Christmas tunes that are perfect for celebrating with the little ones in your life!
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Elmo & Patsy, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
This amusing song might lose a few points for its slightly alarming premise, but it’s undeniably entertaining for children with a taste for dark humor. A friendly tip for all the Grandmas out there: Watch your back and duck!
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Peppa Pig, “Family Christmas Fun”
Peppa’s infectious excitement about spending the holiday season with her beloved family—Mummy, Daddy, Grandpa, Granny, and little brother George—shines through the speakers, reminding children of the true essence of Christmas: family togetherness and love.
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Shirley Temple, “Nuttin’ for Christmas”
This delightful Shirley Temple classic serves as both a comedic reminder and a valuable lesson for children: if you decide to hide frogs in beds, spill ink on your mother’s rugs, or fill the sugar bowl with ants, you might just find yourself on Santa’s naughty list this year.
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The Elf on the Shelf, “Snowflake Song”
Get ready to dance and spread some holiday cheer! The “Snowflake Shuffle” from the beloved Elf on the Shelf is sure to get kids up on their feet, celebrating the magic of the season.
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The McGuire Sisters, “Christmas Alphabet”
Why not sneak a bit of alphabet practice into your kids’ holiday festivities? The McGuire Sisters cleverly transform the word “Christmas” into a fun acronym in this delightful 1954 classic, which was later recorded by Dickie Valentine.
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Raffi, “On Christmas Morning”
Renowned as the king of children’s music year-round, Raffi shines during the holidays too. His original track “On Christmas Morning” captures that magical moment when kids leap out of bed at dawn to see what surprises await them under the tree.
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Spongebob Squarepants, “Don’t Be a Jerk (It’s Christmas)”
Did you know that Christmas is also celebrated under the sea? Bikini Bottom’s favorite fry cook delivers this kid-friendly anthem reminding everyone to spread kindness during the festive season. An honorable mention goes to “The Very First Christmas” from Spongebob Squarepants’ second season, which also captures the spirit of the holidays.
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Miss Piggy, “Santa Baby”
With her unique flair, Miss Piggy transforms the more mature tune “Santa Baby” into a whimsical and youthful rendition. Forget about the boys for a moment—just think of all the frogs she hasn’t kissed! (Kermit, take note!)
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The Wiggles, “Go Santa Go!”
Even Santa needs a little encouragement! Join in the fun and sing along to this festive tune from The Wiggles’ Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas album on Christmas Eve while tracking Santa’s journey around the world.
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Rosemary Clooney, “Suzy Snowflake”
Who’s that charming in the winter wonderland? This delightful tribute to winter flurries, popularized by Rosemary Clooney, inspired a classic cartoon short in the 1950s, making it a memorable addition to any holiday playlist.
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Gene Autry, “Here Comes Santa Claus”
Who doesn’t love counting down to Santa’s grand entrance? Gene Autry’s classic from 1947 captures the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve, creating a joyful narrative that will likely echo in your mind throughout the season.
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Mickey and the Gang, “Jingle Bells”
You can’t go wrong with a classic! “Jingle Bells” has been reimagined countless times, but children can enjoy this version sung by their favorite Disney characters—Mickey and the Gang. That is, of course, if they haven’t started singing, “Jingle bells, Batman smells/ Robin laid an egg…” instead!
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Frozen, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?”
Though not strictly a Christmas song, this iconic track from Disney’s Frozen soundtrack has become a holiday favorite among children since its release in 2013. Its popularity is evident as it ranks No. 50 on Billboard‘s Greatest of All Time Holiday Songs chart.
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The Jackson 5, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Originally performed by Jimmy Boyd, this beloved holiday tune was famously covered by The Jackson 5. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” leaves listeners guessing—did Mommy really kiss Mr. Claus, or is it just Daddy in disguise?
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The Polar Express, “The Polar Express”
Encapsulating the magic of the 2004 film, the title track features Tom Hanks leading a choir of children as they journey to the North Pole, embodying the wonder and excitement of Christmas.
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Nat King Cole, “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)”
Originally penned by Donald Yetter Gardner, this whimsical tune has been performed by many artists, including the legendary Nat King Cole. It expresses the wishes of children caught between losing their baby teeth and awaiting adult ones—an endearing perspective on holiday wishes.
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Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, “Welcome Christmas”
Decades after the beloved Grinch cartoon became a holiday classic, singing “Dahoo dores” alongside the Whoville residents remains a joyful tradition for many, reminding us all of the spirit of Christmas, no matter how grinchy you may feel.
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Gayla Peevey, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”
For children with ambitious Christmas lists, “I Want a Hippopotamus” provides a humorous reminder that some gifts may be a bit too much to ask for, showcasing the innocent desires of youth during this festive season.
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Bruce Springsteen, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
Numerous artists have put their unique spin on “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” but Bruce Springsteen infuses the song with the vibrant energy and festive spirit that children recognize and cherish during the holiday season.
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Gene Autry, “Frosty the Snowman”
Gene Autry’s timeless hit “Frosty the Snowman” tells an enchanting story that led to the iconic 1969 television special of the same name. With its catchy tune, “Thumpety thump thump, thumpety thump thump, look at Frosty go!” remains a favorite among families during the holidays.
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Vince Guaraldi Trio, “Christmastime Is Here”
The A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack features the soothing jazz melody of “Christmas Time Is Here,” a true highlight of the album. If your children are feeling energetic, consider playing “Linus & Lucy” for an upbeat dance party!